When is Albania’s summer?

When I recently visited Albania in September, I wondered when Albania’s summer starts and finishes. And I was also curious about the best months to visit Albania, as I could find little information online, I decided to turn my travel experience into a helpful blog post.

When is Albania’s summer? Albania’s summer is from the 21st of June until the 23rd of September. The touristic high season in Albania is in July and August. The best time to visit Albania is in April – June or September – October, since the weather is a nice temperature and you avoid the crowds of the high season.

The weather in Albania is very different in the North, Middle and South of the country, because there are so many mountains throughout the country. Moreover, the best period to visit also depends on whether you are interested in a hiking holiday or a beach holiday. Let’s make sure you have all the information you need for your Albania holidays.

 

What is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is in the summer, and the ideal months are April, May, June, September and October. Since the high season is in July and August, you can avoid the crowds by visiting just before or just after the busy season.

High season: July and August
Average temperature: 29 ° C
Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 33 ° C
Best place to visit: Hidden beaches of Albania

Albania’s high season is in July and August. In the high season, the weather is nice and warm. You can expect an average temperature of 29 ° C in July and August. Moreover, if you visit Saranda and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, the weather is even warmer. In Saranda, you can expect sunshine and an average temperature of 33 ° C. And the seawater in Saranda is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In July and August, the temperature of the seawater is on average 26 ° C in Saranda.

In the high season, it is best to visit the hidden beaches of Albania. The more popular beaches, like Vlore, Saranda and Dhermi are busy and vibrant in high season. So, visit the hidden beaches of Albania instead. You can for instance visit Gjipe beach, which is completely enclosed by cliffs. Gjipe beach is usually very quiet, because it can only be reached by boat or by a hike across the cliffs. So, take a boat trip from the nearby Jale beach in the morning. And spend your day on this hidden beach in privacy.

Pre-summer season: April, May, June
Average temperature: 17 ° C in April, 23 ° C in May, 27 ° C in June
Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 22 ° C in April, 24 ° C in May and 29 ° C in June
Best place to visit: Ksamil beach and Ksamil islands

Even though July and August are warm, the best time to visit Albania is in April, May, June or in September, October. Because what makes a holiday in Albania special, is the undiscovered and hidden places. Compared to the rest of Europe, Albania has very little tourism. In Albania, you can have a paradise beach all to yourself. And you can visit a UNESCO heritage site, without the crowds you would find elsewhere in Europe. Therefore, if you can visit just before or just after the high season, you will enjoy Albania to the fullest.

The months April, May and June are perfect for visiting Albania. The average temperatures are rising from 17 ° C in April, to 23 ° C in May and 27 ° C in June. These months are the ideal period to visit the beaches of the Albanian Riviera without any crowds.

The best place to visit in April, May and June is Ksamil beach. Ksamil beach is the most beautiful beach in Albania. The beach is set on a little peninsula. The beach has turquoise blue water and perfect white sand. Moreover, there are four little Ksamil islands in front of the beach, that you can visit by swimming or by boat.

Because Ksamil and the nearby Saranda are all the way in the south, the temperature is higher. So even in the spring, you will have warm and sunny holiday weather. The average temperatures in Ksamil and Saranda are 22 ° C in April, to 24 ° C in May and 29 ° C in June. The temperature of the seawater is warming throughout these months. In Ksamil, the seawater is 16 ° C in April, to 18 ° C in May and 23 ° C in June.

Post-summer season: September and October
Average temperature: 26 ° C in September and 21° C in October
Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 27 ° C in September and 22 ° C in October
Best place to visit: Late Summer beaches

The months of September and October are another great period to visit. Like April – June, you can avoid the crowds, because you visit just after the high season. In September the average temperature is 26 ° C. And in October the average temperature is 21 ° C.

Even though, the end of the summer is near in September and October, you can still visit the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. In September, the average temperature in Saranda is 27 ° C and the seawater temperature is 26 ° C. In October, the average temperature and the seawater are both 22 ° C in Saranda. Therefore, it is lovely to go for a swim, without the crowds of the high season.

What is the weather like in Northern Albania?

The weather in the North of Albania is cooler than the rest of the country. The North of Albania has a massive mountain range, called “the Albanian Alps”. The area is known for cooler summers and snowy winters. The temperatures vary from 20 – 30 ° C in the summer. The winter is very cold between 14 ° C and minus -20 ° C.

The Albanian Alps and the North of Albania are a great place for a hiking holiday. Most hikers start their hiking trip in the city Shkodra. From Shkodra, you can travel to the mountain village Valbona and stay overnight in a guest house. From Valbona, you can hike across the mountain pass to the mountain village Theth. After visiting the sights in Theth, you can travel back to Shkodra.

The best period to visit the North of Albania is between April and October. In the winter, you cannot visit the North of Albania, because there is snow up to 2 meters. However, in the summer it is nice and cool and excellent weather for hiking.

