Best Time to Visit Albania
The best time to travel to Albania is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring in Albania
Spring in Albania is a great time to visit the country. The days are sunny and mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C. The landscape is lush and green, with wildflowers blooming everywhere. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and biking. Tourists can also enjoy the traditional Albanian festivals that take place during the spring, such as the Tirana International Film Festival and the Albanian Wine Festival.
Autumn in Albania
Autumn in Albania is a beautiful time to visit. The days are still warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The landscape is vibrant with changing colors, and the air is crisp and fresh. This is the perfect time for sightseeing and exploring the country’s natural beauty. Tourists can also enjoy the traditional Albanian festivals that take place during the autumn, such as the Tirana International Film Festival and the Albanian Wine Festival.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Albania
Albania in January
Weather
January in Albania is cold and wet. The average temperature is around 5-7°C (41-45°F). Snow is common in the mountains, but not in the lowlands. Rain is frequent, especially in the western part of the country.
Events
- Epiphany Day is celebrated on January 6th. This is a Christian holiday commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
- Albanian New Year is celebrated on January 14th. This is a traditional holiday in Albania, and it is celebrated with fireworks and traditional music.
- The Tirana International Film Festival takes place in January. This is a major event in the Albanian film industry, and it attracts filmmakers from all over the world.
- The Tirana Half Marathon is held in January. This is a popular event that attracts runners from all over the world.
- The International Book Fair is held in Tirana in January. This is a major event for the Albanian publishing industry, and it attracts authors and publishers from all over the world.
Albania in January
Weather
January is the coldest month in Albania with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 10°C. It is usually cloudy and rainy, with occasional snowfall in the mountains.
Events
- The Albanian New Year is celebrated on January 1st, with fireworks and traditional music.
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held in the capital city in the first week of January.
- The Tirana Marathon is held in the capital city in the second week of January.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on January 11th, with a military parade in Tirana.
- The Albanian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th.
Albania in March
Weather
March is the start of spring in Albania, with temperatures typically ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of about 80mm (3.1 inches) of precipitation.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held in March, showcasing the best of Albanian and international films.
- The Tirana Spring Festival is held in March, featuring a variety of music, art, and cultural events.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on March 28th, commemorating the declaration of Albanian independence in 1912.
- The Albanian Wine Festival is held in March, celebrating the country’s unique wines and winemaking traditions.
- The Tirana Marathon is held in March, with runners from all over the world taking part in the event.
Albania in April
Weather
April in Albania is usually characterized by mild temperatures and sunny days. The average temperature in April is around 16°C (60°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night. Rainfall is common, with an average of about 11 days of rain during the month.
Events
- Tirana International Film Festival: This annual film festival takes place in Tirana and showcases films from around the world. It typically takes place in late April or early May.
- Tirana Marathon: This annual marathon is held in Tirana and attracts runners from all over the world. It usually takes place in late April.
- Albanian National Day: This national holiday celebrates the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It is celebrated on April 7th.
- Albanian Language Day: This national holiday celebrates the Albanian language and its importance in Albanian culture. It is celebrated on April 24th.
- Albanian Easter: Easter is an important religious holiday in Albania and is celebrated with traditional food and festivities. It usually takes place in late April.
Albania in May
Weather
May in Albania is usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 17°C (62°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rain is also common during this month, with an average of 17 days of rainfall.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held in May, showcasing the best in Albanian and international films.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on May 28th. This day commemorates the declaration of Albanian independence in 1912.
- The Albanian Music Festival is held in May, showcasing the best of Albanian music and culture.
- The Albanian Wine Festival is held in May, showcasing some of the best wines from the region.
- The Albanian Book Festival is held in May, showcasing some of the best books from Albanian authors.
Albania in June
Weather
June in Albania is typically warm and sunny. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F), with highs reaching up to 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is minimal, with an average of only 25mm (1 inch) throughout the month.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF) is held every June in the capital city. It is a celebration of Albanian and international cinema, featuring screenings, workshops, and other activities.
- The Albanian Riviera Music Festival is held in June in the city of Saranda. It features a variety of musical acts from around the world.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on June 28th. It marks the day in 1912 when the Albanian Declaration of Independence was declared.
- The Tirana Marathon is held every June in the capital city. It is a popular event for both locals and tourists, and features a variety of distances for runners of all levels.
- The Korca Beer Festival is held every June in the city of Korca. It is a celebration of Albanian beer and culture, featuring live music, traditional food, and of course, plenty of beer.
Albania in July
Weather
July in Albania is usually hot and sunny. Temperatures range from the mid-70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius) during the day to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (low teens Celsius) at night. Rainfall is generally light, and humidity is low.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival takes place in July, usually in the first week of the month. This festival features films from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience Albanian culture and film-making.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on July 28th. This day commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. The day is marked with parades, concerts, and other festivities.
