Best time to visit Albania by car
What a rental car costs each month, what the weather is usually like and how busy the country gets.
Month by month
- Best for touring and the beach
- Hot and sunny
- Mild
- Rain is likely
- Cold, especially in the mountains
| Month | How busy | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Quiet | Cold, especially in the mountains, where snow can close roads. |
| February | Quiet | Cold, and the quietest month of the year. |
| March | Quiet | Spring begins, but it often rains. |
| April | Moderate | Mild, with some showers. |
| May | Moderate | Warm, with the odd rainy day. |
| June | Busy | Hot and sunny, and far quieter than August. |
| July | Peak | Hot, dry and busy. |
| August | Peak | The busiest month, and as hot as July. |
| September | Busy | Still hot, the sea is warm and the crowds have gone. |
| October | Moderate | Mild, but it may rain. |
| November | Quiet | Often rainy. |
| December | Quiet | Cool and rainy, and cold in the mountains. |
When to go
For touring and the beach: June or September
Hot, sunny days and a warm sea, with far fewer visitors than in July and August.
Cheapest time to rent
Rental prices are highest in July and August and lower for the rest of the year.
July and August
The hottest and busiest months: 1.83 million foreign visitors in July and 2.38 million in August 2025. The cheapest cars are booked first, so book early if you travel then.
Winter
The fewest visitors of the year. It gets cold, especially in the mountains, where snow and ice can close roads.
Frequently asked questions
Outside July and August. Most rental companies raise their prices for the summer peak and keep them close to one level for the rest of the year, so a car costs about the same from October to May. The month-by-month table on this page shows the current typical and lowest daily prices.
Warm. May is pleasant for touring, though it can still bring a few rainy days. June is hot and mostly dry, and the sea is warm enough to swim.
September is one of the best months: it is still hot, the sea is warm and there are far fewer visitors than in August. October is milder but often rainy, so plan for a few wet days.
July and August. In 2025, 1.83 million foreign visitors arrived in July and 2.38 million in August, against 1.33 million in June and 1.26 million in September. Coastal roads and beaches are at their busiest and the cheapest rental cars are booked first, so book early for these months.
Yes, with care. It gets cold in winter, especially in the mountains, where snow and ice are possible and snow can close the road to Theth. Check the road conditions before you set off, ask the rental company about winter tyres or snow chains, and allow extra time.
Sources
- Foreign visitors: arrivals of foreign citizens in 2025, from INSTAT
- Rental prices: the cars listed on Cria, recalculated every day.
