Shkodra weather today, tomorrow & 10 days

Rain

Shkodra is one of the wettest towns in Albania. Warm, moist air from the sea rises over the Albanian Alps, which start right north of the town, and drops its moisture as rain. From October to December 200–250 mm fall each month, and about 1,770 mm in a year, more than in Tirana or Durres.

Floods

November is the wettest month, with about 250 mm. The long autumn and winter rains raise Lake Shkodra and the Buna and Drin rivers, so flooding in the low fields around town is the main weather risk here. When it rains for several days in a row, follow the official announcements and the IGJEUM warnings.

Summer and winter

Summer, by contrast, is hot and dry. July and August average highs of 31–32°C with only 3–4 rainy days, and the 1991–2020 record is 41°C. Winter is mild in town, 11°C by day and 4°C at night in January, but the surrounding mountains are often white with snow.

When to visit

Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit the town and the lake: May averages about 24°C with 12 hours of sunshine a day, September about 27°C. Shkodra is the gateway to the Alps: Theth is 42 km away and Lake Koman 25 km. The nearest sea is at Velipoja, 23 km.

Shkodra climate questions

Why does Shkodra get so much rain?

Because moist air from the Adriatic is forced up over the Albanian Alps north of town, cools and turns into rain. From October to December 200–250 mm fall each month.

Does it snow in Shkodra?

Rarely in town, since the January low is about 4°C. In the Alps above Shkodra, such as Theth, snow falls every winter.

When is summer hottest in Shkodra?

In August, with an average high of 32°C. July is almost as hot, at 31°C.