Albania Weather by Month

Albania is a small, mountainous country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. To the west, Albania has a coastline along the Adriatic Sea, while its southern coastline lies on the Ionian Sea. Albania’s varied geography includes the Albanian Alps in the north, fertile plains in the west, and a rugged coastline with beautiful beaches and coves. The country is also dotted with rivers, lakes, and valleys, adding to its scenic diversity.

The climate in Albania is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, particularly along the coast. In contrast, the inland regions, especially the northern and eastern mountainous areas, experience a more continental climate with colder winters and significant snowfall. Understanding Albania’s weather patterns throughout the year can help travelers and residents alike plan their activities and appreciate the beauty of this dynamic landscape.

Albania’s Weather by Month

January: Winter in Full Swing

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F) during the day, 3°C (37°F) at night
• Rainfall: High precipitation, up to 100 mm
• Snow: Rare on the coast
• Winds: Cold, strong winds from the north
• Sea Temperature: Around 14°C (57°F), too cold for swimming

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime averages around 5°C (41°F), nighttime drops to -3°C (27°F)
• Snowfall: Heavy snow in northern mountains, ideal for skiing
• Rainfall: Moderate rain and snow mixed, 80-120 mm depending on altitude

Summary: January is the coldest month in Albania, with snowfall in the mountains and chilly, wet conditions along the coast. It is an off-peak time for tourism, except for winter sports enthusiasts heading to ski resorts like Mount Dajti or Valbona Valley.

February: Chilly But Drying Up

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
• Rainfall: Slightly less than January, around 80 mm
• Winds: Moderately strong winds, calming towards the end of the month
• Sea Temperature: 13°C (55°F), still unsuitable for water activities

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), nighttime lows of -2°C (28°F)
• Snowfall: Persistent in higher elevations
• Rainfall: Rain and snow mix depending on altitude, around 70-100 mm

Summary: February remains cold, but with less precipitation. Coastal regions begin to see slightly milder temperatures, while inland areas continue to experience winter-like conditions with occasional snowfall.

March: Signs of Spring

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 13°C (55°F) during the day, 6°C (43°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, around 80 mm
• Winds: Mild breezes from the sea
• Sea Temperature: 14°C (57°F), too cold for swimming but pleasant for beach walks

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures rise to 10°C (50°F), nighttime lows hover around 0°C (32°F)
• Snowfall: Snow begins to melt in most areas except the highest peaks
• Rainfall: Rain dominates with some snow at high elevations, around 70-90 mm

Summary: March marks the arrival of spring, particularly along the coast, where flowers begin to bloom, and temperatures become more comfortable. Inland, the snow begins to retreat, but the mountains retain some winter conditions.

April: A Beautiful Spring Awakens

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 70 mm
• Winds: Gentle, calming winds
• Sea Temperature: 15°C (59°F), still chilly but improving

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: 14°C (57°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
• Snowfall: Snow is rare, except in the highest mountains
• Rainfall: Around 60-80 mm, with frequent showers

Summary: April is a pleasant month for visiting Albania, especially in the lowlands and along the coast. Temperatures are mild, and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring cultural sites become more appealing. The landscape turns green and lush after the wet winter months.

May: A Warm Spring with Increasing Sunshine

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Decreasing to around 50 mm
• Winds: Light breezes, ideal for outdoor activities
• Sea Temperature: 18°C (64°F), making early swimming possible

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 19°C (66°F), nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F)
• Rainfall: Around 50-70 mm, fewer rainy days
• Snowfall: Almost nonexistent

Summary: May is an excellent time to explore Albania, as the weather is warm but not too hot. Coastal areas begin to see beachgoers, while inland regions offer perfect conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

June: The Start of Summer

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 40 mm
• Winds: Calm, with occasional refreshing breezes
• Sea Temperature: 22°C (72°F), ideal for swimming

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 24°C (75°F), nighttime lows of 12°C (54°F)
• Rainfall: Around 40-60 mm, mainly short afternoon showers

Summary: June marks the beginning of summer, with sunny skies and warm temperatures throughout Albania. The coast is perfect for beach vacations, while the cooler mountain regions are great for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

July: Peak Summer Heat

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 30 mm
• Winds: Light coastal breezes offer relief from the heat
• Sea Temperature: 25°C (77°F), perfect for water sports and swimming

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 28°C (82°F), nighttime lows of 15°C (59°F)
• Rainfall: Very minimal, around 20-40 mm

Summary: July is one of the hottest months in Albania, with dry and sunny weather dominating the landscape. Coastal areas are ideal for beachgoers, and inland areas, though warm, remain pleasant in the evenings. Tourism peaks during this month.

August: Hot and Dry

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 20 mm
• Winds: Gentle coastal breezes
• Sea Temperature: 26°C (79°F), optimal for swimming and water activities

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 29°C (84°F), nighttime lows of 16°C (61°F)
• Rainfall: Very minimal, around 20-30 mm

Summary: August is the hottest month in Albania, with clear skies and virtually no rainfall. The coast remains bustling with tourists, while inland regions, particularly the higher altitudes, offer a respite from the heat. It’s a perfect month for enjoying the sea or hiking in the mountains.

September: Cooling Down

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Low, around 40 mm
• Winds: Mild breezes from the sea
• Sea Temperature: 24°C (75°F), still great for swimming

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 24°C (75°F), nighttime lows of 12°C (54°F)
• Rainfall: Around 40-50 mm, slightly increasing towards the end of the month

Summary: September marks the end of the summer season, but it remains warm and pleasant, especially along the coast. This is a great time to visit Albania as the crowds begin to thin, and the weather is still perfect for outdoor activities.

October: A Mild Autumn Begins

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Increasing, around 70 mm
• Winds: Mild, with occasional gusts from the north
• Sea Temperature: 21°C (70°F), still suitable for swimming early in the month

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 18°C (64°F), nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F)
• Rainfall: Around 60-80 mm, with more frequent showers

Summary: October brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall, signaling the onset of autumn. Coastal areas remain pleasant for outdoor activities, but inland regions start experiencing cooler evenings and occasional rain. This month is ideal for exploring Albania’s rich history and culture.

November: Cool and Rainy

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Significant, around 100 mm
• Winds: Stronger breezes from the north and northwest
• Sea Temperature: 17°C (63°F), too cold for most water activities

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 12°C (54°F), nighttime lows of 4°C (39°F)
• Rainfall: Around 80-100 mm, with occasional snow in the mountains

Summary: November is a cool and wet month in Albania. The coastal areas experience frequent rain showers, while the mountains may see the first snowfall of the season. It’s a quieter time for tourism but still offers opportunities to explore cultural landmarks and historic sites.

December: Winter Returns

Coastal Areas

• Average Temperature: 12°C (54°F) during the day, 6°C (43°F) at night
• Rainfall: High, around 120 mm
• Winds: Strong and cold from the north
• Sea Temperature: 15°C (59°F), unsuitable for swimming

Inland and Mountainous Areas

• Temperature: Daytime highs of 8°C (46°F), nighttime lows of -1°C (30°F)
• Snowfall: Increasing in mountainous areas
• Rainfall: Around 90-120 mm, rain dominates with snow at higher altitudes

Summary: December brings winter back to Albania, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall along the coast. Inland areas, especially in the mountains, experience snow and freezing temperatures, making it an excellent month for winter sports. Coastal regions, however, remain milder but too cold for beach activities.