From Mediterranean warmth to Continental chill, the large group of southeastern European countries known as The Balkans is accustomed to huge variety in its weather.

In broad terms, if you head southwards or towards the coast the weather is warmest. Many Adriatic resorts can boast temperatures in the 30s Celsius through the high summer months from June to August, which explains their popularity with holidaymakers. Indeed towards Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, 40 degrees is not uncommon during heatwaves.

It’s cooler further north and east across the Balkans but for much of the summer, the warmth is more comfortable and the weather mostly fine. However, showers do interrupt the sunshine, and when humidity builds, thunderstorms do occasionally erupt, especially over the mountainous areas.

While the warmth holds on across the south, autumn brings a more rapid drop in temperature further north across the Balkans. The weather becomes more unsettled and showery. And snow begins to fall as early as October across the mountains of Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By December, the ski resorts are open; and more widely across many upland inland Balkan regions, daytime temperatures are close to freezing. In contrast, conditions along the Adriatic remain relatively mild and balmy through the winter months.

Spring arrives haphazardly, with large variety from day to day. However by April, the snows are confined to the higher mountains. Temperatures surge from the south, and the region bursts in verdant growth. If you can put up with a few showers, it’s a great time to visit before the peak of the heat arrives in summer.

Quick facts about

Albania

Capital:

Currency:

Tirana