When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Tirana?
The best thing about Tirana, the Albanian capital city, is that every time of the year has something to offer visitors. Tirana is one of the liveliest towns of the Balkan Peninsula, plenty of museums, festivals and events that take place every month. Though the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the first days of spring, and very warm during summer, the town has plenty of surprises that will fascinate you.
January
Albanians celebrate New Year’s Eve in great style: It is considered as one of the most important festivities of the country, so Tirana is the best place to visit in Albania at this time of the year. If you have friends in town, you will probably be invited to dine with them; there are many excellent restaurants in town. Then, go to Mother Teresa square to admire fireworks and participate in the biggest party of the year.
Rainfall: 10 days
Temperatures: 43.7°F (6,5°C).
February
February is a laid-back time to visit Tirana, there are few tourists because weather is still not great. But if you love museums and art galleries without crowds, this is a great time to reach the Albanian capital city. A full immersion art tour comprises a visit to BunkArt, BunkArt2, House of Leaves and the National History Museum. All four museums are worth a visit, but if you don’t have enough time and want to admire the town, we strongly suggest you go see BunkArt, the majestic coveted bunker located in the outskirts of Tirana.
Rainfall: 10 days
Temperatures: 45.5°F (7,5°C)
March
It’s springtime in Albania! March is great for discovering Tirana. Why? On the fourteenth, Albanians celebrate a national holiday called Dita e Verës, which means “the day of summer.” Despite the biggest celebrations taking place in the city of Elbasan (located one hour by car from Tirana), the capital city of Albania is home to gorgeous events, such as concerts, parades and festivals all day long.
Rainfall: 11 days
Temperatures: 46.4°F (8°C)
April
Spring is in full swing and the city gives its best in April, temperatures are not warm yet, but the weather is mostly sunny and rarely rains. Easter is the main festivity of this month, and Albania celebrates both Catholic and Orthodox Easter – so be prepared to eat a lot. We suggest you visit the new market of Tirana, Pazari i Ri, where you can get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year.
Rainfall: 10 days.
Temperatures: 54.5°F (12.5°C)
May
The best time of the year to visit the parks and gardens of Tirana is May. If you want to spend a green weekend, go straight to Liqeni Artificial, the artificial lake of Tirana frequented by locals to relax and enjoy the beautiful panorama. Beside the lake, Tirana has plenty of small gardens throughout the city. Take a tour of the street art in Tirana too: The Albanian capital city is a lively and colorful destination that will surprise you.
Rainfall: 9 days.
Temperatures: 62.6°F (17°C)
June
June is a great time to come to Tirana, not just because the town is vibrant and lively at this time of the year but also, because of the many sunny days, you have the chance to admire every single thing the town offers. Every June Tirana hosts the Open Air Festival, an event dedicated to electronic music at the Artificial Lake.
Rainfall: 5 days.
Temperatures: 69.8°F (21°C)
July
July can be very hot in Tirana so generally it’s not the best time of the year to visit the town. Tourists arrive in Tirana to spend few hours to visit the main landmarks of the city and then escape to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. In the outskirts of Tirana there are several places to relax; we suggest you visit Syri I Cyklopit, a beautiful natural pool located on the street between Tirana and Elbasan, or Kanionet e Erzenit, a gorgeous canyon where one can swim on the warm days.
Rainfall: 3 days
Temperatures: 74,3°F (23,5°C)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZSUD9gks6/?taken-at=152862418621709
August
To escape the warm temperatures, reach Mount Dajti, a mountain just 25 km east of Tirana. Locals used to come here to escape the chaos of the city and to relax surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes. The Austrian-made cable car, Dajti Express, takes 15 minutes to lead you to the top of the mountain.
Rainfall: 3 days.
Temperature: 76.1°F (24.5C°)
September
One of the best times to visit Tirana is September. The weather is still good but not too warm, and you can still spend the days outside. Spend some time in Blloku, the coolest district of Tirana, once reserved for the communist elites; do some shopping and take your time to enjoy the café culture of the Albanian capital city.
Rainfall: 5 days.
Temperatures: 68.9°F(20.5°C)
October
Tirana is the cultural center of Albania and hosts several events throughout the year; it’s also home to the Tirana Literature Festival, a fair that takes place every October and organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture (IDMC) and Allianz Kulturstiftung Berlin, in cooperation with the Albanian Ministry of Culture. If you are in Tirana at this time of the year, you have the chance to meet some of the most famous writers of the country.
Rainfall: 7 days.
Temperatures: 60.8°F (16°C)
November
November is usually a rainy month in Tirana, but don’t worry, the town has plenty of interesting things to do. For example, you can spend several hours visiting the gorgeous National Gallery of Arts, a beautiful art space that conserves over 5,000 artworks from the 19th century to the present day. At the end of November, Tirana hosts the most famous event of the country, TIFF – Tirana International Film Festival – a must for every cinema connoisseur.
Rainfall: 12 days.
Temperatures: 52.7°F (11.5°C)
December
The most magic time of the year turns Tirana into a fairy tale town. You’ll see beautiful Christmas decorations in Skanderbeg Square, the largest square of Tirana and Albania, which for this special occasion is transformed into a winter village with wooden houses, a giant Christmas tree and a lovely carousel where children love to spend their time.
Rainfall: 12 days.
Temperatures: 46.4°F (8°C)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcX-ngHHWM-/?taken-by=albania.tourism
When not to go to Tirana
The best times of the year to visit Tirana are spring and autumn. Generally speaking, the town has warm temperatures during the summer. Visitors and locals spend their time in the coastal towns that time of year.
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