Guide to Romania Weather Year Round
We’ve said it before, and we’ll continue to say it, Romania is inescapably one of our most favourite countries in the world. Unlike the UK, Romania’s seasons are noticeable and definable, with snow falling in winter and sun shining in summer. The country is a fantastic year-round destination and has something to appeal to all manner of travellers. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer looking for your next adventure, a culture extraordinaire or a family looking to explore somewhere a little different, Romania is the perfect place!
Its weather has a year-round appeal, depending on what you’re looking for. For snow seekers, then winter is perfect as you can hit the slopes and enjoy a quality ski season for a lower price than France or Austria. Equally, the months of June, July and August offer sweltering summer days of blissful sunshine, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s in July and August this year. If you would like to travel to this beautiful country, check below to see which time best suits you!
Winter
December: Warm away the chills in one of the coldest months of the year by enjoying the vibrant Christmas markets in the capital of Bucharest. They are known throughout the continent as some of the largest and best to visit, so if you’re looking to get into the festive spirit, then these will be perfect for you! Despite its reasonably southerly position, Romania still experiences bitterly cold weather in December; like many other countries in Europe. If you visit during this month expect to wrap up with multiple layers as temperatures often dip below freezing, especially in the colder northern areas which include the Carpathian Mountains.
January: Perhaps the coldest month of the year, January can hold some beautiful experiences, despite being very chilly. Temperatures also frequently drop below freezing and typically hover around 3-4 degrees Celsius. January sees plenty of snowfall, which is perfect for those who want to hit the slopes. Equally, cities such as Brasov and Bucharest are beautiful when blanketed in white.
February: Although still cold, temperatures start to creep up and less often drop below 0 degrees Celsius. Snow is still prevalent, especially in the mountains. February is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for a cold holiday with a touch of adventure as the Ice Hotel experience is still available and is the prime time to visit. You can also visit Poiana Brasov for a great time skiing at the heart of the country, without having to venture to the northern areas.
Spring
March: As the snow starts to melt in the south of the country, the mountains will retain their white caps as the north is still a little colder. Temperatures begin to move more regularly into double figures for the first time in the year, typically ranging between 7 and 14 Celsius. The days also start to draw out, offering roughly 12 hours of daylight per day. The countryside begins to regain some of its spring colour and can offer some fabulous views.
April: Most days in April will be in double figures temperature-wise, meaning you won’t need to be wrapped up and can wear light jackets and t-shirts on warmer days, especially in the south. Snow will have melted across the country, and hiking and biking trails will begin to reveal themselves, both in the north and across the rest of the country. The end of April will start to warm up; therefore, this can be a good time to visit for sunshine days without the intense heat of summer. We’d also suggest you take some time to experience Transylvania during your stay, the central region of the country, perfect for exploring during springtime.
May: May is one of our favourite months to visit, with temperatures frequently hitting 20 Celsius and upwards on sunny days, offering between 14 and 15 hours of sunlight. May is a fantastic time to visit the Danube Delta, as you’ll be comfortable to spend extended periods out in the sun without overheating. It’s also a great time to explore the main central cities of Brasov and Bucharest, offering balmy temperatures for walking and biking. May is still considered a shoulder month on the Black Sea Coast, which means better prices and fewer crowds can be found. Cities such as Constanta can be reached by flying to the Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport; although, you’ll likely need to fly from either Luton or London City Airport (from the UK).
Summer
June: June is the month where everything starts to heat up in the country; the weather, the events and the tourism all begin to take off. If you visit Romania in June, expect temperatures in the mid-20s, often approaching the 30s. June is a perfect time to head out into Romania to explore the mesmerising countryside and discover the array of Romanian castles. Drive along the Transfagarsan, also known as the best road in the world, and marvel at the views over the horizon.
July: The hottest day in the year often occurs during July, with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s. This may be a little too warm for some, so if you’re not a fan of the heat, we’d suggest waiting a couple of months before visiting. For those in search of some sun, the Black Sea Coast is a popular location to visit with stretching beaches and plenty of seaside cafes and bars. In the city, regular events take place which you’ll be able to enjoy such as music and art festivals, and plenty of street food and markets. There are also lots of bars and cafes with outside seating, so you’ll never be far from somewhere to relax and cool off with a cold drink.
August: Perhaps the most common month for people in Europe and the UK to travel, August is very busy in Romania, both on the coast and in the city. Temperatures stay similar to July with roughly 14 hours of sunlight. If you have children, this may be the only month available to travel; therefore, we’d suggest waiting until the end of the month where temperatures begin to be a little more bearable for younger travellers. Typically, later in the afternoon will be the warmest part of the day, so we’d suggest heading out in the morning to explore and having the afternoon free to relax in the sun.
Autumn
September: As the kids go back to school, crowds tend to become less intense, especially in the cities and coastal resorts. September, like May, is a fantastic time to visit the country, especially for those looking for a deal. If you’re visiting northern areas, then you may start to experience a little bit of a chill; however, in southern regions temperatures can still regularly reach into the low and mid-20s. September is also a great time to explore the Danube Delta in the east and visit the amazing Zarnesti Bear Sanctuary at the heart of the country. You can also expect to see changes in the landscape with colours of flora and fauna adapting to the changing weather. September is also a great time to enjoy the local produce, with fruit, vegetables and other foods having been grown and harvested during the summer months.
October: October is a perfect month for outdoor adventures, as temperatures will have dropped during the day leaving moody backdrops and dramatic vistas. If you choose to head into the Carpathians, then you’ll be rewarded with top-notch views and breathtaking hiking routes. Be prepared for rain though as you’ll likely encounter a few showers during your trip. October is also a great time of year to visit the many castles of Romania (and there are many!), including Bran and Peles.
November: Temperatures continue to fall in November, you may even experience your first taste of below freezing! Rain is common this time of year with roughly ten days in the month. Typically you’ll see nine or ten hours of daylight, with early evenings and darker mornings. On clear evenings, it’s a good chance to explore the street food and head out to one of Bucharest’s amazing restaurants to sample some of Romania’s fine cuisine. Wrap up warm though as nights can be very cold indeed! On clear and crisp days, hiking and biking can be a great way to see the country, although we’d recommend packing extra layers to account for changes in weather and temperature.
No matter when you’re planning to make the trip to Romania, make sure you check out our blog before you go as we have plenty of general travel tips and Romania specific articles. You can also book an adventure holiday to the country through us; we have a range of offerings throughout the year which you can find on our Romania page here!