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Moldova travel guide

A small Eastern European country for unhurried city stays and trips between towns

Best: May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Photo: klausdie / Pixabay

Capital
Chișinău
Language
Romanian
Currency
Moldovan leu
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
112

Why visit Moldova

Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe, covering about 33,846 km². It suits slow, independent trips built around the capital, Chișinău, with extra stops in Orhei and Tiraspol. The best months to go are May, June, September and October. One honest limitation: none of the main cities is on the coast, so this is not a beach trip. Plan your time around towns instead.

  • A compact country to cover

    Moldova covers 33846 km² and has about 2365600 people. That small size suits a short trip. You can base yourself in the capital, Chișinău, and still plan time in Tiraspol and Orhei.

  • Chișinău as your base

    Chișinău is the capital and the largest city in our data, with 567038 people. Its best months are September, May, October and June. That gives you two good windows, one in late spring and one in early autumn.

  • Tiraspol opens up April

    Tiraspol has 133807 people. Its best months are September, October, May and April. It is the only city here with April on that list, so it suits travellers who want to start their trip earlier in spring.

  • Small-town pace in Orhei

    Orhei is home to 22183 people, a clear contrast with the capital. It shares Chișinău's best months: September, May, October and June. That makes it easy to combine both places on one trip.

  • Simple practical details

    Moldova uses the Moldovan leu, and Romanian is the language. The country is on UTC+02:00 and drives on the right. Power is 220 V with type C and F plugs, and the emergency number is 112.

Is Moldova right for you?

Great for

  • Autumn trips: September in Chișinău has highs of 23.7°C and about 6 rain days
  • Late spring travellers: May highs are near 22°C, with 11.6 sun hours a day
  • Short trips around a small country of 33,846 km², covering Chișinău, Orhei and Tiraspol
  • Travellers from mainland Europe: plugs are type C and F at 220 V, on UTC+2

Less ideal for

  • Beach holidays: none of the main cities listed, Chișinău, Tiraspol or Orhei, is on the coast
  • People who struggle in heat: August highs in Chișinău reach 29.1°C
  • Winter sun seekers: December has 3.5 sun hours a day, and January lows reach -4.2°C

Moldova right now: October

8.1/10
Avg high
17°C
Avg low
7°C
Rain days
6

Averages for Chișinău.

Weather by month

In Chișinău, September is the best month, with highs of 24°C, lows of 13°C and about 10 hours of sun a day, while May and October follow with highs of 22°C and 16.5°C. December and January have the toughest weather, with highs of 5°C and 3°C, nights down to -4°C and only 3.5 to 4.3 hours of sun a day.

Average highs and lows in Chișinău by month January: high 3°C, low -4°C , 7 rain days . February: high 6°C, low -2°C , 6 rain days . March: high 10°C, low 1°C , 8 rain days . April: high 17°C, low 6°C , 9 rain days . May: high 22°C, low 11°C , 10 rain days . June: high 27°C, low 17°C , 10 rain days . July: high 29°C, low 18°C , 8 rain days . August: high 29°C, low 18°C , 5 rain days . September: high 24°C, low 13°C , 6 rain days . October: high 17°C, low 7°C , 6 rain days . November: high 9°C, low 2°C , 7 rain days . December: high 5°C, low -1°C , 8 rain days . 3°C -4°C JAN 7d 6°C -2°C FEB 6d 10°C 1°C MAR 8d 17°C 6°C APR 9d 22°C 11°C MAY 10d 27°C 17°C JUN 10d 29°C 18°C JUL 8d 29°C 18°C AUG 5d 24°C 13°C SEP 6d 17°C 7°C OCT 6d 9°C 2°C NOV 7d 5°C -1°C DEC 8d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

Chișinău · averages 2015–2024

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

Sample itineraries

7 days

Chișinău, Orhei and Tiraspol in one week

  1. Day 1–3

    Chișinău

    Start in the capital, the largest city with about 567,038 people. Walk the centre, try local food and sort out money in Moldovan leu. Plugs are types C and F.

  2. Day 4–5

    Orhei

    Move to Orhei, a small town of about 22,183 people. Enjoy a slower pace and look around the town and the countryside nearby.

  3. Day 6–7

    Tiraspol

    End in Tiraspol, a city of about 133,807 people. Spend 2 days on foot around the centre. Its best months include April, as well as May, September and October.

