Albania weather today

Climate

Albania has a Mediterranean climate on the coast and the plains, turning more and more continental as you climb into the mountains. For such a small country the contrasts are large: January nights in Saranda average 7°C, while in Korca, only about 110 km to the east, they drop to -2°C.

Summer

Summer is hot and dry everywhere. From June to August very little rain falls and the sun shines 13–14 hours a day. The hottest places are the inland valleys, such as Berat and Elbasan, with average August highs of 33°C, while on the coast the sea breeze tempers the heat. The sea stays above 23°C from June to September and reaches 25°C in August.

Rain

Autumn and winter bring the rain. Most of the year's precipitation falls from October to January, and totals vary widely: about 700 mm a year in Korca, 1,100 mm in Tirana, 1,770 mm in Shkodra and over 1,800 mm in the northern Alps, such as Valbona. The main hazards in these months are flooding on the northern and Myzeqe plains and strong winds on the coast.

Snow

Snow is rare on the coast and the plains but common in the mountains. Dardha, Voskopoja, Theth and Valbona see snow every winter.

Forecasts and warnings

Forecasts for the whole country update every hour. Official IGJEUM natural-hazard warnings appear automatically at the top of the page whenever there is a risk.

Albania climate questions

When is the best time to visit Albania?

May, June and September: warm days of 23–28°C, a warm sea in June and September and fewer crowds than in August.

Where does it rain most in Albania?

In the north, in Shkodra and especially in the Alps, with 1,700–1,900 mm a year. The south-east, around Korca, is the driest, with about 700 mm.