Albania during summer is a whole different experience. The coastline comes alive, hotel prices stay reasonable compared to neighboring Greece and Croatia, and the mountains open up for hiking season. Whether this is your first trip or a return visit, Albania rewards those who plan ahead.
This guide covers the weather during summer in Albania, top activities, seasonal events, packing tips, and everything else you need for a memorable summer trip.
Weather in Albania in Summer
Summer in Albania runs from June through August. Coastal areas see daytime temperatures between 28°C and 35°C, while inland cities like Tirana and Berat can touch 38°C. The Albanian Alps stay cooler, averaging 17°C to 22°C. July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year.
|
Month |
Avg. High (°C) |
Avg. Low (°C) |
Humidity (%) |
Rainfall (mm) |
|
June |
27 – 33 |
15 – 18 |
76 |
35 – 100 |
|
July |
30 – 33 |
17 – 22 |
55 – 74 |
8 – 18 |
|
August |
31 – 35 |
16 – 20 |
55 |
13 – 40 |
|
September |
24 – 30 |
12 – 20 |
72 – 78 |
78 – 91 |
Rainfall is rare from June to August, especially along the coast. Inland areas can see brief afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains. The sea temperature reaches 24°C to 25°C in July and August, making it ideal for swimming.
If you are checking the weather during summer in Albania before booking flights, schedule outdoor plans for mornings or late afternoons. Midday heat in coastal towns can be intense, particularly in late July and August.
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Why Visit Albania in Summer?
Affordable Mediterranean Beaches
One of the top reasons to visit Albania during summer is the price. Places to stay in Albania during summer are far cheaper than in Greece or Croatia. A budget double room along the coast runs between €20 and €50 per night. Guesthouses in the Albanian Alps cost even less, often under €25 with meals included.
You can stay at beachfront properties in Saranda, Dhërmi, or Ksamil at a fraction of what similar spots charge in neighboring countries.
Budget-Friendly Dining and Transport
Budget tips for traveling to summer in Albania go beyond accommodation. A full restaurant meal averages €5 to €8 per person. Local buses (called furgons) connect most towns for just a few hundred Albanian Lek. A rental car costs around €25 to €35 per day. This makes it easy to enjoy Albania on a budget without cutting corners.
A Country Full of Summer Activities
Albania has something for every type of traveler. From warm Ionian Sea beaches and ancient UNESCO towns to mountain treks and music festivals, activities to do in Albania during summer are varied and plentiful. Most of the country’s best experiences happen outdoors, making summer the ideal season to visit.
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Top Things You Can Do in Albania in Summer
Swim at Ksamil Beach
Ksamil sits at the southern tip of the Albanian Riviera, close to the Greek border. The white sand beaches and turquoise water here often draw comparisons to the Maldives. Three small islands lie just offshore, reachable by a short swim or a paddle boat ride.
This is one of the top tourist attractions in summer in Albania. Arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot, as the best sections fill up quickly by midday.
Walk Through Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Ottoman-era white houses stacked along a hillside. The Kala fortress sits at the top and dates back to the 4th century BC. Inside, you will find Byzantine-era churches, small museums, and stunning views of the Osum River valley.
Berat is also one of the best photography spots in Albania during summer, especially at golden hour when the houses glow against the mountainside.
Visit the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)
The Blue Eye is a natural spring near the village of Muzinë in southern Albania. The water rises from a karst formation at a depth of over 50 meters, and no diver has reached the bottom. The spring maintains a constant temperature of 10°C year-round, so a swim here is brief but unforgettable.
Entry costs around 50 LEK, and the spring is a 2 km walk from the main road. It sits between Saranda and Gjirokastër, making it a perfect half-day stop.
Hike the Valbona to Theth Trail
This 15 to 16 km trail through the Accursed Mountains is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in summer in Albania. The route crosses Valbona Pass at 1,795 meters and connects two national parks. The trail is open from June to October, with July and August offering the clearest conditions.
Family-run guesthouses in Theth and Valbona offer rooms for €15 to €30 per night with homemade meals. Carry cash, as ATMs are not available in either village. This hike is how to enjoy summer in Albania on a budget; the cost is low, and the views are priceless.
Relax on the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera stretches from Vlora to Saranda along the Ionian coast. Dhërmi, Himara, Borsh, and Gjipe Beach are popular stops. Dhërmi has both a long public beach and quieter coves to the south. Borsh offers 7 km of unbroken pebble beach with very few crowds.
The best time to visit Albania during summer for beach trips is late June or early September when the temperatures are warm but the crowds are thinner.
