Albania in Winter: Weather, Christmas in Tirana, Skiing and What's Open
Updated 2026-10-30 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
Check live weather and mountain conditions →What is the weather like in Albania in winter?
Mild and wet on the coast, cold in the mountains. In Sarandë, December averages 13°C by day and 6°C at night with rain on about 14 days.
| Month (Sarandë) | High | Low | Sea | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 17°C | 10°C | 20°C | 13 |
| December | 13°C | 6°C | 18°C | 14 |
| January | 12°C | 4°C | 16°C | 12 |
| February | 13°C | 5°C | 15°C | 12 |
| March | 15°C | 7°C | 15°C | 12 |
What is Christmas and New Year like in Tirana?
Skanderbeg Square gets a giant Christmas tree and lights, there's a Christmas market, and New Year's Eve fireworks are held in the square.
Christmas (25 December) and New Year are public holidays; shops and restaurants in Tirana stay busy around them.
Can you ski in Albania?
Yes, on a small scale. Dardhë, a mountain village near Korçë, has the Bigell ski area, and Voskopojë is another snowy base nearby.
Snow cover varies year to year; check conditions before you go.
What's closed in winter?
Most hotels, restaurants and beach services in Ksamil and the Riviera villages, and most guesthouses in Theth and Valbona.
Sarandë, Vlorë and Durrës stay open as towns. Butrint is open all year with shorter hours (09:00–17:30 from November to March).
Where should I go in winter?
Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Shkodër: real towns that stay lively all year, with lower prices.
Bring layers, a waterproof and shoes with grip: the cobbles in Berat and Gjirokastër are slippery in rain.