Weather in Albania in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Albania in March run from 15.0°C (Tirana) to 15.2°C (Saranda). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Albania in March. Nights average 5.9°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Tirana fall to 1°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 12 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Tirana the driest (11 days) and Saranda the wettest (12 days). The wettest March at Saranda between 1991 and 2020 was 2018 with 297 mm; the driest was 1994 with 8 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 14.3°C around Albania in March - warmest at Saranda (14.5°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Albania

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Albania. It is 2.8°C warmer than February and 3.3°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (31°C) and the coolest January (11°C).

Which part of Albania in March?

• Most sunshine: Tirana, 5.7 h a day.
• Driest: Tirana, about 11 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Saranda, 15°C.
• Hottest: Saranda, 15°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Tirana, 15°C.

What to pack for Albania in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 15°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 6°C; a rain jacket - roughly 12 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Albania's March daytime average: Majorca (17°C, sea 14°C), Antalya (16°C, sea 17°C), Kusadasi (16°C, sea 16°C), Porto (16°C, sea 13°C), Alanya (16°C, sea 17°C). See the full ranking for March.

Saranda or Tirana: choose for the evenings

There is little reason to choose between Saranda and Tirana on daytime warmth alone: both average 15°C. Saranda's advantage comes after dark, with nights averaging 7°C against Tirana's 5°C. That makes Saranda the better fit if you want a coastal stay with slightly less chilly evenings, though you will still need a jacket. Tirana has a small advantage on rain, with 11 rainy days compared with Saranda's 12, but neither is a reliably dry choice. Choose Saranda for time beside the sea, not extra daytime heat; choose Tirana if swimming is not part of your plans.

Expect walking weather, not beach heat

The sea averages 14°C, so March does not suit a holiday built around comfortable swimming. Time beside the water is a more realistic plan than long spells in it. Average sunshine of 5.6 hours gives some scope for enjoying the outdoors, but it is not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. Pack layers that you can adjust as conditions change, a waterproof outer layer and shoes you are comfortable walking in when it is wet. Keep outdoor plans flexible rather than depending on a dry afternoon, and retain a warm layer for evenings even after a pleasant day.