Albania has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters in the lowlands. At higher altitudes in the interior, temperatures tend to be cooler and snow often falls in winter.

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Generally, the lowlands in Albania have similar temperatures to Italy or northern Spain. The exceptions are the mountain passes, where conditions are particularly harsh in winter, although there is less snow than in the Alps and winters are shorter.

The inland areas around the cities of Tirana, Shkodër and Elbasan tend to be about 3 degrees warmer than the coastal areas, where the climate is moderated by the Adriatic.

In mountainous areas it is important to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Even in summer, a completely clear sky can turn into a violent storm within 15 minutes.

Albania during the year

This is what the weather looks like in the different months of the year.

Weather in January

January weather is the coldest of the year in Albania. Even so, you'll be greeted with pleasant temperatures of around 11°C along the coast and in Tirana, inviting short weekend breaks and visits to the cities. However, you have to expect relatively frequent rain, usually in the form of showers, which turn into regular snowfall from about 800 metres above sea level.

In January the mountains are often completely cut off from the world under snow, especially Prokletije and the northern part of the country. Temperatures in the mountain areas normally range from -3 to 5 °C.

Weather in February

February is still one of the cold winter months with a high proportion of precipitation. Although rain is not heavy, it is frequent and cloudy skies can last for several days.

Temperatures in the lowlands rise to between 11 and 13 °C, while in the mountains it still snows frequently and temperatures hover around 0 with highs of up to 4 °C.

Weather in March

Spring is slow to arrive in Albania. March is also one of the wet months with frequent showers.

Temperatures along the coast and in the lowlands around Tirana and Lake Skadar reach a pleasant 15 °C, but the mountains still hold a lot of snow and temperatures range between -1 and 7 °C.

However, hard frosts well below -8 °C are not uncommon in March in the highest parts of the mountains.

Weather in April

The entire lowland west of Albania is beginning to bloom and turn lush green. Showers are receding: although it rains about every other day, the rain is lighter and shorter than in the winter months.

The lowlands and coasts are warming up to a nice 19 °C and the snow is finally melting more in the mountains under the weight of temperatures that have been stable between 0 and 10 °C. By the end of the month, only the highest parts of the mountains above 1,800 metres above sea level will be left.

Weather in May

In May, you can already feel summer in your bones. Average temperatures in the low-lying western and northern parts of Albania rise to 24 °C, and by the end of the month they often exceed the summer temperature of 25 °C. It rains frequently, but usually only very briefly in the afternoon or evening. Most of the day has partly cloudy or sunny skies.

The snow is melting in the mountains, even at higher altitudes, and normal temperatures are rising to 17 °C.

Although some tour operators organise trips to the sea as early as May, the sea temperature does not yet exceed 19 °C. However, May is ideal for sunbathing on half-empty beaches and sightseeing trips.

Weather in June

June is already a typical summer month throughout Albania: both by the sea and in the mountains. Temperatures in the lowlands routinely rise above 28°C, with rain decreasing significantly and only appearing during the not-too-common quick thunderstorms.

Even the air in the mountains warms up to a pleasant 20 °C and the beautifully green landscape after spring makes June ideal for mountain hikes.

Sea water temperatures soar to 22 °C during June.

Weather in July

Temperatures soar to their highest in July. The average in the lowlands and by the sea is around 31 °C, but parnasas with temperatures above 38 °C are not at all exceptional.

It can also be hot in the mountains around 30 °C, although the average is more like 24 °C.

During July, rain is minimal and when it does fall, it is usually only in the evening or at night.

The water in the sea warms up to 24 °C.

Weather in August

The weather in August is very similar to July. The air heats up to an average of 31°C, but extremes of over 38°C are no exception, with a constant scorching sun only occasionally covered by clouds in the evening with a quick summer thunderstorm.

During August, Albania's sea is at its hottest, warming up to 26°C.

Weather in September

Albania in September is still experiencing summer in full swing. You'll enjoy temperatures between 27 and 33°C, with the mountains cooling down to an average of 19 to 22°C.

September's weather is calm with no major fluctuations and there is still relatively little rain. Most of the rain will fall during relatively frequent evening and overnight thunderstorms.

A seaside holiday in September is ideal as the sea cools slowly and the water temperature is still over 24 °C.

Weather in October

October brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall to Albania, although it is usually only shorter showers. Temperatures in the lowlands and by the sea get to a more tolerable 22°C, making this month ideal for urban hiking and sightseeing.

Travel is also possible in the mountains, with only exceptional snowfall in October, but temperatures below 14 °C and even down to 5 °C in the evening are to be expected.

Hardier travellers can still enjoy a holiday by the sea on crowded beaches and with water temperatures averaging 22 °C.

Weather in November

November is generally the rainiest month in Albania, both in the lowlands and in the mountainous areas. It rains frequently, not heavily, but it can rain for days at a time. However, this weather won't be a problem for city trips.

Temperatures are rising to 17 °C, with only an average of 8 °C in the mountains. Towards the end of the month, snow is common in the highest parts of the mountains above 2,000 metres.

Weather in December

December is also one of the wettest months, but statistically it rains a little less than in November. On average, expect precipitation every other day with temperatures between 7 and 14 °C.

Winter comes to the mountains in full force, with temperatures dropping to levels of plus 5 °C to minus 3 °C and snow falling instead of rain. The most remote mountain villages are hard to reach, often remaining cut off from the world for days at a time.