Climate Serbia
You will not be the only one, before you go there, to have no idea what to expect from the Serbian weather. At first glance, it's hard to imagine what kind of climate prevails in this small state equidistant from the warm seas of the Mediterranean and Greece, but also from the harsh mountains of Austria and Romania. To complicate matters, the country is divided between the Balkan mountain range and the Pannonian plain. So, what to choose? In fact, the Serbian climate is continental and temperate. It has quite significant temperature variations (between 30 and 40 degrees between seasons), but its winter is far from resembling those of its Slavic cousins to the east. Depending on the month of the year and the region, we can experience torrid heat peaks that cause droughts and forest fires, or great episodes of Siberian cold that freeze the pipes and the ears of tourists!
A geography of the weather
The Serbian geography makes the country experience a significant meteorological variety. The country is classified in the moderate continental climate zone, or temperate continental, but in reality, the Serbian climate is a climate under influence. The origin of the winds that blow through the country defines the mood of its inhabitants: it is appreciated when the wind comes from the south, laden with the humidity of the sea spray and the heat of the Sahara, and raises the thermometer a notch; on the contrary, it is feared the famous košava, an icy breeze born of the Carpathian mountain range, which drops temperatures to -20°C in winter and reappears in the spring. Overall, the temperature variance is quite high, ranging from -4°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Of course, this is without counting on the regional specificities and the microclimates caused by the numerous mountain valleys. It is quite common to find episodes of -15°C in the mountains, or to have sweltering temperatures of up to 40°C in the shade in Belgrade. Rain in the country is much rarer and less regular than in oceanic climates. The reason for this is simple: the rain-laden clouds are farther away and often held back by the mountain range that covers the southwest. The result is a much drier country, except in the southernmost regions where rainfall is closer to Western Europe. This is sometimes a real problem for local farmers, who have to rely on those rare rainy days, but very convenient for tourists who don't have to carry an umbrella in their luggage! However, if you think that Serbia is all about cloudless blue skies all year round, you will be disappointed. The bad season is characterized by stubborn fog and overcast skies that block the sun for weeks on end. In the end, you will quickly realize that the main difference between Serbia and warmer climates is the low intensity of sun exposure.
Small tour of the Serbian seasons:
The Serbian winter is cold, but also very harsh. Looking at the statistics, one can be surprised by appearances, because, in theory, its average temperature of 0°C for most of the winter months is nothing to worry about. In reality, we get perfect weather for long episodes of snow, which cool the ground and freshen the air from December until February, and even until April in some mountain regions. Periodically, the whole country suffers from brutal periods of extreme cold and frost when winds from Russia, Siberia and the Carpathians cross the country. Then, for several days, the thermometer goes down to -20°C or even -30°C in altitude. On the contrary, the southern winds sometimes make the temperatures on the plains jump to 10/12 °C for some memorable days. At that time, a festive spirit reigns, and the locals walk in the park between the half-melted snowdrifts. The only real positive side of the cold, foggy winter is that you can enjoy the ski resorts that proliferate in the western part of the country: the best known are those in the Tara Mountains and in Kopaonik Park.
The Serbian spring is rather unstable. It alternates mild periods with sudden cold spells, even snowfalls as late as March! It is also the beginning of the rainy season, which starts as the weather gets milder in May. We do not recommend visiting the country at this time of year
The Serbian summer has nothing to envy to the Mediterranean coast. Very sunny, it is also very hot and the thermometer never really goes below 20°C, due to the lack of breezes coming from the sea. The night is colder, sometimes going down to 15°C, but it is not enough to really cool the heat accumulated in the streets of the cities. If the main trend of winds comes from Africa, the Serbian summer climate changes from pleasant to oppressive. The suspended hot air masses can exceed 40°C in the shade and one often flees to the shelter of the mountains (where it is regularly 15°C even in August!), provided that the forests are not consumed by flames. Apart from these hot spells, which are becoming more and more common with global warming, summer is also the rainy season. Frequent thunderstorms break the monotony of the blue sky, especially in July. Nevertheless, summer remains the best season to visit. It is difficult to miss the sunny landscapes of Serbia and the liberating heat of July and August.
With little rain, still very sunny and warm until mid-September but without the most sweltering episodes of the previous months, autumn is also a good time to visit the country. However, don't be surprised by the arrival of winter. The weather deteriorates quite rapidly from November onwards.
