Albania Weather, climate and geography

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures vary between the lowland coasts and the highlands, but generally everywhere is pleasant year-round. Bring an umbrella for winter travels, Albania’s rainiest season.

In the lowlands, average winter temperatures hover around 7°C (44.6°F) and summers reach 24°C (75°F). More of the average annual 1,000-1,500mm of rainfall occurs in the north than the southern lowlands.

The eastern Albanian highlands, due to greater altitude, have colder winters that can reach lows of -1°C (30°F) in January. This warms up by the peak of the summer to the mid-20°C range (mid 70°F).

Required clothing

Clothing should suitable for the time of year and regions of the country to be visited, and also on the activities planned. For outdoor activities in the mountains, good waterproofs and warm layers should be carried at all times of year. On the coast in summer, long trousers and a light jacket will often be required in the evenings.

Geography

Albania is bordered by Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast. Italy lies across the Adriatic to the west; at its narrowest point, close to where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, Italy and Albania are only 72km (45 miles) apart, separated by the Strait of Otranto.

Albania's highest point is the summit of Mt Korab (2,764m /9,068ft), on the border of North Macedonia. The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro; in the southwest, Lake Ohrid is shared with North Macedonia and the Prespa Lakes between Albania, North Macedonia and Greece.