10 days

A slower 10 days across Moldova

  1. Day 1–3

    Chișinău

    Spend 3 days settling in to the capital. Explore the centre at an easy pace. September, May, October and June are its best months for a visit.

  2. Day 4–6

    Orhei

    Give Orhei 3 full days. This town of about 22,183 people suits walks and unhurried days out into the surrounding countryside.

  3. Day 7–9

    Tiraspol

    Travel to Tiraspol, home to about 133,807 people. Use 3 days to explore the city and compare it with Chișinău. Its best months are September, October, May and April.

  4. Day 10

    Chișinău

    Return to Chișinău for your last day. Revisit favourite spots, buy food to take home and get ready for your trip onward.

Food to try in Moldova

Mămăligă

A thick cornmeal porridge, similar to polenta. It is served as a side with brânză (salty sheep's cheese) and sour cream. You find it in homes and traditional restaurants.

Sarmale

Cabbage or vine leaves rolled around rice and minced meat, then slowly cooked. They are a standard dish at family meals, weddings and holiday tables.

Plăcinte

Thin, flaky pastries filled with cheese, potato, cabbage or pumpkin. Bakeries and market stalls sell them, and many people eat them as a quick snack or breakfast.

Zeamă

A sour chicken soup with homemade noodles and herbs, soured with fermented bran. It is a common lunch dish, and many locals also eat it after a long night out.

Moldovan wine

Wine is a big part of daily life and hospitality in Moldova. Near the capital, Chișinău, some wineries offer tastings in large underground cellars.

Divin

Moldovan brandy made from grape spirit and aged in oak barrels. People drink it slowly after a meal, and it is a popular gift to take home.

Know before you go

  • Plugs and voltage: Sockets take plug types C and F, the round two-pin European plugs. The supply is 220 V. Bring an adapter if your plugs are a different type, and check that your devices accept 220 V.
  • Driving side: Traffic in Moldova drives on the right side of the road. If you normally drive on the left, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts during your first days.
  • Emergency number: Call 112 for emergencies. Save the number in your phone before you arrive so you can reach help quickly.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Moldovan leu. Plan how you will get local money, and check card and cash options with your bank before you travel.
  • Language: The official language is Romanian. Learning a few basic words, such as greetings and thank you, can help in shops and when asking for directions.
  • Time zone: Moldova uses UTC+02:00. Check the time difference from home so you can plan calls, bookings and onward travel correctly.
  • Phone calls: The country calling code for Moldova is +373. Use it when you give a local number to people abroad or save local contacts in your phone.

Moldova: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Moldova?

September is the best month to visit Moldova, with the highest score of the year at 8.8. In Chișinău, days reach about 23.7°C and nights drop to 13.4°C. There are only 6.1 rain days and about 10.1 hours of sun a day. May and October also score well at 8.1, and June follows at 7.7.

Is Moldova good in August?

Yes, August is a good month in Moldova, with a score of 7.4. It is the hottest month, with highs of 29.1°C and lows of 18°C in Chișinău. It is also the driest month, with 4.9 rain days and 25 mm of rain. You get about 12.5 hours of sun a day, so plan shade and water for the afternoons.

What is the weather like in Moldova in winter?

Winter in Moldova is cold, grey and short on daylight. In January, Chișinău reaches 2.6°C by day and falls to -4.2°C at night. December has only 3.5 hours of sun a day and 7.9 rain days. December and January score lowest, at 2.3 and 2.6. The months suit travellers who don't mind the cold and pack warm layers.

Is Moldova good in spring?

Yes, spring is a good time. April and May both rate as best months, scoring 7.6 and 8.1. April is mild, with highs of 16.5°C and lows of 5.6°C. May is warmer at 21.6°C and has 11.6 hours of sun a day. Pack a rain jacket, though: May has 9.8 rain days, the most of any month.

What plugs and currency does Moldova use?

Moldova uses plug types C and F, with a 220 V supply. Most travellers from mainland Europe won't need an adapter, but others should bring one. The currency is the Moldovan leu. Romanian is the official language.

What are the practical basics for travelling in Moldova?

Moldova drives on the right and runs on UTC+02:00. The emergency number is 112, and the country calling code is +373. The capital is Chișinău, home to about 567038 people. The country covers 33846 km² and has a population of about 2365600.

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