Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Gostivar, North Macedonia, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfb, indicating a temperate oceanic climate with no dry season. This region experiences a striking temperature range, with minimums plunging to -28°C (-19°F) in January and maximums soaring to 33°C (92°F) during the peak of August. The average annual temperature hovers around 9°C (48°F), illustrating the diverse seasonal variations that characterize this locale. Such climatic conditions not only influence the local ecosystem but also play a significant role in the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the inhabitants.
In Gostivar, North Macedonia, temperature patterns display significant seasonal variation, reflecting the region's temperate climate. Winter months, notably January and December, experience the coldest temperatures with minimums plunging to -28°C (-19°F) and -20°C (-4°F), while average temperatures hover around -3°C (27°F) and 1°C (33°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March showcasing an increase in both minimum and average values, reaching a maximum of 21°C (70°F). By May, warmer days arrive, peaking at 28°C (82°F), and the summer months of June through August maintain high averages around 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (92°F), offering a stark contrast to the frigid winter. In early autumn, temperatures begin to cool again, with September and October displaying a gradual decline, as minimums dip to around -1°C (31°F), signaling the transition back to winter temperatures by December. This pronounced seasonal cycle not only enhances the region's biodiversity but also impacts local agricultural practices.
Forino, Dolna Banjica, and Gostivar all experience significant temperature variations throughout the year, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -28°C (-18°F) in January and maximum temperatures soaring up to 33°C (92°F) in August. For detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Forino, monthly temperatures in Dolna Banjica, and monthly temperatures in Gostivar.
Precipitation in Gostivar, North Macedonia, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with the winter months of January and February receiving substantial rainfall of 89 mm (3.5 in) and 80 mm (3.2 in), respectively. As spring progresses, March sees a slight increase to 91 mm (3.6 in), while April maintains a similar level at 80 mm (3.1 in). The transition into late spring and early summer brings the highest precipitation, peaking in May with 111 mm (4.4 in) and remaining elevated through June at 107 mm (4.2 in). This period is characterized by frequent rainfall, contributing to a wetter climate essential for the region's biodiversity.
In contrast, the summer months experience a notable drop in precipitation, with July and August receiving only 64 mm (2.5 in) and 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, respectively. This decline continues into early autumn, where September records just 36 mm (1.4 in), the lowest monthly total for the year. However, October sees a slight rebound with 62 mm (2.4 in). November returns to wetter conditions with 76 mm (3.0 in) before December closes the year with 104 mm (4.1 in), often wet and snowy. The number of rainy days peaks between May and June, aligning with the wettest months, while the drier months of July and August typically see fewer rain days, averaging around 8 to 9 days of precipitation.
In Gostivar, North Macedonia, sunshine duration exhibits pronounced seasonal trends, with a steady increase from the depths of winter to the peak of summer. January begins with a modest 183 hours of sunshine, gradually rising in February to 245 hours. As spring unfolds, March and April bring a significant uptick, reaching 311 hours and 339 hours, respectively. This upward trajectory culminates in the summer months, where intensity peaks in July with 430 hours of glorious sunshine, reflecting the region's shift to drier and sunnier conditions, ideal for outdoor activities and agriculture.
However, as autumn approaches, a decline in sunshine hours signals the transition to cooler months. August still boasts a healthy 398 hours, but by September, sunshine hours drop to 346 hours, and the decline continues into October with 299 hours. The decrease continues through November and December, with only 239 hours and 221 hours of sunlight, indicating the return of winter conditions. Notably, the summer months of June and July are the brightest, while the winter months struggle to provide substantial sunlight, emphasizing the significant role of seasonal changes in influencing the overall climate and lifestyle in Gostivar.
In Gostivar, North Macedonia, the UV Index exhibits significant variability throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes in solar intensity. During the winter months, January starts with a UV Index of 3, categorized as moderate, which allows for a relatively safe exposure time of 30 minutes before sunburn risk increases. As February rolls in, the index rises to 5, still moderate, but the sun becomes more potent, prompting continued caution. Spring brings a marked change, with March reaching a UV Index of 7 (high), where the burn time decreases to 25 minutes, and further escalation occurs in April with a UV Index of 9 (very high), necessitating protective measures within just 15 minutes of sun exposure.