- The Albanian Riviera Music Festival is held in July, usually in the second week of the month. This festival features a variety of music styles, from rock to folk, and is a great way to experience Albanian music.
- The Albanian National Soccer Championship is held in July. This is the premier soccer tournament in Albania, and it is a great opportunity to experience the passion of Albanian soccer fans.
- The Albanian National Folk Festival is held in July, usually in the third week of the month. This festival features traditional Albanian music and dance, and is a great way to experience Albanian culture.
Albania in August
Weather
August is the hottest month in Albania, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F). The days are long and sunny, and the nights are warm and pleasant. The average amount of precipitation is around 2.3 inches (59 mm).
Events
- The National Folk Festival takes place in Gjirokastër, Albania, on August 14-16. It is a celebration of Albanian culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held in Tirana, Albania, on August 16-22. It is a celebration of international cinema, featuring screenings of films from around the world.
- The Albanian Riviera Festival is held in Vlorë, Albania, on August 20-22. It is a celebration of Albanian music, featuring performances from both local and international artists.
- The Sarandë International Jazz Festival is held in Sarandë, Albania, on August 27-30. It is a celebration of jazz music, featuring performances from both local and international jazz musicians.
- The Tirana International Marathon is held in Tirana, Albania, on August 30. It is a celebration of running, featuring a marathon, a half-marathon, and a 10K race.
Albania in September
Weather
September in Albania is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 25°C (77°F) to an average low of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is also common during this month, with an average of 81mm across the country.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held annually in September, with screenings of films from around the world.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on September 28th, with parades, concerts, and fireworks displays held in cities across the country.
- The Albanian Riviera Festival is held in September, with music and art performances from local and international artists.
- The Albanian Wine Festival is held in the city of Tirana in September, with tastings and master classes from local winemakers.
- The Tirana International Marathon is held in September, with runners from around the world competing in the race.
Albania in October
Weather
October in Albania is generally mild and pleasant. Average temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The days are usually sunny and dry, with occasional rain showers.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival takes place throughout the month of October. This festival showcases some of the best films from around the world and includes screenings, workshops, and other activities.
- The Tirana Jazz Festival is held in October and features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world. This festival is a great opportunity to experience live music and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana.
- The Albanian National Day is celebrated on October 28th. This day marks the declaration of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. There are usually parades, concerts, and other events held throughout the country to commemorate this important day.
- The Albanian Wine Festival is held in October in the city of Tirana. This festival celebrates the country’s winemaking tradition and features tastings, workshops, and other activities.
- The International Children’s Festival is held in October in the city of Shkodra. This festival includes performances, workshops, and other activities for children of all ages.
Albania in November
Weather
November is the start of winter in Albania. Temperatures are cool, with highs of around 13°C and lows of 4°C. Rainfall is common, with an average of around 80mm of precipitation throughout the month. Snowfall is also possible in some areas.
Events
- The Albanian Film Festival takes place in Tirana in November. The festival showcases the best of Albanian cinema, with screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films.
- The Tirana International Marathon is held in November. Runners can choose to participate in a 5km, 10km, half marathon, or full marathon race.
- The Tirana International Book Fair is held in November. The fair brings together booksellers, publishers, and authors from around the world to showcase their work.
- The Albanian National Music Festival takes place in November. The festival celebrates traditional Albanian music, with performances from local and international artists.
- The Albanian National Wine Festival is held in November. The festival celebrates the country’s winemaking traditions, with tastings, workshops, and other activities.
Albania in December
Weather
The weather in Albania during December is generally cold and wet. Temperatures range from an average low of 3°C (37°F) to an average high of 11°C (52°F). December is the wettest month of the year in Albania, with an average of 80 mm (3.1 inches) of precipitation.
Events
- The Tirana International Film Festival is held in December each year, and is one of the most important film festivals in the country. It showcases films from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the best of Albanian and international cinema.
- The Albanian National Festival is held in December each year in the capital city of Tirana. This festival celebrates Albanian culture and heritage, and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
- The Tirana Marathon is held in December each year, and is a great opportunity for runners of all levels to experience the beauty of the Albanian capital. The marathon includes a 5km, 10km, and half marathon distance.
- The Christmas Festival is held in Tirana each December, and is a great opportunity to experience the Christmas spirit in Albania. The festival includes carol singing, traditional Albanian food, and festive decorations.
- The Albanian Art Festival is held in December each year in the capital city of Tirana. This festival celebrates the best of Albanian art, and includes exhibitions, performances, and workshops.