Valbona Valley National Park: The Hidden Gem of Albania
Discover the breathtaking Valbona Valley in Albania's highest region. Hike through stunning landscapes, enjoy friendly people and delicious cuisine.
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Gjirokastër.
Located in southern Albania, Gjirokastër is one of the country's oldest cities. Its historic center, along with that of Berat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's well-preserved historic center has narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses with tower-like structures, giving it a unique and picturesque charm.
Gjirokastër has a Mediterranean climate, though its inland location reduces the influence of the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. As a result, light night frosts can occur in winter. Summers are pleasantly warm, sometimes even hot. Most precipitation falls in winter, while the summer months are almost dry.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Gjirokastër - and find the best time to visit.
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Gjirokastër. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 30°C (86°F) in August to a chilly 10°C (50°F) in the coolest month, January.
Nights vary from 18°C (64°F) in August to around 1°C (34°F) during the colder months.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Gjirokastër has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1470 mm (58 in) of rain/snowfall annually. The climate in Gjirokastër shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect heavy rainfall in November, the wettest month, with an average of 229 mm (9 in) of precipitation over 14 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 27 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall over 5 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Gjirokastër Precipitation page.
For those who appreciate different seasons, Gjirokastër serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in July with an average of 12.6 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 3.8 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Gjirokastër.
The city experiences its highest humidity in November, reaching 75%. In July, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 57%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
May, June and July typically offer the most optimal weather in Gjirokastër. In contrast, January, February, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Gjirokastër has a distinct dry season from July to August, with warm summers and cold winters.
Daytime highs range from 10°C (50°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 1°C (34°F) to 18°C (64°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
Annual rainfall is around 1470 mm (58 in). November is the wettest month with 229 mm (9 in), while July is the driest with 27 mm (1.1 in).
Gjirokastër receives around 2,676 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 378 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 115 hours. Overall, Gjirokastër enjoys abundant sunshine.
Gjirokastër is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Valbona Valley National Park: The Hidden Gem of Albania
Discover the breathtaking Valbona Valley in Albania's highest region. Hike through stunning landscapes, enjoy friendly people and delicious cuisine.
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