Pre-summer season: April, May, June
Average temperature in Shkodra: 20 ° C in April, 23 ° C in May, 29 ° C in June
Average temperature in Valbona: 10 ° C in April, 14 ° C in May, 18 ° C in June
Average temperature in Theth: 9 ° C in April, 13 ° C in May, 16 ° C in June

In the spring, the weather is cool in the North of Albania. The city Shkodra has pleasant temperatures between 20 – 29 ° C, however, Shkodra is not in the mountains. As soon as you travel to the mountain village Valbona, the temperatures drop to 10 – 18 ° C on average. It is possible to go hiking in the Spring, but make sure you bring some extra layers of clothes with you, so you won’t feel cold in the mountains.

High season: July and August
Average temperature in Shkodra: 33 ° C in July and 32 ° C in August
Average temperature in Valbona: 21 ° C in July and 22 ° C in August
Average temperature in Theth: 18 ° C in July and 18 ° C in August

July and August are a great period to visit the North of Albania. In Shkodra city, the temperatures are above 30 ° C. So, it is lovely weather to visit the sights, like Rozafa castle. Or simply sit on one of the terraces of the famous Shkodra boulevard. In Valbona, the temperature is between 21 – 22 ° C. And in Theth, the temperature is around 18 ° C. Therefore, July and August are a great period for hiking, with pleasant temperatures around 20 ° C.

Post summer season: September and October
Average temperature in Shkodra: 26 ° C in September and 20 ° C in October
Average temperature in Valbona: 16 ° C in September and 12 ° C in October
Average temperature in Theth: 13 ° C in September and 10 ° C in October

In September and October, the temperatures are cooler, but still good for hiking. In Shkodra, the temperatures are between 20 – 26 ° C, which is pleasant. In the mountains, the temperatures are lower between 10 – 16 ° C. The weather is still nice for hiking, because you will be on the move constantly. But ensure you bring some extra layers of clothes, because the temperatures drop overnight.

Summer weather in Albania by month

Now, let’s have a look at the weather in Albania for the summer months. When it comes to the weather in Albania, it is important to look at the area. Do not look too much at the average temperature but focus on the area you will visit instead. Because the weather in the mountains in the north is completely different, from weather at the beaches in the south. So, let’s have a look at the weather month-by-month.

What is the weather like in Albania in April?

In April, the weather in Albania is mild. The average temperature for Albania in April is 17 ° C.

The weather in April, varies strongly by the area you are visiting. In the mountains in the north, the temperature is around 10 ° C. So, it is cool in the mountains. It is, however, good weather for hiking and exploring the mountains.

In Tirana and the center of Albania, the temperature is around 20 ° C. And the weather varies between sunny and cloudy depending on the time. So, if you are in Tirana in April, you can visit the different sights indoor and outdoor. On a clear day, take the Dajti Express cable car or visit the castle of Kruja. On a cloudier day, you can visit the National History Museum or Bunk Art, which are indoor.

If you are going to the beaches in April, travel southwards. The Albanian riviera starts in Vlora, where it is around 17 ° C in April. However, if you drive to Saranda in the south, the temperature is higher around 22 ° C.

What is the weather like in Albania in May?

May is an excellent period to visit Albania. The average temperature is 23 ° C, with nice sunny weather. Moreover, it is still quiet in the months, so you will be able to enjoy the country with only few tourists around.

The Albanian Alps, which are in the north of Albania, have a temperature of around 14 ° C. So, it is pleasant weather for hiking, without too much heat. It is also a great period to take the Lake Koman ferry. The beautiful boat trip can get busy in the high season, but in May it is only visited by a handful of tourists.

In Tirana, the temperature is around 23 ° C in May. It is great weather to explore the city and surrounding areas. You can spend a day wondering around the city and making photographs. You can walk along the “Road of the National Hero’s” to take a picture at the Pyramid of Tirana, the Presidential Palace and walk through the Grand Park.

In the south of Albania, the temperatures are lovely. In Vlore, it is sunny weather with an average temperature of 19 ° C. But if you drive along the coastal road to Ksamil and Saranda it is 23 ° C on average. Sunshine can be found throughout the Albanian Riviera in April. The seawater is warming up and around 19 ° C in April.

How hot is Albania in June?

The weather in June is warm, with an average temperature of 27 ° C. June is really a great period to visit Albania. Because all the pretty beaches are quiet, and you will only find a handful of people at the touristic spots. Beautiful beaches, like Ksamil beach, Jale beach and Mirror beach, are sunny, warm and private.

In the Albanian Alps, it is around 18 ° C in June. And it is usually pleasant and sunny. The Albanian Alps are more off the beaten path, than some of the big beaches. So especially in June, there will be some tourists, but it won’t be crowded here.

In Tirana, it is sunny weather with 29 ° C in June. So, it is lovely weather to be outside. You can, for instance, visit some of the beautiful beaches close to Tirana. Like the Bay of Lalzit. Take the car or a taxi and make some nice day trips from the capital city.

The South of Albania is very enjoyable in June. The average temperature is 29 ° C with sunshine every day. Moreover, the temperature of the sea is getting hotter with 23 ° C in June. June is perfect, because all the facilities are open in preparation for the high season, but without being overcrowded. If you can visit Ksamil beach in June, because it is very quiet.

