The best time to visit Kosovo, season by season

01Spring (April to May)

Days are mild, roughly 15 to 25 °C, with some rain. The countryside is green, the cities are not crowded and the lower trails around Peja and Prizren are open. High mountain trails may still have snow.

02Summer (June to August)

The hottest and busiest season. In the valleys, days are often 25 to 30 °C or more, so cities are best in the morning and in the evening. The mountains are cooler, and this is the time for hiking in Rugova and the Sharr Mountains.

It is also festival season: DokuFest, the documentary film festival in Prizren, is held in early August. Many families from the diaspora visit in July and August, so expect busy roads and restaurants, and book ahead.

03Autumn (September to October)

Mild days, less rain than in spring and fewer visitors. Autumn is a good time for walking at lower altitudes and for the grape harvest in the wine country around Rahovec. Bring a warm layer for the evenings.

04Winter (December to March)

Cold, with snow in the mountains and sometimes in the cities. The Brezovica ski resort in the Sharr Mountains runs between about 900 and 2,500 m, and January is usually the best month for snow. It is small and far less developed than the big Alpine resorts, which is part of its appeal. Mountain roads can need winter tyres or chains.

05Which season for what

• check_circleHiking and the mountains: June to September.
• check_circleSkiing: January and February, depending on snow.
• check_circleCities, food and cafés: spring and autumn, when it is comfortable to walk.
• check_circleFestivals and long summer evenings: July and August.
• check_circleWine and harvest: September and October.