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Travel Talk BlogBest Time To Visit the Balkans
The best time to visit the Balkans is from April to December when the weather is pleasant for enjoying the coast and the inland attractions from Greece to Serbia. Spring and autumn offer breathtaking views across the diverse region, and the weather is ideal for cultural trips to the historic sites that have been home to numerous empires.
Summers are hot and busy in the Balkan countries. From June to August, the coastal paradises of Dubrovnik and Kotor are bustling with life. It is a great time to witness memorable music and art festivals in the iconic cities and spend warm evenings surrounded by spectacular architecture.
In winter, chilly weather and snowfall dominate the climate in the inner regions like Macedonia and Serbia. Coastal countries have warmer weather, but precipitation levels are high across the Balkans throughout the winter.
Monthly Travel Guide For the Balkans
Travelling in the Balkans in January and February
January and February are the coldest months in all of the Balkans. Temperatures may be as low as -5°C inland, and weather in the mountainous countries is crisp, bringing heavy snowfall. As the skies are dark with clouds most days, it is not the best time to visit the Balkans for capturing the views of the cozy countryside and the ancient towns.
Travelling in the Balkans between March and May
Spring is the best time to visit the Balkans, as the changing countryside hosts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes. Temperatures rise in March, but occasional rains last till early April. So, packing up for wet weather is recommended.
The beach season on the coast slowly begins in April as the days get longer and the weather is moderate. April and May offer the best sceneries and the ideal temperatures for traveling across the diverse land of the Balkans and enjoying the ageless cities on the way. These are also the shoulder months, meaning that you will find the streets and historic sites less busy than in summer.
Travelling in the Balkans between June and August
June to August, temperature varies in the high 20s, rising above 30°C in Albania and Montenegro. It is the busiest time in the iconic cities and the peak season for cultural festivities. June is relatively quieter before the European holiday begins, making it the best time to visit the Balkans and enjoy sunny days before the flocks arrive.
In July and August, the picturesque towns are buzzing with life. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the unique local tastes and music shows on breezy evenings.
Travelling in the Balkans in September
September is one of the best months for both cultural tours in the inner regions and enjoying the vibrant city life on the coast. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels with an average of 25°C. The end of the holiday season leaves the coastal cities. It is the best time to visit the Balkans to find the must-see attractions quiet again.
Travelling in the Balkans in October and November
Balkans tours have a lot to offer in the fall shoulder season. The weather is still comfortably warm in the south, while northern countries like Serbia begin experiencing cooler weather. Rainfall is more frequent from mid-November, especially in the coastal towns of Croatia and Montenegro.
If you have the right clothing for the chilly weather, autumn is the best season to enjoy some refreshing time in the Balkan countryside surrounded by fairytale-like streets and buildings.
Travelling in the Balkans in December
December is a cold month across the region, bringing rain and snow to the mountains and the Adriatic coast. However, it offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views as you travel across the diverse geography of the Balkans.
Authentic town life is at its best at this time of year when the locals are preparing for New Year’s Eve. The colorful Christmas markets and dazzling lights offer a unique festive spirit in the historic cities. Pack up warm layers as the temperature usually drops below zero in the inner regions.
Balkans Climate & Weather Guide
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 2°C | 4°C | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 22°C | 16°C | 7°C | 3°C |
| Belgrade | 3°C | 5°C | 10°C | 15°C | 23°C | 26°C | 29°C | 29°C | 24°C | 18°C | 11°C | 3°C |
| Sarajevo | 1°C | 2°C | 11°C | 14°C | 20°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 22°C | 16°C | 7°C | 2°C |
| Dubrovnik | 11°C | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C | 27°C | 24°C | 20°C | 15°C | 12°C |
| Budva | 7°C | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C | 27°C | 23°C | 18°C | 14°C | 9°C |
| Ohrid | 2°C | 3°C | 10°C | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 22°C | 16°C | 10°C | 3°C |
| Skopje | 1°C | 5°C | 11°C | 15°C | 22°C | 27°C | 30°C | 29°C | 26°C | 19°C | 10°C | 3°C |
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 36°F | 40°F | 49°F | 58°F | 66°F | 73°F | 78°F | 78°F | 72°F | 61°F | 46°F | 38°F |
