What is the best time to visit Slovakia?

Best Time to Visit Slovakia

The best time to travel to Slovakia is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

Spring in Slovakia

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Slovakia. Temperatures start to warm up, with average temperatures around 10-15°C in March and April, and up to 20-25°C in May. The days are longer and the sun is brighter, making it the perfect time to explore the country. Nature is in full bloom, making it a great time to visit the many parks and gardens. There are also several festivals and events taking place during this time, such as the Easter celebrations and the Bratislava Music Festival.

Autumn in Slovakia

Autumn is another great time to visit Slovakia. Temperatures start to cool down, with average temperatures between 10-15°C in September and November. The days are still long and the sun is still bright, making it a great time to explore the country. Nature is still in full bloom, making it a great time to visit the many parks and gardens. There are also several festivals and events taking place during this time, such as the High Tatras Music Festival and the Slovak Food Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Slovakia

Slovakia in January

Weather

January in Slovakia is typically cold and snowy. Temperatures range from an average high of 2-4°C (35-39°F) and an average low of -4 to -6°C (25-21°F). Snowfall is common throughout the month.

Events

• The New Year’s Concert takes place in Bratislava on January 1st, with a variety of classical music performances.
• The Slovak National Uprising is commemorated on January 29th. This event marks the start of the Slovak National Uprising against Nazi Germany in 1944.
• The International Ice Hockey Tournament takes place in Bratislava in January. This tournament features teams from all over Europe.
• The Slovak Wine Festival is held in Bratislava in January. This festival features a variety of wine tastings and culinary events.
• The International Winter Festival is held in the High Tatras in January. This festival features a variety of winter sports and activities.

Slovakia in January

Weather

January in Slovakia is cold and snowy. Temperatures usually range from -5 to 4 degrees Celsius, and snowfall is common throughout the month.

Events

• The New Year is celebrated in Slovakia on January 1st, with fireworks and other festivities.
• The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th, and marks the end of the Christmas season.
• The International Bratislava Marathon is held in January, usually in the second half of the month.
• The Bratislava Ice Hockey Extraliga is held in January, with teams from Slovakia and other countries competing.
• The Slovak National Uprising is commemorated on January 29th, with various events and ceremonies held throughout the country.

Slovakia in March

Weather

March is the beginning of spring in Slovakia, with temperatures gradually increasing throughout the month. The average temperature in March is 5°C (41°F) with highs of 11°C (52°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F). Snowfall is still common in March, with an average of 8 days of snowfall in the month.

Events

• International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th in Slovakia. This day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women around the world.
• The Easter celebrations in Slovakia usually take place in March, with Easter Sunday being celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox.
• The beginning of March marks the start of the ski season in Slovakia. Ski resorts in the country open up for skiing and snowboarding.
• The International Film Festival in Bratislava takes place in March. This festival showcases films from around the world.
• The International Festival of Folk Art in Slovakia is held in March. This festival celebrates traditional Slovakian folk art and culture.

Slovakia in April

Weather

April in Slovakia is usually a pleasant month, with temperatures ranging from 8-17°C (46-63°F). The days are usually sunny, but there can be occasional rain showers.

Events

• Easter is celebrated in April in Slovakia, with many churches and cathedrals holding special services and events.
• April is the start of the spring season, and many Slovaks take advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
• The annual Bratislava Marathon takes place in April, with runners from around the world participating in the event.
• The International Folklore Festival is held in April in the city of Banska Bystrica, featuring traditional music and dance from around the world.
• The annual Slovak Film Festival is held in April in the city of Kosice, showcasing the best of Slovak cinema.

Slovakia in May

Weather

May in Slovakia is generally mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The days are usually sunny and dry, although there can be occasional showers.

Events

• May Day (1st May): This is a public holiday in Slovakia, celebrating the beginning of spring. People usually spend the day outdoors, enjoying picnics and barbecues.
• International Festival of Culture (2nd-4th May): This is a three-day festival held in Bratislava, showcasing the best of Slovak culture. It includes music, theatre, dance and visual arts performances.
• International Music Festival (15th-17th May): This annual festival takes place in Bratislava and features performances from both Slovak and international artists.
• Bratislava Marathon (18th May): This is a popular annual running event that takes place in Bratislava. It includes a full marathon, a half marathon and a 5K race.
• Slovak Wine Festival (25th-27th May): This is a three-day event held in the small town of Modra, located just outside Bratislava. It features tastings of local wines, food stalls and live music.

Slovakia in June

Weather

June is a pleasant time of year in Slovakia, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 21°C (70°F) to an average low of 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is highest in June, with an average of 89mm (3.5 inches).

