October is the middle of fall in Albania, and while higher-altitude locations will start to feel cool, coastal areas are pleasant and suitable for days at the beach. The shoulder season means some resorts begin to close up shop for the winter, but this is a great time to travel to Albania if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying great weather. Find out where to go and what to do in Albania in October.

Weather

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, yet there's some variation between the coast and the mountains, with the latter typically a few degrees cooler than the coast year-round. October is fall in Albania, and you can expect cool nights but warm days in many places. For example, the temperature range in the capital of Tirana in October is 50-73°F (10-23°C). 

Rainfall is typically higher in fall than in the summer, and winters are especially wet in Albania, so plan your outfits and itinerary accordingly.

Crowds & Costs

October is the shoulder season for travel to Albania, and many foreign tourists think fall is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant for various outdoor and cultural activities, whether you have your sights on the coast, the mountains, or the ancient towns and cities.

Warm sea and air temperatures well into October make this month a good time to plan a coastal trip, but be aware that some beach resorts and restaurants on both the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea coasts start to close in October for the low season. You may prefer to base yourself in a coastal city such as Sarandë than a smaller coastal town where businesses close for the winter.

Where to Go

To tick off nature, culture, and physical relaxation in one pretty destination, check out the southern town of Permet, near Gjirokastër. Nicknamed the "city of roses," Permet is known for its folk music, wine, raki (traditional alcoholic drink made from fruit), and sweets. There are thermal springs in the town that are a great way to warm up or soothe your body after a hike in the nearby Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park, Albania's largest national park.

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What to Do

Albania has exciting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other archeological parks and remains, and the pleasant weather of October makes wandering around these outdoor sites a great activity this month.

Berat in central Albania is beloved for its Ottoman architecture set on a hillside and is a lovely place to explore. Southern Butrint, near the border with Greece, has the remains of Greek and Roman cities. The Butrint National Park contains layers of history from many centuries and is also a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance. Its location near Sarandë, on the Albanian Riviera, makes it an excellent spot to combine with a day or two at the beach.

Events in October

Tirana Marathon, Tirana. This annual race in the capital typically draws over 2,000 participants from around the world and many more spectators.

Traveling to Albania in October? Check out these great itineraries

Classic Albania - 8 Days. Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. Take in many of the country's highlights: see ancient ruins in Butrint National Park, stroll the seaside promenade of charming Sarandë, and tour multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

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 en route.

More Helpful Information

Albania in September
Albania in November
Best Time of Year to Visit Albania
Albania Tours & Itineraries