Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild rainy winters in the lowlands. The higher altitudes further inland make temperatures lower, and winter precipitation there often falls as snow. In the highest mountains, snow lies in the northeastern corries all year round.
The lowlands have between 270 and 300 days of sunshine a year, and the sea is warm enough to swim in (comfortably) from May to October. The coldest month is January, when the mean lowland temperature is 5–10°C and inland it can fall to below –10°C. The hottest month, July, can be very hot indeed, sometimes topping 40°C inland. Sea breezes keep the coastal towns cooler.
When to visit
For most purposes, the best times of year to visit Albania are spring and autumn. The countryside is particularly beautiful in those seasons; in autumn the orchards blaze with the bright orange of the persimmons and the cooler colours of the citrus fruits, while in spring the apple and cherry blossoms form little pastel-toned drifts by the roadside.
The long spring evenings are a good time to enjoy the terrace cafés in Tirana and the coastal towns. In September and October it is still warm enough to swim at the Ionian beaches. In addition, spring and autumn are ideal for relatively low-level hiking or cycle-touring.
Events calendar
January
See in the New Year on Skanderbeg Square
Fireworks and live music welcome the New Year in Tirana’s main square. During Albania’s Communist past, New Year was the big winter holiday and Skanderbeg Square is still the place to be as December ends and January begins. Albanians of all ages flock to the city centre to enjoy the fun with their friends and families.
February
Ski or snowboard in the mountains of the north
Good snow in northern Albania usually lasts until March or even April. Skiing is possible at several locations, but Puka has the country’s best-organised winter sports resort. After your day on the slopes, enjoy delicious traditional meals and local chestnuts roasted on the open fire.
March
Celebrate the advent of summer the Albanian way
March the 14th is when Albanians celebrate the advent of summer. In Përmeti, Albania’s Slow Food capital, the Summer Day events mostly have something to do with traditional food – live cooking, raki distillation and a farmers’ market. Traditional games and folk dancing complete the celebrations.
April
White-water thrills in the Osumi Canyons
The best time to try rafting or white-water kayaking is when the rivers are high with snow-melt, in April and May. The spectacular Osumi Canyons, south of Berati, are a series of narrow gorges which wind through towering, multicoloured cliffs. Rafting and kayaking trips can also be arranged to other beautiful Albanian rivers, such as the Vjosa and the Devoll.
May
Explore the traditional handicrafts of the north
St George’s Day on 6 May is the focus of the Artisans’ Exhibition in Shkodra. This gives craftspeople from all over northern Albania the chance to demonstrate their skills and display their products.
June
Listen to chamber music surrounded by history
The International Festival of Chamber Music brings together soloists and ensembles from Albania and abroad, for a week of recitals in venues around Durrësi, including the Archaeological Museum.
July
Learn a new culinary skill
In July, you can learn how to make Korça’s traditional speciality lakror, a layered filo-pastry pie with various fillings. The women of the town demonstrate its preparation, after which the hungry spectators devour the delicious products. Musical accompaniment is provided by Korça’s traditional musical ensembles, serenata.
August
Highland traditions in the mountains
The Tournament of the Alps (Logu i Bjeshkëve), in Kelmendi district, is a great opportunity to enjoy traditional music and dance in spectacular surroundings. The highlight of the weekend is the crowning of ‘Miss Alps’, Bukuroshja e Bjeshkëve. August is also the perfect time for hiking in the high mountains – how about walking into Kelmendi from Thethi, two days away?
September
Enjoy a day out at the beach
September is arguably the best month to visit Albania’s stunning coastline. The sea along the Ionian beaches is still warm enough for a dip but you can equally spend the day out picnicking and enjoying the views.
October
Two and a half millennia of drama
From your seat in a theatre where people first watched plays in the 3rd century BC, you can enjoy performances by theatre companies from around Europe. The ancient city of Butrint plays host to classical and modern theatre in the International Theatre Festival every year. Take insect repellent!
November
Celebrate Albania’s Independence Day in Vlora
Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912. Where better to celebrate the anniversary – Flag Day, as it is known – than Vlora, where that declaration was made? The building where Albania’s first government met, in Vlora’s port area, is now the Museum of Independence.
December
Discover traditional Albanian handicrafts
The weekend before Christmas sees Albania’s National Handicraft Exhibition, held in Tirana. Artisans from all over the country proudly display the best of their work – ceramics, musical instruments, and textiles such as rugs, traditional costumes and feltwork.