Albania
Albania · Europe
The best time to visit Albania is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 5°C (41°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Albania – What you should know
Albania, in particular the Albanian Riviera in the south, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (28–33°C (82–91°F)) and mild, wet winters. The Riviera between Sarandë and Himarë is one of Europe's most undiscovered coastlines — turquoise water, rocky coves and barely any mass tourism at a fraction of the price of Greece.
The best travel time is May to September. June and September are ideal: not yet the full high-summer heat, the sea at 23–25°C (73–77°F) and the infrastructure considerably quieter than in July/August. Albania is catching up in tourism — the Riviera has become significantly better known in recent years, meaning higher visitor numbers in high summer.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)30 (86) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)36 (97) | 33° (91°)27– (81–)37 (99) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)38 (100) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)33 (91) | 24° (75°)18– (64–)27 (81) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)11 (52) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)24 (75) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 10° (50°)2– (36–)17 (63) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 8h UV 7 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 12h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 8 | 9h UV 7 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 14° (57°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 20° (68°) | 23° (73°) | 24° (75°) | 25° (77°) | 24° (75°) | 22° (72°) | 20° (68°) | 17° (63°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d148mm (5.8") | 9d131mm (5.1") | 9d102mm (4.0") | 5d46mm (1.8") | 4d43mm (1.7") | 3d24mm (1.0") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 2d18mm (0.7") | 5d84mm (3.3") | 7d131mm (5.1") | 10d178mm (7.0") | 10d162mm (6.4") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From May to August, UV levels in Albania reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Albania with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Albania
December – February
Winter on the Riviera: 14 to 15°C (57 to 59°F) on the coast, but with nine to ten rain days a month the wettest stretch of the year. Tirana carries on as normal while Ksamil and Himara are closed — and there is snow inland.
March – May
The finest time for Butrint and the Llogara pass: the mountains are green, the coast road is clear, and temperatures climb from 17 to 25°C (63 to 77°F). Albania is now about as cheap as any Mediterranean country gets.
June – August
High summer at 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) and almost without rain. Ksamil, with its islets facing Corfu, has become busy; Himara and the bays in between stay calmer. The Ionian Sea reaches 24 to 25°C (75 to 77°F).
September – November
September is the insider's month: 28°C (82°F), water at 24°C (75°F), the beaches free again. From October the rain days return, but the chestnut and olive harvest begins in the mountains.
Events & Festivals
March
- Dita e Verës (Summer Day)· 14 March
Albania's own spring holiday, pre-Christian in origin and an official public holiday since 2004. People bake ballokume, wear red-and-white wool bracelets and head outdoors — the day the country declares winter over.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Albania?
- The best time to visit Albania is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Albania?
- In summer, daytime highs in Albania average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 5°C (41°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Albania get?
- Albania has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 6 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Albania?
- Water temperature in Albania ranges from 14°C (57°F) (February) to 25°C (77°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MaySepOct
