Skip to content
wheretotravel.info
Albania

Albania travel guide

Coast and inland towns in one small country, best in June, September and October

Best: Jun, Sep, Oct

Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons

Capital
Tirana
Language
Albanian
Currency
Albanian lek (ALL)
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
112

Why visit Albania

Albania suits travellers who want to mix beach days with inland towns, all within 28,748 km². The best months overall are September, June and October. The coast at Sarandë, Himarë and Durrës is at its best from June to September, especially in July and August. Inland, Berat and Gjirokastër are at their best in April and October. The honest limitation is that the two peak times barely overlap. A July or August beach trip falls outside the inland towns' best months.

  • A small country, easy to cross

    Albania covers 28748 km² and has about 2335930 people. That compact size lets you combine the capital, inland towns and the coast in one trip. Everything runs on one time zone, UTC+01:00, and you drive on the right.

  • Tirana, the largest city

    Tirana is the capital and by far the biggest city, with 389323 people. It sits inland, so it works well as a first stop before you head out to smaller towns or down to the sea.

  • Coastal towns of every size

    The coast has towns of very different sizes. Durrës is the second-largest city, with 101728 people. Sarandë has 22613, and Himarë is much smaller, at 4596. You can choose a busy port city or a quiet small town.

  • Inland towns beyond the coast

    Away from the sea, Shkodër (61633 people), Berat (40665) and Gjirokastër (16569) are all inland. They give a different side of the country from the beach towns, and each is small enough to explore on foot over a day or two.

  • Spring and autumn travel

    Our data rates October, April and November as the best months to visit Albania. These spring and autumn months suit travellers who want to plan around the calendar instead of the summer peak.

Is Albania right for you?

Great for

  • Beach trips to Durrës, Sarandë or Himarë in July and August, with only about 30 mm of rain
  • Old-town visits to Berat and Gjirokastër in October, when Tirana highs are around 22°C
  • Spring city breaks in April, with Tirana highs near 19°C and about 11 sun hours
  • Travellers in June or September who want warm days of 27–28°C with fewer rain days than spring
  • Compact road trips in a country of 28,748 km² with a single time zone

Less ideal for

  • Heat-sensitive travellers in July and August, when Tirana highs reach about 32°C
  • Dry-weather seekers in November, the wettest month with 192 mm of rain over 11 days
  • Beach holidays in January, with highs of 11°C and about 12 rain days

Albania right now: October

7.8/10
Avg high
22°C
Avg low
13°C
Rain days
9

Averages for Tirana.

Weather by month

In Tirana, the best weather comes in June, September and October, with highs of 22–28°C, 9–13 hours of sun a day and fewer rainy days than in spring or winter. January and December are the toughest months, with highs of 11–13°C, lows of 2.4–4.5°C and 137–176 mm of rain, while November is the wettest month at 192 mm.

Average highs and lows in Tirana by month January: high 11°C, low 2°C , 12 rain days . February: high 14°C, low 4°C , 10 rain days . March: high 16°C, low 6°C , 12 rain days . April: high 19°C, low 9°C , 11 rain days . May: high 23°C, low 13°C , 14 rain days . June: high 28°C, low 18°C , 7 rain days . July: high 32°C, low 21°C , 4 rain days . August: high 32°C, low 21°C , 6 rain days . September: high 27°C, low 17°C , 9 rain days . October: high 22°C, low 13°C , 9 rain days . November: high 17°C, low 9°C , 11 rain days . December: high 13°C, low 5°C , 10 rain days . 11°C 2°C JAN 12d 14°C 4°C FEB 10d 16°C 6°C MAR 12d 19°C 9°C APR 11d 23°C 13°C MAY 14d 28°C 18°C JUN 7d 32°C 21°C JUL 4d 32°C 21°C AUG 6d 27°C 17°C SEP 9d 22°C 13°C OCT 9d 17°C 9°C NOV 11d 13°C 5°C DEC 10d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

Tirana · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit Albania: month-by-month weather →

Where to go in Albania

City guides with their own best months and weather.

Sample itineraries

7 days

Capital, inland towns and the southern coast

  1. Day 1–2

    Tirana

    Start in the capital, home to about 389,323 people. Walk the centre, try local cafés and restaurants, and get used to paying in Albanian lek.

  2. Day 3–4

    Berat

    Slow down in this inland town of about 40,665 people. Explore the streets on foot and enjoy the quieter pace. October and April are among its best months.

  3. Day 5

    Gjirokastër

    Spend a day in this small inland town of about 16,569 people. Walk its streets and take time over a long lunch before heading to the coast.

  4. Day 6

    Himarë

    Reach the coast at the smallest town on this route, with about 4,596 people. Spend the day by the sea. July and August are its best months for beach time.

  5. Day 7

    Sarandë

    Finish in this coastal town of about 22,613 people. Swim, walk along the water and enjoy a final seafront dinner.

10 days

North to south across Albania

  1. Day 1–2

    Shkodër

    Begin in the north, in a city of about 61,633 people. Explore on foot and enjoy the calm. April, May, September and October are among its best months.