How hot is Albania in July?

In July, it is hot in Albania with an average temperature of 29 ° C. It is high season in Albania in July and August. So, there will be more tourists. However, compared to other European beaches, Albania is still quiet.

In the Albanian Alps, it is 21 ° C on average in July. Because the Valbona and Theth are mountain villages, the temperature rarely exceeds 26 ° C. In Shkodra, you will probably notice the high season, because there are more tourists everywhere. Moreover, the Lake Koman ferries is also popular in the high season. However, if you go hiking in Theth or Valbona, you can still find a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

In Tirana, it is very hot in July with a temperature of 33 ° C. Some of the popular attractions, like Kruja castle, can be busy in July. So, try to get there early in the morning. Or choose for attractions that are more off-the-beaten-path, like Preza Castle or the Cape of Rodon.

In Saranda and the Albanian Riviera, it is very hot in July with an average temperature of 34 ° C. And a seawater temperature of 26 ° C. Don’t be afraid to visit the beaches in the south of Albania in the high season. But instead, choose to visit some of the more hidden beaches. If you visit the main beach of Jale and it is busy, you can walk to the nearby Aquarium bay. So that, you can enjoy yourself on a little hidden beach.

How hot is Albania in August?

Albania is hot in August with an average temperature of 29 ° C. The weather is amazing in this period of the year. The Albanian Riviera is in full glory in this month. Just imagine driving down the winding coastal road to the prettiest beaches of Albania. Although it is busy, the Albanian Riviera is nothing like the French Riviera or the Italian coast, in terms of busyness.

Although it is hot in the majority of Albania, it is still relatively cool in the Albanian Alps. In the mountain villages, you can expect a temperature of 22 ° C. So, if you plan on visiting the mountains in August, bring some layered clothes with you to wear over your summer clothes.

In Tirana, it is 33 ° C in August, which is very hot for the city. So, if you plan on walking around the city center or hiking up to Kruja castle, it is best to go early in the morning. And if you want to go for a swim, there are plenty of beaches close to Tirana. Like Spille beach, the bay of Lalzit, Durres beach and Rana e Hedhun.

If you are going to the Albanian Riviera in August, you will have hot weather. The average temperature is 33 ° C. And the seawater is 26 ° C, so lovely for swimming or snorkeling. For more private beaches, you can take a boat tour. Take a trip by boat to the hidden Gjipe beach. Or visit the Karaburun Peninsula by boat. Some beautiful beaches can only be reached by sea, so guaranteed you will find a peaceful and private beach.

What is the weather like in Albania in September?

In September, it is still warm in Albania, with an average temperature of 26 ° C. September is just after the high season, and therefore, a great period to visit. I have visited myself last September, and I really enjoyed Rana e Hedhun beach and the Cape of Rodon.

The mountain villages Theth and Valbona cool down to 17 ° C in September. Bring a good selection of warmer and lighter clothes with you. Because you will start your trip in Shkodra, where it is warmer around 26 ° C in September. Then, you will travel to the mountains, where it is 17 ° C during the day. But at night, it will cool down even more.

In Tirana, it is still warm with a temperature of 28 ° C. September is a great period to visit the nearby Durres. In the high season, Durres can be crowded. But in September, it calms down slightly and it is only 45 minutes by car or taxi from Tirana.

In Saranda it is still hot in September with a temperature of 28 ° C. Plus the seawater is still 26 ° C in September. Explore the beach of Ksamil and the little islands in September. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera. And in September you can enjoy it to the fullest with warm weather, warm sea water and more privacy.

What is the weather like in Albania in October?

In October, the temperature in Albania is 21 ° C on average. Therefore, October is the ideal month to explore in Albania.

The mountains in the north, it is getting colder with 12 ° C on average. So, pack warm clothes for the night. During the day, you will be hiking and exploring, so you won’t feel cold. But at night, you will need some proper clothing to keep you warm.

In Tirana, it is a lovely 20 ° C in October. Therefore, it is a great temperature for sight seeing and visiting attractions. There are many attractions in Tirana, which are great to visit with this mild weather. Like the Dajti cable car, Bunk Art, the National History Museum and the Pyramid of Tirana.

In Saranda, the temperatures are still the highest with 22 ° C. So, if you want to swim in October and visit the beach, make your way to the south of Albania. Moreover, if you have a colder day, you can explore the UNESCO sights. Both Butrint and Gjirokaster are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and close to Saranda.

Related Questions

Does Albania have snow? Albania has snow in the mountainous areas. Albania is a country with many peaks and mountains. In the Albanian Alps in the North the snow reaches a height of 2 metres. The highest peaks remain covered in snow year-round. Due to the snow, some mountain villages are difficult to reach in the winter.

What sea is Albania on? Albania is on the Adriatic Sea in the North and the Ionian Sea in the south. The two seas meet at the Bay of Vlore. The most beautiful beaches of Albania are along the Ionian Sea in the south. The coastline between Vlore and Saranda is known as the Albanian Riviera. The highlight is Ksamil beach.

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