Last updated: January 18, 2025
Shkodër, Albania, experiences a diverse climate characterized by three distinct Köppen-Geiger classifications: Cfb (Oceanic), Dfb (Continental), and Csa (Mediterranean). This varied climatic backdrop provides a rich tapestry of seasonal changes. The minimum temperature can plummet to a frigid -24°C (-12°F) in January, while summers can be scorching, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 38°C (100°F) in August. Overall, the region enjoys a moderate average temperature of 14°C (57°F), making Shkodër a locale of climatic contrasts that shape its unique environmental and cultural landscape.
Shkodër, Albania, exhibits marked seasonal temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months bear the brunt of cold, with January recording a chilling minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and averaging just 2°C (37°F), gradually rising to -10°C (15°F) in April. As spring unfolds, temperatures steadily increase, peaking in April with highs of 30°C (86°F). The transition to summer brings warm and even hot conditions, particularly in July and August, where maximum temperatures reach 37°C (99°F) and 38°C (100°F), respectively, alongside pleasant averages around 24°C (76°F). As the autumn months approach, temperatures begin to cool, with average highs declining to 14°C (58°F) in October and lows dipping to -6°C (22°F) in November. This cycle reflects the dynamic climate of Shkodër, showcasing both the harshness of winter and the warmth of summer.
Shkoder and Velipoje share similar climatic extremes, with both locations experiencing a minimum temperature of -9°C (16°F) in January and a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in August. For more details on the temperature variations throughout the year, visit the monthly temperatures in Shkoder and monthly temperatures in Velipoje.
Shkodër, Albania, experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, displaying distinct seasonal patterns. Winter months are particularly wet, with December leading the charge at 303 mm (11.9 in) and an average of 15 rainy days, followed closely by November at 208 mm (8.2 in). January and February also receive substantial rainfall, averaging 183 mm (7.2 in) and 198 mm (7.8 in), respectively. This creates a pronounced wet season in the late fall and winter months, contributing to the lush landscapes in and around Shkodër.
As the year progresses into spring and summer, the precipitation decreases noticeably. April sees a reduction to 118 mm (4.6 in), while June experiences the driest conditions with only 72 mm (2.8 in). The summer months of July and August are particularly arid, recording minimal rainfall of 48 mm (1.9 in) and 34 mm (1.3 in), respectively, with only a handful of rainy days. This shift from wet to dry conditions underscores the Mediterranean influence on the climate of Shkodër, where a substantial portion of the annual precipitation occurs during the cooler months.
Shkodër, Albania, experiences a robust variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a noticeable increase from winter to summer. January begins with a modest 181 hours of sunshine, but as the days lengthen in February, sunshine hours rise to 242 hours. By the time spring arrives, there is a marked upward trend, with March, April, and May offering increasingly bright days, peaking at 396 hours in May. This transition illustrates a significant seasonal shift, suggesting that the region emerges from the cold, cloudier winter months into a vividly sunlit spring.
The summer months continue this trend, with July standing out as the sunniest month, basking in an impressive 430 hours of sunshine. Although sunshine hours slightly decline in August to 400 hours, the brightness remains abundant. As fall approaches, sunshine begins to wane, with September bringing 344 hours, and further decreasing to 213 hours by December. This seasonal cycle emphasizes Shkodër's characteristic Mediterranean climate, where summers are vibrant and sunny, while winters are more subdued, showcasing the region's diverse atmospheric conditions throughout the year.
The UV Index in Shkodër, Albania, exhibits marked seasonal fluctuations that highlight the importance of sun safety throughout the year. In the winter months, January and February see a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure before the risk of harm increases. As spring arrives, the UV Index escalates significantly, reaching 7 in March and peaking at 8 in April. This trend underscores the essential precautions that should be taken as the risk of skin damage starts to intensify, especially with a burn time of just 15 minutes during the peak months of spring.
Summer in Shkodër brings the highest UV Index levels, consistently hitting 10 in both June and July, when exposure becomes very high and reduces burn time to a mere 15 minutes. Although August maintains a UV Index of 9, the risk remains serious, and sun protection is crucial. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, with October recording a 6 and reverting to a moderate 3 by November, while December presents a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer sun exposure without significant risk. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of adapting sun-safe practices and awareness as the year progresses.
UV Risk Categories
In Shkodër, Albania, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, revealing the stark contrasts between the seasons. January and December each offer about 9 hours of daylight, representing the shorter days typical of winter. As the year progresses into February and March, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 and 11 hours, respectively. This trend continues into spring, with daylight stretching to 13 hours in April and peaking at 14 hours in May, as the days grow longer and brighter.
The onset of summer enhances daylight even further, with June offering 15 hours—the longest duration of the year—providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Following this peak, daylight begins to decline again in July, back to 14 hours, and further to 13 hours in August. As fall approaches, September reports 12 hours, tapering off to 11 hours in October, and returning to 9 hours by November. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the dynamic nature of Shkodër's daylight exposure, inviting residents and visitors to revel in longer days during the warmer months while preparing for the shorter days of winter.
Shkoder, Albania, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -9°C to 17°C, while July can peak at 38°C. Precipitation is highest in the winter months, especially in December with 328 mm, and significantly drops during the summer, with only 34 mm in both July and August. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in July with 431 hours. For more detailed information, visit Shkoder climate.
Velipoje, Albania experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January temperatures range from highs of 17°C (63°F) to lows of -9°C (16°F), while summer months see averages around 26-27°C (79-81°F). Precipitation is highest in November (245 mm) and December (328 mm), contributing to a relatively wet winter season. Sunshine hours peak in July at 431 hours, providing ample sunlight during the summer months. For more detailed information, visit Velipoje climate.
In conclusion, Shkodër, Albania, showcases a distinct climate characterized by its diverse temperature patterns, varying precipitation, abundant sunshine, and fluctuating UV Index and daylight duration throughout the year. The region experiences a rich tapestry of seasonal changes, from cold winters with shorter days and moderate UV exposure to warm summers marked by significant daylight and high UV levels, necessitating protective measures against sun damage. As the seasons shift, residents and visitors alike can appreciate the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that thrive under Shkodër's unique climatic conditions, reinforcing the importance of understanding and adapting to the environment for well-being and enjoyment.