  2. Day 3–4

    Tirana

    Move on to the capital. Spend 2 days walking the centre, visiting cafés and trying Albanian food in local restaurants.

  3. Day 5

    Durrës

    Take a day on the coast in this city of about 101,728 people. Relax by the sea, which is at its best from June to September.

  4. Day 6–7

    Berat

    Head inland for 2 slower days. Walk the streets of this town of about 40,665 people. October, April and November are among its best months.

  5. Day 8

    Gjirokastër

    Stop for a day in this small southern town of about 16,569 people. Explore on foot and enjoy a relaxed evening meal.

  6. Day 9–10

    Sarandë

    End on the southern coast. Spend 2 days swimming, resting and eating by the sea. July and August are its top beach months.

Where to stay

One good base in each main city and who it suits.

Qendra

Tirana

Good for first-timers, sightseeing, short stays

The city centre around Skanderbeg Square puts you within walking distance of the main museums, the mosque, the clock tower and the Pyramid. It is the easiest base for getting around on foot and for catching buses to other towns. The main roads around the square carry heavy traffic, so rooms facing them can be noisy.

Food to try in Albania

Tavë kosi

Baked lamb and rice covered with a thick layer of yogurt and egg. It is linked to the city of Elbasan and is often served as a main dish for family meals and celebrations.

Byrek

A flaky filo pastry pie filled with cheese, spinach, meat or other fillings. Bakeries across the country sell it, and many people eat it for breakfast or as a quick snack.

Fërgesë

A warm, thick dish of peppers, tomatoes and cottage-style cheese, sometimes made with meat. It is closely tied to Tirana and is usually eaten with bread as a starter or side dish.

Qifqi

Small fried balls of rice, egg and herbs, a speciality of Gjirokastër in the south. Look for them in local restaurants when you visit the town.

Raki

A strong clear spirit, usually made from grapes. Hosts often offer it to guests as a welcome drink, and it is common at family gatherings and celebrations.

Trileçe

A sponge cake soaked in 3 kinds of milk and topped with caramel. You will find it in cafés and pastry shops across the country as a popular dessert.

Know before you go

  • Plugs and voltage: Sockets in Albania take type C and F plugs, and the mains supply is 220 V. Pack an adapter if your plugs are a different type. Check that your chargers and devices accept 220 V.
  • Driving side: Traffic in Albania drives on the right. If you come from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts during your first days.
  • Emergency number: Dial 112 for emergency help in Albania. Save it in your phone before you arrive so you have it ready.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Albanian lek, shown as ALL. Ask your bank about fees for card payments and cash withdrawals abroad before you travel.
  • Language: The official language is Albanian. Learning a few basic words, such as hello and thank you, is a friendly gesture. A translation app can help with signs and menus.
  • Time zone: Albania uses UTC+01:00. Check the time difference from home so you can plan calls and arrival times correctly.
  • Phone calls: The country calling code for Albania is +355. Use it when you share a local number with people abroad or save contacts such as your accommodation.

Albania: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Albania?

September is the top month, followed by June and October. In Tirana, September highs average 26.9°C, with 10.6 hours of sun a day. June is a little hotter at 28°C and has only 7.4 rain days. October is milder at 22.3°C, which suits walking around towns. These 3 months sit between the hottest weeks of summer and the wetter winter months.

Is Albania good in August?

Yes, especially for the coast. Durrës, Sarandë and Himarë all list August among their best months. It is also the hottest month in Tirana, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 20.6°C. Rain is rare, with about 30 mm over 5.5 days and 12.9 hours of sun a day. Inland sightseeing in the midday heat can feel tiring, so early mornings and evenings are more comfortable.

Is Albania good to visit in spring?

Yes, spring is a good time, especially for cities. April and May both rate as good months. In Tirana, April highs average 19.1°C and May highs reach 23°C. Rain is still common. May has 13.7 rain days, the most of any month. Tirana and Shkodër both list April among their best months, and Shkodër also lists May.

What is the weather like in Albania in winter?

Winter is cool and wet, but not usually freezing in Tirana. January highs average 11°C and lows 2.4°C, with 176 mm of rain over about 12 days. December is similar, with highs of 13°C and 137 mm of rain. November is the wettest month, with 192 mm. Sunshine drops to about 7 hours a day, so pack a rain jacket for this time of year.

When should I visit Berat and Gjirokastër?

October is the best month for both towns. Berat also works well in April and November, and Gjirokastër in September and April. Both are inland towns, so the main draw is sightseeing rather than swimming, and milder months suit that. For reference, Tirana's October highs average 22.3°C and its April highs 19.1°C.

What plugs and currency does Albania use?

Albania uses plug types C and F at 220 V, and the currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). A few other basics: the emergency number is 112 and the calling code is +355. Cars drive on the right, and the time zone is UTC+01:00. The official language is Albanian.

Similar destinations

Countries with a year of weather much like Albania.