Does It Snow In Albania [Winter Travel]

Yes, it does snow in Albania. The mountainous regions in the north of the country receive heavy snowfall during the winter months, while most other parts experience moderate to low levels of snowfall. 

Albania Overview

Albania is a small country located in the Balkans region of Europe, bordered by Montenegro to the north, Kosovo and North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. It has a population of around 2.9 million people spread across 28,748 square kilometers (11,100 sq mi).

The official language is Albanian and it is one of only two countries with an official language other than English or French in Europe. Albania’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism as well as remittances from its large diaspora abroad.

The capital city Tirana serves as both a political center for government activities and a financial hub for business operations throughout the country.

From beaches along its Adriatic coastline to cultural heritage sites scattered all over the country, Albania is an attractive destination for tourists from nearby countries in Europe as well as further away destinations around the world. 

Albania For Travel

Albania is a hidden gem of Europe, offering travelers breathtaking views and exciting culture. With its soaring mountains, winding rivers, and beautiful beach towns, it is a rather underrated destination for a vacation.

The food in Albania offers something unique – you can enjoy traditional Mediterranean recipes enhanced with local ingredients such as oregano and black olives. Must-try dishes include byrek (a savory pastry filled with spinach), fërgesë (stewed vegetables), and tavë kosi (baked lamb).

When it comes to culture, be sure to explore the ancient ruins scattered across the country or take part in some of the many festivals that time has kept alive. There are beautiful nature reserves, national parks, and a variety of outdoor activities to experience.

Albania is also home to some interesting architecture. Be sure to stop by the National Historic Museum or explore the historic city of Berat. It’s an excellent place to wander through ancient buildings, take in the beautiful views, and get to know the locals.

Highlights worth visiting include Ottoman-era Berat castle, Butrint National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – or Lake Ohrid – one of Europe’s oldest lakes! 

Albania Climate

Albania is made up of a diverse assortment of climates and weather conditions throughout the year. Located on the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean climate provides a great deal of sunshine and warm temperatures throughout much of the year.

In the summer months, from June to September, you can expect hot and dry conditions with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F). You’ll also find plenty of sunny days during this time.

In the winter temperatures drop drastically, from November to February it gets cold and wet in Albania with temperatures rarely reaching above 10°C (50°F). During this time snowfall is common, with some parts of the country receiving up to two feet of snow!

Winter In Albania

Winter in Albania can be a beautiful season of the year, with cold temperatures and plenty of snow. The climate in Albania is typically Mediterranean, but because it’s located on the Balkan Peninsula, winter brings some unique weather conditions.

From December to February, temperatures can drop as low as -10°C (14°F) at night and rarely rise above 10°C (50°F). Snowfall is common throughout most parts of the country during this time and Albanian cities like Tirana are transformed into a winter wonderland.

In addition to colder temperatures and snowfall, strong winds from the north bring heavy rain that often turns into sleet or hail. Despite these chilly conditions, there are still plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay in Albania.

During wintertime, you can go skiing in Dajti Mountain near Tirana or explore some of its famous archaeological sites covered with a blanket of white snow. 

When Does It Snow In Albania

Snowfall in Albania typically begins in late November and continues through to March, with the majority of snowfall occurring during the peak months of December, January, and February. This is due to the country’s mountainous terrain and location close to the Adriatic Sea, which brings cold air from Russia and Ukraine.

December Climate And Snow In Albania

December in Albania is a time of cold, crisp weather that results in a beautiful winter wonderland. Temperatures in December typically range from an average low of 4°C (39°F) to an average high of 8°C (46°F), although they can dip lower and higher depending on the specific weather conditions. Snow usually falls in December, especially in mountainous areas.

January Climate And Snow In Albania

January in Albania is a cold and unpredictable month. The weather can be mild and sunny one day, and then the next day is wet and cold. From the northern alpine regions to the warmer coastal areas, January brings with it a wide range of temperatures as well as an array of precipitation.

Across Albania, temperatures during January average around 4-8°C (39-46°F). The mountains up north are usually significantly colder, with temperatures dropping to a low of -5 °C (23 °F). Meanwhile, the coastal regions tend to be warmer and can reach highs of 10°C (50°F) on sunny days.

February Climate And Snow In Albania

February weather in Albania has a variety of temperatures, rainfall, and snowfall. In the northern regions of the country, there is usually a chillier climate compared to the southern parts. The average temperature during this month ranges from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).

During the daytime, the temperatures can reach up to 12°C (54°F). February is generally a dry month across the country, with an average of 48mm of precipitation. The mountainous regions tend to get more snow accumulation during this month.

The coastal areas of Albania are less affected by the cold weather and usually have milder temperatures. February in these areas often has a mix of sunny and cloudy days.

Where Does It Snow In Albania

Albania experiences a range of climates from subtropical to continental. While it does not get extremely cold, some parts of Albania receive snowfall during the winter months.

Some of the most popular destinations for snow in Albania include Valbona Valley National Park, Thethi National Park, and Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park. These are also destinations where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Valbona Valley National Park is located in the northern part of Albania and is one of the most beautiful places to experience snow. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, brown bears, wild boars, chamois, and eagles.

Thethi National Park is located in northwestern Albania and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery. The park can receive 5-10 feet of snow each year, making it a great destination for those looking to experience a snowy winter.

Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park is located in eastern Albania and offers some of the best winter scenes in the country. It’s home to vast forests, stunning meadows, and beautiful snowy peaks.

This park receives an average of 6.5 feet of snow each year.

Winter And Snow In Major Cities

Snow And Winter In Tirana

Winter in Tirana is usually cold and damp, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the mid-20s (degrees Fahrenheit) and lows dropping into single digits.

The average snowfall for Tirana during winter is about 5 inches, but this can vary drastically from year to year. Snow generally begins falling in late December and continues until the end of February.

Tirana is a great destination for a winter getaway! With its mix of Eastern European culture and Mediterranean charm, there’s plenty to experience and discover. From festive vibes through the city streets to cozy cafes serving traditional Albanian food, you’ll find plenty to explore during your winter holiday.

Snow And Winter In Shkodër

Shkodër is a picturesque city in Albania that experiences winter weather from November through March. Temperatures can range drastically during this time, as many days hover around freezing (32°F/0°C) and nights may dip down to the low-mid teens (14°F/-10°C).

Snowfall usually begins in December and can last until early March, with the heaviest amounts typically occurring during January and February.

The snow is often wet and heavy in Shkodër due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea. However, this doesn’t stop locals from enjoying winter activities such as skiing, sledding, building snowmen, and having snowball fights. It’s also common to see people playing in the snow-covered parks around town.

Snow And Winter In Durrës

In the wintertime, Durrës is often blanketed with a thick layer of snow that blankets the city and its surrounding areas. The weather in winter can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C at night and only reaching a few degrees above zero during the day. This is due to the cold winds blowing in from the Adriatic Sea.

Although the snow can make it difficult to get around, Durrës is still a great destination for winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. When there’s snow on the ground in Durrës, there are plenty of outdoor places to explore.

One popular activity is trekking through the Bërzhit Mountains, which are located near Durrës. Here you get lost in the peacefulness of nature and admire some stunning vistas. The nearby Mertur National Park is another great spot for enjoying Albanian nature in winter.