Gjakova weather today, tomorrow & 10 days

Climate

Gjakova lies in south-western Kosovo on the Dukagjin plain, about 360 metres above sea level. It is one of the lowest and warmest towns in Kosovo: summers are hot and winters milder than in Prishtina, because warm air from the White Drin valley and the south reaches the plain more easily.

Summer

July and August average highs of 30–31°C and nights of about 18°C, with 12–13 hours of sunshine a day. The 1991–2020 record is 42°C, one of the highest values in Kosovo. Hot afternoons are the hardest part of the day; the Grand Bazaar and the shaded streets of the old town are nicest in the evening.

Winter and rain

Winter is cold but short: January has about 7°C by day and -1°C at night. Snow falls every winter but rarely lasts long in town. Precipitation is about 780 mm a year, most in December and in spring. May has the most wet days (13), often with afternoon showers.

When to visit

The best months to visit are May, June and September, with days of 23–28°C. October, at about 20°C, is dry and calm.

Nearby

The Accursed Mountains are to the north-west: Rugova is about 45 km away, and Junik, at the foot of the mountains, much closer. The nearest sea is at Shengjin in Albania, about three hours by car.

Gjakova climate questions

How hot is Gjakova in summer?

July and August average highs of 30–31°C, among the warmest in Kosovo. The July record reaches almost 42°C.

Does it snow in Gjakova?

Yes, every winter, but it usually does not last. The average January low is -1°C.

Why is Gjakova warmer than Prishtina?

Because it lies lower, at about 360 m against about 600 m, on the Dukagjin plain. August averages 31°C, against 29°C in Prishtina.