Albania is a versatile country, hosting beaches, mountains, cities and more. Because of this, you’re bound to find beauty no matter what time of the year you visit. But if you’re looking for sun-bathing weather or uncrowded hikes, then choosing the right season can completely change your experience.
Here’s a complete guide to the weather in Albania to help you decide when to plan your trip.
1. The Best Season to go to Albania
- Albania in Spring (April - June)
- Albania in Summer (July - August)
- Albania in Autumn (September - October)
- Albania in Winter (November - March)
The Best Season to go to Albania
Albania in Spring (April - June)
Spring can be a spectacular time to visit Albania, as it’s when nature truly comes alive. Everything is green, wildflowers take over, and it’s a great time to be outdoors without sweating through your shirt.
It’s not quite busy enough for all the beaches to be packed yet, so you’ll be able to find plenty of moments of solitude on and off the trails. This is the perfect time of year to take on the Valbone to Theth hike, go wildlife watching or take a road trip through the Llogara pass.
Albania in Summer (July - August)
Summer in Albania is something to be remembered. If you’re dreaming of long beach days followed by late-night parties, then this is the time for you. The sea is warm and the air is warmer - way warmer. Good thing there are plenty of beaches along the coastline to plan your hourly swim stops around.
Summer is peak season, and popular towns like Ksamil, Himara, Dhërmi, and Sarandë get busy, so book accommodation early if you’re travelling during the summer months.
This is a great time to join the beach parties, spend your days kayaking through hidden bays and go beach hopping around the Southern Riviera.
Albania in Autumn (September - October)
Autumn might just be Albania’s best-kept secret. The crowds thin out, the sea stays warm well into October, and you’re treated to a golden sunset every single night. It’s another ideal time to go hiking through the National Parks, enjoy the ancient sites or just relax on the beaches without all the noise.
Autumn is when you should be lazing around on beaches, enjoying delicious local produce and heading into the mountains.
Albania in Winter (November - March)
Winter in Albania feels like a whole new country. A lot of local beach businesses close, and local transport schedules become limited - so be sure to do some careful planning, especially in more remote regions.
But inland, the mountain towns really come alive. There’s something special about staying in a cosy guest house and looking out at snow-peaked mountains with a hot soup in hand. You’ll likely get a lot of trails to yourself, and when you do come across other hikers, there’s a sort of camaraderie that comes along with doing these treks in the Winter.
Winter is a great time to go skiing in the Albanian Alps, explore the Korçë Christmas Market, dig into those festive dishes and check out all the museums in Tirana.
Average Air Temperature in Albania
Spring Temperatures in Albania
Spring (April - June) brings warm, pleasant weather across the country. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C in April and May, rising toward 30°C by June. It’s no coincidence that our Corfu & Albania Explorer Tours start during Spring, as it offers the perfect mix of sunshine, fresh air and quiet paths.
Summer Temperatures in Albania
Summer (June - August) is hot, dry and perfect for beach time along the Albanian Riviera. Coastal temperatures usually sit between 28°C and 35°C, while inland areas like Tirana or Berat can reach up to 38°C. July and August are the hottest months, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and lively coastal nightlife.
Autumn Temperatures in Albania
Autumn (September - November) offers mild, sunny days and cooler evenings. Expect temperatures range between 18°C and 27°C depending on where you are and which month. Our Corfu & Albania Explorer Tour also runs in Autumn, offering the perfect mix of great weather, stunning scenery and a calmer pace.
Winter Temperatures in Albania
Winter (December - March) is cool and often rainy by the coast, with temperatures around 8°C to 15°C. In the mountains, it’s much colder - anywhere from -5°C to 5°C, often with snowfall. Winter is perfect for quiet cultural travel in the cities or snowy escapes in Albania’s alpine regions.
Average Sea Temperature in Albania
Spring Sea Temperature in Albania
Between March and May, sea temperatures range between 16°C and 21°C. It’s refreshing but swimmable for many travellers, especially by late May when the Riviera begins to warm up.
Summer Sea Temperature in Albania
From June to August, the sea warms to around 25°C - 27°C, especially along the Albanian Riviera. These are the best months for swimming, snorkelling, boat trips and long beach days. We’ve put together a guide on our 7 Best Beaches in Albania so you can spend your Summer soaking in the sunshine.
Autumn Sea Temperature in Albania
From September to November, the sea remains pleasantly warm at 21°C - 24°C. Early autumn in particular is perfect for quieter beach days, with the water staying warm long after summer crowds have left.
Winter Sea Temperature in Albania
Between December and February, sea temperatures drop to around 14°C - 16°C along most of the coast. While too chilly for most swimmers, the coastline is calm and peaceful for off-season travellers who enjoy coastal walks and scenery.
Each of Albania’s seasons offers something unique, making it the perfect country to travel to for every type of holiday! Once you’ve figured out the best time to travel, you can start planning your itinerary, and we’ve gathered our Top 5 Things to Do in Albania to help you get started!