Tour the UNESCO Town of Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is a stone city in the Drinos River valley, recognized by UNESCO for its Ottoman-period tower houses from the 17th century. The 13th-century castle at the top of the town houses a military museum and offers wide views over the valley. The old bazaar below the castle is a great place to pick up local crafts.
Is summer a good time to visit Albania? For cities like Gjirokastër, mornings and late afternoons work best, as midday heat on the narrow stone streets can be tiring.
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Festivals & Events in Albania in Summer
Kala Festival
Kala Festival takes place in Dhërmi on the Albanian Riviera every June. This boutique beachside music event features house, disco, and eclectic music across six open-air stages. All tickets include hotel accommodation, with full-week packages starting from around €375 per person.
The festival runs for a full week, combining music, wellness sessions, and beach days. It is one of the most popular festivals in Albania during summer for international visitors.
Korca Beer Festival
The Korca Beer Festival is held in the city of Korçë, known as the beer capital of Albania. This annual event features live music, traditional Albanian food, and locally brewed beer. The festival brings together locals and tourists for an evening of food, drink, and culture.
Korçë itself is a charming eastern Albanian city with cool summer evenings, making it a welcome break from the coastal heat.
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What You Can Wear in Albania in Summer
What to wear in Albania during summer comes down to comfort and location. Coastal areas call for light beachwear, while cities and religious sites require modest coverage. Fabrics like cotton and linen work best in the heat.
Packing tips for summer in Albania:
- Lightweight, loose clothing in breathable fabrics
- A modest cover-up for mosques, churches, and city areas
- Sturdy walking shoes for cobblestone streets and hiking trails
- Flip-flops or water shoes for pebble beaches
- A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or above)
- A reusable water bottle (tap water is not safe to drink)
- A light jacket for mountain evenings and air-conditioned spaces
Things to avoid during summer in Albania include wearing only swimwear in town centers, hiking without enough water, and leaving valuables visible in parked cars.
Also Read:Beaches in Albania: 24 Iconic Tourist Beaches to Explore
FAQs
How hot can it get in Albania in summer?
Coastal temperatures in Albania during summer can reach 35°C to 38°C. Inland cities like Tirana and Berat sometimes touch 40°C during heat waves in late July and August. The Albanian Alps stay cooler, rarely crossing 25°C.
Can you swim in Albania during the summer?
Yes, you can. The sea temperature along the Ionian coast reaches 24°C to 25°C in July and August. All major beaches remain open, and the water is warm enough for comfortable swimming. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to be in the sea. Beaches like Ksamil, Dhërmi, and Himara are popular spots.
What is the average temperature in Albania in summer?
The average daytime temperature on the coast between June and August ranges from 28°C to 33°C. Nighttime temperatures stay between 17°C and 20°C. August is typically the hottest month, with coastal highs around 33°C and inland areas occasionally reaching 38°C.
Is it sunny in Albania during summer?
Yes. Albania receives around 10 hours of sunshine per day during June, July, and August. These are the driest months of the year, with almost no cloud cover on the coast. UV levels are high, so sun protection is essential throughout the day.
Is it windy in Albania during summer?
Winds during summer are light to moderate along the coast, usually coming from the sea. Albania’s coastal areas rarely experience strong gusts during this season. Brief afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains can bring stronger winds, but these are localized and pass quickly.
Is Albania cheaper in summer?
Albania remains one of the more affordable countries in Europe during summer. A meal at a local restaurant costs €5 to €8. Budget guesthouses on the coast run €20 to €50 per night. Prices do increase slightly in Ksamil and Saranda during peak August weeks, but they still stay well below what you would pay in Greece or Croatia.
What can I see in Albania in summer?
There is plenty to see. Tourist attractions in summer in Albania include the UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye Spring, Butrint National Park, the Albanian Riviera beaches, and the Accursed Mountains. Seasonal foods in Albania during summer are worth trying too. Cold tarator soup, stuffed peppers (speca të mbushura), grilled seafood, and japrak (stuffed vine leaves) are all at their peak during the warm months.
What adventure activities can I do in Albania in summer?
Outdoor adventures in summer in Albania are at their best. You can hike the Valbona to Theth trail in the Albanian Alps, kayak on Lake Koman, take a speedboat tour from Vlora to the Karaburun Peninsula, or cliff-jump at Gjipe Beach.
What are the free things to do in Albania in summer?
You can walk along the Ksamil coastline and swim at public beach sections for free. The old towns of Berat and Gjirokastër are free to stroll through. Sunset views from the Llogara Pass on the coastal highway cost nothing and are spectacular. Hiking trails in the Albanian Alps are free to access. If you enjoy warm weather and affordable travel, summer in Albania is a great time to visit.
