Weather
With a Mediterranean climate, Albania sizzles in July. Or, more specifically, lowland coastal areas sizzle, with temperatures above 100°F (38°C) not uncommon (although average highs are more like 82°F/28°C). Towns at higher altitudes are a bit more comfortable. Rainfall is low in summer, so expect clear skies for outdoor activities.
Crowds & Costs
July is peak tourism season in Albania, as residents of Tirana in particular flock to the nearby Albanian Riviera on the southern Ionian Sea Coast. Sarandë gets especially busy during this month, and accommodation and restaurant costs can be double what they are in the off-season.
However, in general, Albania gets far fewer tourists than nearby countries such as Greece, Croatia, or even Montenegro. If you avoid the busiest parts of the Riviera in July, you probably won't encounter crowds, sky-high prices, or have difficulty booking rooms.
Where to Go
Albania can be scorching hot in July, and that's either great news for you (if you want to hang out on a beach and cool off in the sea) or something to be avoided. While the Albanian Riviera and the beaches around Sarandë are popular for good reason, they also get the most crowded. For a less congested and more affordable beach getaway, head north to the Adriatic Sea coast, where you can find plenty of beach-side resorts with fewer crowds. Velipojë Beach is the northernmost beach of Albania, near the border with Montenegro and the city of Shkodër. Shkodër is renowned for its arts and culture.
An alternative to the coastal beaches is to head to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid, shared with North Macedonia. As the lake's beaches can get pretty busy in summer, late spring and early fall are alternate good times to visit.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Lovers of music and traditional culture have another reason to head to Albania's mountains in July: to attend the annual Za Fest (although it sometimes occurs in August). This music festival is dedicated to telling the stories of the Albanian Alps through song and dance, as well as other arts and sports. The small town where it's held, Theth, is in northern Albania in the Alps, not far from the border with Montenegro.
Alternatively, if you want to head to southern Albania, check out the Fustanella Festival in Gjirokastër. The festival features a range of music but has a traditional folk flavor, as fustanella refers to a traditional item of men's clothing that's somewhat like a kilt. Gjirokastër is an ancient city overlooked by a fortress and is certainly worth checking out, whether or not you make it to the festival.
Events in July
Za Fest, Theth. "Za" means voice or sound in Albanian, and the Za Fest celebrates Albanian songs and music. It's held annually in Theth, a beautiful town in the northern Albanian Alps region. The festival is sometimes held in August.
Fustanalla Festival, Gjirokastër. A folk music festival that pegs itself as going back to the roots and celebrating Albania's traditional culture.
Traveling to Albania in July? Check out these great itineraries
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days. In one week, you'll explore mountainous terrain and small villages through the remote regions of northern Albania and Kosovo. Start near Lake Skadar and see the ancient Rozafa Castle; continue through the Albanian Alps to the scenic Rugova Valley and much more.
Driving Southern Albania: Lake Ohrid to the Albanian Riviera - 9 Days. Explore three UNESCO World Heritage cities, discover ancient ruins at the archaeological parks of Butrint, Antigonea, and Apollonia, and enjoy spectacular alpine scenery along the way.
More Helpful Information
Albania in June
Albania in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Albania
Albania Tours & Itineraries