| Belgrade | 40°F | 44°F | 54°F | 64°F | 74°F | 80°F | 84°F | 84°F | 75°F | 65°F | 52°F | 42°F |
| Sarajevo | 36°F | 42°F | 52°F | 58°F | 68°F | 73°F | 78°F | 78°F | 72°F | 61°F | 46°F | 37°F |
| Dubrovnik | 52°F | 53°F | 57°F | 62°F | 70°F | 77°F | 82°F | 82°F | 76°F | 69°F | 59°F | 54°F |
| Budva | 44°F | 46°F | 51°F | 57°F | 64°F | 72°F | 79°F | 80°F | 73°F | 65°F | 58°F | 48°F |
| Ohrid | 40°F | 42°F | 50°F | 56°F | 65°F | 72°F | 78°F | 78°F | 72°F | 61°F | 50°F | 42°F |
| Skopje | 38°F | 46°F | 56°F | 64°F | 73°F | 81°F | 86°F | 85°F | 79°F | 67°F | 51°F | 41°F |
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 81 mm | 53 mm | 93 mm | 89 mm | 106 mm | 131 mm | 87 mm | 40 mm | 48 mm | 68 mm | 42 mm | 59 mm |
| Belgrade | 84 mm | 86 mm | 85 mm | 62 mm | 140 mm | 127 mm | 65 mm | 43 mm | 61 mm | 86 mm | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| Sarajevo | 61 mm | 54 mm | 55 mm | 52 mm | 69 mm | 59 mm | 34 mm | 21 mm | 27 mm | 41 mm | 43 mm | 53 mm |
| Dubrovnik | 142 mm | 128 mm | 117 mm | 109 mm | 84 mm | 70 mm | 50 mm | 61 mm | 94 mm | 129 mm | 175 mm | 167 mm |
| Budva | 152 mm | 132 mm | 116 mm | 62 mm | 59 mm | 53 mm | 21 mm | 19 mm | 55 mm | 116 mm | 201 mm | 127 mm |
| Ohrid | 52 mm | 38 mm | 40 mm | 42 mm | 58 mm | 45 mm | 39 mm | 33 mm | 38 mm | 37 mm | 44 mm | 35 mm |
| Skopje | 79 mm | 69 mm | 84 mm | 83 mm | 91 mm | 64 mm | 30 mm | 24 mm | 48 mm | 65 mm | 66 mm | 67 mm |
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 13 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| Belgrade | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sarajevo | 4 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 10 |
| Dubrovnik | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Budva | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ohrid | 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Skopje | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 8 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 8 km/h | 8 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 8 km/h |
| Belgrade | 11 km/h | 12 km/h | 12 km/h | 11 km/h | 10 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 8 km/h | 9 km/h | 10 km/h | 11 km/h | 11 km/h |
| Sarajevo | 8 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 8 km/h | 8 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 6 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 8 km/h | 8 km/h |
| Dubrovnik | 16 km/h | 17 km/h | 16 km/h | 13 km/h | 12 km/h | 11 km/h | 11 km/h | 10 km/h | 12 km/h | 13 km/h | 15 km/h | 16 km/h |
| Budva | 12 km/h | 13 km/h | 12 km/h | 10 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 10 km/h | 10 km/h | 11 km/h | 12 km/h |
| Ohrid | 8 km/h | 9 km/h | 8 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 6 km/h | 6 km/h | 6 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 8 km/h |
| Skopje | 7 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 8 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | 7 km/h |
When to visit the Balkans
Trips to the Balkans in Spring and Fall
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the Balkans for a trip filled with unique culture and history. As the Balkans covers a vast geographical area of diverse natural wonders, the changing scenery across the countries will provide you with the most satisfying photographic experience. The warm and sunny days make it an ideal time to enjoy long walking tours in the coastal paradises of Montenegro and Croatia, as quiet time and local delicacies await in the inner cities.
It is the best time to visit the Balkans since autumn brings mild weather and clear blue skies. From September to early December, the ageless woodlands in the countryside are painted with vibrant reds and oranges, creating a fascinating atmosphere. Sightseeing and cultural tours among the chapels and monasteries in the southern regions and admiring the architectural wonders in the northern countries become a joyful experience in fall. From the waterfalls and lakes of Bosnia-Herzegovina to the hilltop towns of Delphi, the countryside hosts golden views and a unique perspective of nature. Our All About Balkans trip offers the perfect combination of culture and leisure time in the highlight attractions of the Balkans from spring to fall.
The Balkans from April to September
April to September is an exciting time for Balkans tours, as long hours of sunlight and warm weather make traveling comfortable and pleasant. Around late June, the lively coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Kotor are buzzing with summer vibes. As tourism hits the top in the summer months, the cozy cafes and bars of the old towns turn into hotspots of great nightlife.
It is also an ideal time for local festivals, which are hard to miss as you travel across the region. Shows in the open-air Roman amphitheaters and beaches take place from June to August, offering the chance to witness the most vibrant times in the Balkan countries. For panoramic city tours, a lively atmosphere, and perfect weather to enjoy the Adriatic coast, April to September is the best time to visit the Balkans.
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