Tirana is the largest city in
Albania, serving as its capital city too. It is known not only for being one of the sunniest cities in Europe, but also one of the wettest. The city sprang into life in 1614 and thrived through the Iron Age and the Roman Empire to become the vibrant economic, political, financial, and tourism hub it is today.
Tirana is located in the heart of Albania, within the Tirana Plains, near the Mediterranean Sea, which significantly influences its climate. The capital is surrounded by mountain ranges and hills with the dominant Mt. Dajt to the eastern side overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The cityscape of Tirana is comprised of colorful Ottoman and Soviet-era architecture blended with stunning modern skyscrapers. The Skanderbeg Square is the focal point of the city, and it contains numerous varying designs of pastel buildings surrounding national hero at its center. Among the buildings in the square is the National History Museum, hosting a vast collection of artifacts and unique art and craft pieces, some dating back into the early 1990s.
Visitors like to visit the pyramid monument that has today been transformed into an exhibition space and a nightclub. The spot is excellent for people watching, strolling, and photography, as well as a memorable nightlife experience. More scenic views of the city can be afforded at the top of Mount Dajt, via cable rides to its summit.
When to visit Tirana
Tirana experiences a humid subtropical climate of Köppen classification Cfa. It borders closely on the Mediterranean climate of Köppen classification Csa, with a slight difference in the amount of rainfall received in summer. The weather is generally characterized by hot, dry, and humid summers and mildly cold and wet winters.
Rainfall in Tirana is received more from mid-autumn through winter and spring, extending from mid-
October through mid-
May. The rainiest month happens to be
November, with 172mm (6.8") of precipitation and an average of sixteen rainfall days.
July is the driest month of the year, receiving barely more than 42mm (1.7") in precipitation from only four rainy days in the month.
Annual temperature highs average 21.3°C (70.3°F) - with summer having as high as 31.3°C (88.3°F), and the winter approximately 13.2°C (55.8°F) on the warmest days. Lows range between 1.8°C (35.2°F) in winter and 17.5°C (63.5°F) in summer. Extremely hot days are rare, as are extremely chilly days, as the weather is regulated mainly by the Mediterranean seasons.
Summer, between May and
September, is an excellent time to visit Tirana. The season has warm and pleasant days that are dry and humid for any outdoor activities. Most of the events in the city are held around this time; another reason why more visitors are touring Tirana in summer.
One of the major festivals is the Summer Festival, which is held in
June, marked with numerous indoor and outdoor parties full of music and dance. Easter is celebrated on varying dates between
March and
April to mark the end of the lent season for Christians. Between November and
December, Tirana holds the annual International Film Festival to award and celebrate notable people within the industry. On other varying dates, the Muslims in Tirana hold their Ramadhan Festival to mark the end of the holy month with feasts, parties, and colorful decorations.