The climate of Skopje
The city of
Skopje, situated in
Macedonia, falls under the Cfb Köppen climate classification. This signifies a marine west coast climate with warm summers. It results in a mix of comparatively high rainfall levels coupled with moderate temperatures. Over the year, variations in weather parameters are recorded, creating a distinct seasonal cycle.
Temperature fluctuations in Skopje range from a low average of -2°C (28.4°F) in the coldest month to a high average of 29.6°C (85.3°F) in the hottest month. A peak in the observed temperatures occurs about mid-year, typically in the month of
August, while record low temperatures are recorded at the beginning and end of the year. The city experiences a shift in the humidity levels over the year, with a maximum of 80% in the coldest months and a reduction to 54% during the warmer months.
Rainfall distribution in Skopje varies over the year, peaking in the second quarter with an average of 35mm (1.38") and tapering off toward the third quarter of the year. The months of
March,
April, and
May receive the highest rainfall, while the dry months are at the end of the second and start of the third quarter. In contrast, the occurrence of snowfall is primarily confined to the colder months, with minimal snowfall recorded from March to
November.
The best time to visit Skopje
Based on the weather paterns, the optimal time frame for travel to
Skopje extends from late spring to early autumn. During this period, Skopje boasts comfortable temperature averages ranging from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F). The lower humidity, registered between 54% and 68%, enhances the prospects of outdoor activities. Furthermore, the notable increase in daylight hours, peaking at 15.2 hours in
June, offers an extended exploration window.
The worst time to visit Skopje
Visitors are often dissuaded from travelling to
Skopje from late autumn through to early spring, primarily due to the challenging weather conditions. The average temperature during these months ranges between -2°C (28.4°F) and 11.3°C (52.3°F). Coupled with this, the chances of snowfall increase significantly. The days are considerably shorter, with daylight duration falling to 9.2 hours in
December.
Spring weather in Skopje
Spring in
Skopje experiences a distinct upturn in weather conditions. The average temperatures in this season range from 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F). Concurrent with the increasing temperatures, there is a surge in rainfall, from 20mm (0.79") in
February to a peak of 35mm (1.38") in
April. Despite this, the daylight and sunshine hours progressively extend, offering visitors opportunities for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Skopje
Summer is characterized by high temperatures hovering between 21.1°C (70°F) and 29.6°C (85.3°F). This season registers the least amount of rainfall, allowing for uninterrupted recreational activities. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine combined with lower humidity levels offer the best conditions for exploration and indulging in the city's outdoor attractions.
Autumn weather in Skopje
The transition from Summer to Winter is marked by the Autumn months with temperatures dropping from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 12.6°C (54.7°F). The rainfall start increasing and hit a high of 28mm (1.1") in
November. The decreased daylight hours and lowering visibility make the conditions less ideal for tourists during this time.
Winter weather in Skopje
Winter in
Skopje is marked by low temperatures and increased snowfall. The average temperatures oscillate between -2°C (28.4°F) and 6.4°C (43.5°F) during the period. In these cooler months, the rainfall lessens to approximately 23mm (0.91"), all the while the city experiences snowfall, reaching a high of 66mm (2.6") in
January. Limited daylight hours and declining sunshine hours mark this period, making it less appealing for visitors.
Weather in January
The weather in
January in
Skopje,
Macedonia includes a mixture of snow and rain, with cold temperatures. The highest daytime temperature usually sits around 4.3°C (39.7°F) while the nights dip down to -2°C (28.4°F). This month experiences a notable amount of snowfall, with about 66mm (2.6") falling over approximately 4-5 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter continues to hold sway in
Skopje,
February brings marginally warmer weather when compared to
January. The amount of snowfall decreases to about 51mm (2.01"), giving way for more rainfall. The temps begin a slow upward trend, hinting at the approaching spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the arrival of spring in
Skopje, with the weather turning noticeably milder. The city still experiences a mix of rain and snow, though snowfall decreases in comparison to
February. Temperatures increase steadily, reaching a high of 11.3°C (52.3°F) during the afternoons.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a definitive move into the spring season. There is a significant improvement in temperature from
March to April, with the lowest temperature rising to 6.3°C (43.3°F). Snowfall gives way completely to rain, marking the changing climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May brings about sunny, warm weather in
Skopje. The temperatures keep climbing, with the evenings remaining comfortably warm. Skopje witnesses no snowfall in May, and rainfall decreases in comparison to
April. The city truly comes alive under clear skies, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. As April transitions into May, Skopje notices a gentle rise in the average high-temperature, transitioning from an enjoyable 16.5°C (61.7°F) to an agreeable 21.1°C (70°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the summer season in
Skopje. The temperatures tend to soar, reaching scorching highs averaging at 25.4°C (77.7°F). This peak marks the beginning of the hottest months of the year. It's an ideal time for sun-lovers to visit as Skopje receives the longest daylight hours during this month. With the onset of June, Skopje's average high-temperature sees a modest rise, moving from
May's agreeable 21.1°C (70°F) to a warm 25.4°C (77.7°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July typically presents the warmest weather in
Skopje. Dry and sunny days dominate and the temperatures hit a peak for the year, averaging at 28.8°C (83.8°F) during the day. Rainfall decreases significantly in comparison to
June, signaling the height of the Macedonian summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to be characterized by hot, sunny weather conditions similar to
July, but with slightly reduced daytime temperatures, reaching a high of 29.6°C (85.3°F). Sunshine is still abundant and August is generally considered the brightest month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks a shift from summer to autumn in
Skopje. The temperatures begin to fall, offering respite from the summer heat. Even as rainfall begins to increase, the city still boasts significant amounts of sunshine each day.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about a visible change in
Skopje’s weather. The temperatures continue to drop, but remain mildly warm during the day. Compared to
September, October sees a significant decrease in the number of sunshine hours. The city adopts the full charm of autumn, with foliage adding a colorful touch to outdoor vistas. Welcoming October, Skopje observes a shift in the average high-temperature, falling from September's moderately hot 24.1°C (75.4°F) to a refreshing 17.7°C (63.9°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather turns significantly colder in
November, signaling the arrival of winter in
Skopje. Sunshine hours drastically reduce as the city prepares for the coldest months ahead. The onset of winter brings the first snowfall after the summer, although only a minimal amount of 4mm (0.16") in the later part of the month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December fully ushers in winter, bringing
Skopje’s coldest weather, with the maximum temperature averaging at 6.4°C (43.5°F) and the minimum around 0.1°C (32.2°F). It is also a time of significant snowfall, with approximately 35mm (1.38") expected throughout the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]