The summer months see the UV Index peak, with June attaining an extreme level of 11, leading to a burn time of only 10 minutes. July and August maintain very high indices of 10, requiring vigilant sun protection for 15 minutes of exposure. As autumn approaches, a gradual decline is observed, with September recording a UV Index of 8 and October dropping to 6 (high), allowing for longer sun exposure times of 25 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index falls to 4 (moderate) and 2 (low), respectively, allowing for extended exposure time of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. Throughout the year, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike to prevent sun-related health risks.
UV Risk Categories
Gostivar, North Macedonia, experiences significant variations in daylight duration throughout the year, closely tied to the seasonal progression. In January, residents experience only 9 hours of daylight, a trend that gradually improves as spring approaches. By February, daylight increases to 10 hours, and continues to lengthen in March with 11 hours. The arrival of April marks a notable shift, with daylight extending to 13 hours, reaching a peak in June with 15 hours. This maximum daylight duration is followed by a slow decline as summer gives way to autumn, with July and August offering 14 and 13 hours respectively.
As autumn arrives, daylight begins to wane, with September recording 12 hours and October decreasing further to 11 hours. The trend continues into November and December, where daylight shrinks back to 9 hours. This cyclical pattern of increasing and decreasing daylight not only influences daily activities and lifestyle in Gostivar but also plays a critical role in the agricultural practices and the ecosystem, highlighting the rhythm of life aligned with natural light availability throughout the year.
Cegrane, North Macedonia experiences a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F), while July sees warmer highs around 32°C (89°F). Annual precipitation is highest in May, reaching 109 mm (4.3 in), and sunshine hours peak in July at 430 hours. This region enjoys a significant variation in weather, making it an intriguing area for climate study. For more details, visit Cegrane climate.
The climate in Dolna Banjica, North Macedonia, features cold winters and warm summers. January and February experience the lowest temperatures, with averages around -3°C (27°F) and 1°C (34°F), respectively, while July and August see highs of approximately 32°C (89°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 109 mm (4.3 in) but generally decreases during the summer months. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 430 hours. For more detailed information, visit Dolna Banjica climate.
Forino, North Macedonia experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -28°C (-18°F), while July averages around 19°C (67°F) and can reach up to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is highest in May (109 mm) and lowest in September (35 mm), contributing to a varied seasonal weather pattern. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 430 hours. For detailed information about the climate, visit Forino climate.
The climate in Gostivar, North Macedonia, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) with significant snowfall, while July enjoys much milder conditions with averages of 19°C (67°F) and ample sunshine, reaching up to 430 hours. Precipitation peaks in May with 109 mm (4.3 in), contributing to lush landscapes. Visitors can expect a mix of weather throughout the year, making it essential to plan accordingly. For more details, visit Gostivar climate.
Korito, North Macedonia experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -28°C (-18°F) while reaching an average of -3°C (27°F), with significant precipitation peaking at 89 mm in March. Summers are warm, with July and August averaging around 20°C (68°F) and high sunshine hours, peaking at 430 in July. Notably, the highest rainfall occurs in May at 109 mm. For more detailed information, visit Korito climate.
The climate in Srbinovo, North Macedonia, features cold winters and warm summers, with January temperatures ranging from -28°C to 11°C and July temperatures reaching up to 33°C. Precipitation peaks in May with 109 mm, while the driest months are September and August with 35 mm and 61 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer, reaching 430 hours in July, but drop significantly during winter months like January (183 hours). For more detailed information, visit Srbinovo climate.
Vrutok, North Macedonia experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January is the coldest month with average temperatures around -4°C (26°F) and significant snowfall, while July sees highs up to 31°C (88°F) and the most sunshine at 430 hours. Precipitation is highest in May, reaching 123 mm (4.8 in), but is relatively lower during the summer months. The region enjoys prolonged daylight, especially from late spring to summer, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Vrutok climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Gostivar, North Macedonia, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The marked differences between winter and summer not only reflect the region's temperate oceanic climate but also influence the lifestyle, agricultural practices, and outdoor activities of its residents. With cold winters that yield to warmer, sunnier summers, the patterns of sunshine and daylight enhance the appeal of outdoor environments while necessitating awareness of UV exposure, particularly during the peak months. As the ecosystem responds to these climatic nuances, Gostivar presents a dynamic backdrop where nature and human activity harmoniously interact with the seasons.