Last updated: January 18, 2025
Korçë, located in southern Albania, experiences a Csb climate classification according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by humid subtropical conditions. The region endures a minimum temperature of -28°C (-18°F) in January, highlighting the potential for severe cold during winter months. In contrast, summer peaks at a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in August, showcasing the contrast between seasons. Annually, the average temperature settles around 11°C (52°F), reflecting a temperate climate that fosters a diverse ecosystem and varying agricultural potential throughout the year.
Korçë, Albania exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with cold winters giving way to progressively warmer conditions in spring and summer. January begins with severe lows of -28°C (-18°F), gradually rising through February and March as the region transitions into spring, where temperatures shift from a minimum of -22°C (-7°F) to a more moderate -14°C (6°F). By April, the climate warms significantly, averaging around 9°C (49°F), and culminating in the balmy summer months of June through August, where maximum temperatures hover around 35°C (95°F). As autumn approaches, September maintains some warmth with averages of 17°C (63°F), but by November and December, temperatures dip again, signaling the return of winter's chill, with minimums hitting -9°C (17°F) in December. This rhythmic fluctuation underscores Korçë's temperate climate, marked by clear seasonal transitions.
Korce experiences a minimum temperature of -25°C (-12°F) in January, escalating to a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Korce. In comparison, Pogradec has slightly milder winter temperatures with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in August, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Pogradec.
Korçë, Albania experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the wettest months concentrated in late fall and winter. January typically sees around 99 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall over 11 days, while February and March maintain considerable precipitation levels with 95 mm (3.7 in) and 94 mm (3.7 in) respectively. The arrival of spring in April brings a slight decrease to 75 mm (2.9 in), followed by a similar drop in June, where 74 mm (2.9 in) is recorded. Notably, May remains comparatively wet with 95 mm (3.7 in), underscoring the transition from spring to summer.
As summer approaches, the region experiences a marked reduction in rainfall, particularly in July and August, where precipitation plummets to 45 mm (1.8 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively, and the number of rainy days decreases significantly. However, the onset of autumn sees a resurgence in rainfall; October receives 58 mm (2.3 in), while November and December are particularly notable, averaging 100 mm (4.0 in) and 127 mm (5.0 in) through 10 and 12 rainy days respectively. This seasonal variability in precipitation plays a critical role in shaping the local climate and ecosystem of Korçë.
In Korçë, Albania, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, reflecting the region's transition from the gloomy depths of winter to the radiant warmth of summer. Starting with 189 hours of sunshine in January, the amount gradually increases, reaching 245 hours in February and soaring to 316 hours in March. This upward trend continues into April, with an impressive 340 hours, and culminates in May, where the days are filled with 397 hours of sunlight. The most luminous month is July, when Korçë enjoys an impressive 428 hours, marking the peak of the sunshine spectrum and emphasizing the region's delightful summer climate.
As summer wanes into autumn, a gradual decline in sunshine hours becomes evident. Despite August maintaining a relatively high 398 hours, September sees a decrease to 345 hours. This decline continues into October with 302 hours, and by November, the days grow shorter with only 247 hours of sunshine, further diminishing to 228 hours by December. This clear seasonal variation, with a peak in mid-summer and a notable reduction in winter, underscores the climatic patterns of Korçë and emphasizes the region's potential for outdoor activities and tourism during the sun-drenched summer months.
In Korçë, Albania, the UV Index demonstrates significant variability throughout the year, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation as seasons shift. During the winter months, January and December have a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV Index begins to climb sharply, reaching a peak of 8 in April and maintaining that same level in the following month of May. By June, the situation escalates further, peaking at an extreme UV Index of 11 in the summer, indicative of high sun exposure risks that necessitate protective measures.
Throughout the summer months of July and August, the UV Index remains at a very high level of 10, meaning that unprotected skin can suffer damage within 15 minutes of exposure. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, falling to 8 in September and 6 in October, where the burn time increases back to 25 minutes. Later in the year, November returns to a moderate level of 4, similar to the winter months, reemphasizing the need for vigilance during the sunnier, warmer seasons when skin protection strategies become increasingly essential.
UV Risk Categories
In Korçë, Albania, daylight duration exhibits a clear cyclical pattern that aligns closely with the changing seasons. The year begins in January with a modest 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases as spring approaches, reaching 11 hours in March. April marks a notable transition, bringing 13 hours, while May enjoys a full 14 hours of daylight, highlighting the onset of longer days. This trend peaks in June, where the sun graces Korçë with 15 hours of daylight, allowing for ample time to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
As summer begins to wane, daylight hours begin to decrease, with July maintaining 14 hours before dropping slightly to 13 hours in August. The reduction continues into September with 12 hours and further declines in October to 11 hours. By November and December, daylight returns to 9 hours, echoing the shorter days seen at the beginning of the year, effectively closing the seasonal cycle. This progression of daylight duration not only shapes the daily rhythms of life in Korçë but also impacts agriculture and local tourism throughout the seasons.
Korce, Albania experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -25°C to 12°C while December often reaches lows of -8°C, with significant precipitation of 116 mm. In contrast, July and August are warm, with average highs around 34°C, and minimal rainfall, around 24 mm and 36 mm, respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 427 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Korce climate.
Pogradec, Albania experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -19°C to 12°C, while July sees highs of up to 32°C. The region receives significant rainfall, especially in winter, with December averaging 120 mm, though the summer months are relatively dryer. Sunshine hours peak in July at 429 hours, providing ample daylight during the height of summer. For more details, visit the Pogradec climate page.
In conclusion, the climate and seasonal patterns in Korçë, Albania, present a compelling narrative of both diversity and rhythm, characterized by variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a stark contrast between its cold winters and warm summers, with a gradual shift in climatic conditions that influences local ecosystems and activities. The significant fluctuations in both sunshine and daylight duration further enhance the allure of Korçë, presenting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and agricultural pursuits alike. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for residents and visitors as they navigate the unique environmental landscape of this picturesque Albanian town.