Best time to travel Balkans: seasons for 4 countries

We show you the best time to travel for your Balkan trip. For a long time, travel to the exciting and diverse region of southeastern Europe was impossible due to the breakup of Yugoslavia and the associated Yugoslav Wars. In the meantime, however, many of the countries that comprise the Balkans are on the upswing. In many places, war damage has already been repaired and tourism is beginning to flourish.

Until now, however, only a few places in the Balkans have been affected by mass tourism, which gives a Balkan tour a very special charm, in addition to low prices, unique encounters with locals and endless, beautiful scenic corners. The region is just waiting to be discovered by you. 

Basically, the Balkan region can be visited all year round, but it depends on what your plans are. If you want to visit the stunning coasts and beaches, the best time is spring and summer. However, winter sports enthusiasts will also find very good conditions, especially in Bansko, Bulgaria. City trips are also possible all year round. But let's take a closer look at the climate of some Balkan countries. 

Climate and weather in Montenegro

On the coast Montenegro's has a Mediterranean climate and in the summer months it is dry, hot and mostly sunny here, while the winters are rather mild and free of snow. Temperatures reach around 30 degrees in the warm months and rarely fall below freezing in winter. 

The inland is separated from the coastal region by the Dinaric Mountains and has a predominantly continental climate due to the altitude. Here, too, the summers are usually very warm, but in winter snowfalls are common and it can get comparatively very cold.

Climate and weather in Serbia

The north of Serbia has a temperate continental climate and therefore distinct seasons with extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Summers are very hot, while winters are freezing cold. Thus, it can be said that the best time to visit northern Serbia is late summer, i.e. the months from August to October. The temperatures are pleasant and there is little precipitation.

If you go further into the south of Serbia, you will find an almost Mediterranean climate. In general, the seasons are less pronounced here than in the north of Serbia. This Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. If you want to make a city trip or a hiking vacation in southern Serbia, it is best to arrive in the months of May to October.

Climate and weather in North Macedonia

Northern Macedonia has basically a continental climate, which means that the summer months are hot and dry and in winter it gets very cold and can even snow. North Macedonia can be divided into 3 climatic zones: the east, the west and the mountains.

Northern Macedonia's eastern climate is predominantly temperate continental. While summers are characterized by heat and dryness, winters are considered cold and wet.

On the border with Albania, the influence of the Mediterranean Sea can be clearly felt, which means that a rather Mediterranean climate prevails in the west. Here the summers are very long, warm and dry, whereas the winters are mostly mild and rainy.

The third climatic zone is also located in the west: on the highest mountain in northern Macedonia, Golem Korab, at 2,764 meters, the mountain climate prevails. This entails short, cool summers and icy winters with lots of snowfall.

Climate and weather in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the climate is continental in most parts of the country, but the further east you go and the coast, the more Mediterranean the climate becomes. However, the temperatures hardly differ and are comparable to those in Germany. The summer months are characterized by high temperatures up to 27 to 30 degrees, while in winter temperatures drop to 0. In the coastal regions, winters are somewhat milder at 5 to 10 degrees. If you are planning a beach vacation in Bulgaria, the best time to travel is between June and August.

Were we able to spark your interest in a Travel by this unique region? Then take a look at our Balkans trip by! Here you can also go directly to our German and once to our English packing list for the tour. We are looking forward to seeing you!

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