Climate Albania
We recommend a stay in Albania from early April to late October: from spring to discover the country, then until mid-autumn to enjoy the beaches and fine weather. However, you should be aware that Albania is very busy from mid-June to mid-September, with families from the diaspora and Albanian neighbors from Kosovo flocking to the coast between Durres and Saranda throughout the summer. Albania has a predominantly Mediterranean climate on the coast and in the western half, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In the mountainous areas and eastern half, the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. In addition to bad weather, the weather factor to be taken into account for journeys is sunshine. Given the state of the roads and traffic conditions, we strongly advise against driving at night.
Winter
Between December and February, tourists are extremely rare in Albania. It's true that there are only 4 hours of sunshine a day, which makes sightseeing and travelling more complicated. However, winter remains on the whole quite mild along the coast, from Shkodra to Saranda via Durrës and Tirana: 11 to 13°C during the day, almost never below zero at night. On the other hand, rainfall is high (around ten days per month), except in Tirana (7 days per month), and snowfall is occasional. Things are very different in the mountains. In Korça, for example, the climate is reminiscent of Russia: 5 to 7°C on average during the day, nights almost always below zero and heavy snowfalls. Most hotels on the coast close, and Albanians don't go out much in town in the evenings. But the welcome is warm, especially by the fireside with a hot honey raki or mountain tea.
Spring
March to May is the perfect season to explore the country. The sunshine rate reaches 8 hours a day in May, which makes it possible to plan longer trips. Temperatures rise slowly, from 16 to 24 °C, even reaching 30 °C in Saranda in May. But the water temperature does not yet allow swimming (18 °C in May in the southern part). Rainfall is very variable: it is low in Saranda (3 days on average per month), but still significant elsewhere (8-10 days on average). Things are also getting better in the mountainous areas with temperatures going from 10 to 20 °C, even if rain remains heavy (10 days per month) and with snowfall still possible until April. But the landscapes are splendid, with sparkling green plains and white-capped peaks.
Summer
From June to August, it's hot everywhere, averaging 28-32°C, 30-34°C around Saranda and peaking at 40°C throughout the country. Tirana, despite its chaotic urbanism, has almost pleasant summers, with days at 28-31°C and nights at around 15°C. Korça may seem chilly, with an average of 24-28°C, but many days prove scorching without the soothing effect of the sea air. Rainfall is low (1 day a month in Saranda and up to 7 in Korça), but the south coast experiences violent storms in areas where the mountains fall directly into the sea. Water temperatures fluctuate between 22 and 26°C. This is the season when everything increases: sunshine (up to 11 hours a day in July), tourist numbers, hotel rates and nightclub noise.
Fall
From September to November, the transition to winter is generally quite mild. In early autumn, the thermometer still rises to 29°C. It's still pleasant to swim on the "Albanian Riviera", with the water at 24°C in September and 22°C in October, although thunderstorms are becoming more frequent. Finally, November chases away the last tourists. Suddenly, the air temperature drops to an average of 15-16°C, although there are still some fine days in Tirana (17°C), while winter arrives in Korça (11°C). While rainfall increases (around ten days in November), sunshine levels drop from 8 hours a day in September to 5 hours a day in November. Finally, in the absence of real deciduous forests, Albania does not boast the beautiful autumn colors of Northern Macedonia or Greece.