Events

• The International Folklore Festival takes place in the city of Bratislava during the first week of June. The festival celebrates traditional Slovakian music, dance, and culture.
• The annual Slovak Open Tennis Tournament is held in Bratislava during the second week of June. The tournament features some of the world’s top tennis players.
• The annual Summer Music Festival is held in the city of Košice during the third week of June. The festival features a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and folk.
• The annual Summer Film Festival is held in the city of Žilina during the fourth week of June. The festival features a variety of international and local films.
• The annual Summer Jazz Festival is held in the city of Bratislava during the last week of June. The festival features some of the world’s top jazz musicians.

Slovakia in July

Weather

July in Slovakia generally has mild temperatures with an average high of 23°C (73°F) and an average low of 12°C (54°F). It is usually a dry month with an average of only 45mm of precipitation.

Events

• The annual Slovak Open Air Festival is held in July. This festival features music, art, and culture from Slovakia and other countries in Central Europe.
• The Slovak National Uprising is celebrated on July 29th. This is a national holiday that commemorates the Slovak resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II.
• The International Folklore Festival is held in July. This festival celebrates traditional Slovak culture and features performances from traditional folk groups.
• The Slovak Wine Festival is held in July. This festival showcases the best wines from Slovakia and features tastings, food, and music.
• The High Tatras International Film Festival is held in July. This festival features films from around the world and has become one of the most popular film festivals in Slovakia.

Slovakia in August

Weather

August is the hottest month of the year in Slovakia, with temperatures typically ranging from the low-20s to mid-30s Celsius. The weather is usually dry and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms. Humidity is usually quite high.

Events

• The Bratislava Jazz Days Festival is held in August, featuring international jazz acts and local talent.
• The International Folklore Festival is held in August in the city of Trnava. It features traditional Slovak music, dance, and food.
• The High Tatras are a popular destination for hikers and climbers in August, when the weather is usually dry and sunny.
• The Vychodna Folklore Festival is held in August in the city of Michalovce. It features traditional Slovak music, dance, and food.
• The International Film Festival is held in August in the city of Bratislava. It showcases films from around the world.

Slovakia in September

Weather

September in Slovakia is usually mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 21°C. The days are usually sunny and dry, with occasional rain.

Events

• The Slovak National Uprising is celebrated on August 29th. This event commemorates the Slovak National Uprising of 1944, when Slovak citizens rose up against Nazi occupation.
• The Bratislava Marathon takes place in September. This event is a popular running event that attracts runners from all over the world.
• The Slovak Beer Festival takes place in Bratislava in September. This event celebrates the country’s beer culture, with beer tastings, food, and live music.
• The International Film Festival takes place in Bratislava in September. This event showcases the best of Slovak and international cinema.
• The High Tatras Music Festival takes place in September. This event features a variety of musical performances, including classical, jazz, and folk music.

Slovakia in October

Weather

October in Slovakia is generally cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 7°C (44°F) to an average high of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is generally light, with an average of about 2 inches (50 mm) throughout the month.

Events

• Slovak National Uprising Day is celebrated on October 29th. This day commemorates the Slovak National Uprising of 1944, when Slovak citizens rose up against Nazi forces.
• The Bratislava Marathon is held in October each year. This event draws runners from all over the world to compete in a full marathon, half marathon, and 10K race.
• The International Jazz Festival is held in October in the city of Bratislava. This event features jazz musicians from all over Europe and beyond.
• The International Film Festival is held in October in the city of Kosice. This event showcases films from around the world and includes awards for the best films.
• The Eurovea Shopping Festival is held in October in the city of Bratislava. This event features discounts and special offers from stores and restaurants in the Eurovea shopping center.

Slovakia in November

Weather

November in Slovakia is generally cold and wet. Average temperatures range from around 4°C (39°F) in the daytime to -1°C (30°F) at night. Snowfall is common, with an average of 8 days of snowfall in the month.

Events

• All Souls Day (November 2nd): This is a national holiday in Slovakia, and is a day of remembrance for those who have passed away.
• Constitution Day (November 17th): This is a national holiday in Slovakia, and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Slovak Constitution in 1992.
• Bratislava Marathon (November 17th): This is an annual marathon held in the capital city of Bratislava.
• International Film Festival (November 22nd – 24th): This is an annual film festival held in the city of Kosice, featuring films from around the world.
• Christmas Markets (November 23rd – December 24th): This is an annual event held in cities around Slovakia, featuring traditional Christmas markets with food, drinks, and gifts.

Slovakia in December

Weather

December in Slovakia is usually cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from -3°C to 6°C. Snow is common, especially in the higher elevations.

Events

• Christmas Markets: In December, many cities in Slovakia host Christmas markets, where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, food, and drinks.
• Christmas Concerts: Throughout December, many churches and other venues host Christmas concerts featuring traditional Slovakian music and carols.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations: On December 31st, cities across Slovakia host New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring live music, fireworks, and other festivities.
• Ice Hockey: December is the start of the Slovakian ice hockey season, with many teams competing in the Slovak Extraliga.
• Skiing: December is a great time to go skiing in Slovakia, with many resorts offering special deals and discounts.