Peaks of the Balkans - When to go

In a nutshell: The best time to hike the Peaks of the Balkans route is from Mid-June to mid-September. Be prepared to find snow and for accommodation to be closed if you go hiking early.

When is the best time to hike the Peaks of the Balkans Trail?

There is a Norwegian saying: there is no such thing as bad weather, there is only inappropriate clothing. This could be the answer to the question of when to travel to the peaks of the Balkans. However, the question here is when is the best time to enjoy the best weather and go on a hike that is not an adventurous challenge.

Peaks of the Balkans in April

We are usually the first to start the season with a group in April. However, these tours don't usually include the entire route, so we leave out the part from Cerem to Milishevc, as there is more snow there and the guesthouses are not open. So we have shortened the route and made it 5 to 8 days instead of 10.

Peaks of the Balkans in May

In May it's more or less the same, but the weather improves and the crocus flowers bloom next to the snow, making the journey even more enjoyable. Balkan peaks can be climbed in both April and May. In some sections you may need snowshoes and you must have a good figure as the days are shorter and you cannot afford to spend more than 8 hours in the mountains.

The best time to travel by month

When should I go hiking? The actual "season" starts in June and lasts until September, with each month offering its own special features. October is the last month of the year when all guesthouses are open, and it can be a very enjoyable trip considering that the day gets shorter and the risk of longer periods of rain increases.

Balkan Trail in June

Since 2015, June has been a wetter month with fluctuating temperatures that can drop to 5 degrees in some places. However, it remains a very good month for Peaks of the Balkans with occasional showers and almost no very warm days. The days are long and the route is almost empty. The season has just started and the hosts will be in a better mood to welcome you as an omen for a good season.

Balkan Trail in July

July is the most popular month for the Balkan Trail. The holiday season is in full swing and the threat of rainy days is over. The summer flowers are all visible and provide a view of very lush meadows. Everything is in full swing so all the guesthouses are in operation and services are available. The downside in July is that if you don't book in advance, you may have to stay in the worst accommodation or sleep outside. Also, if you haven't booked yet, you may have to pay for more expensive accommodation.

Balkan Trail in August

Contrary to the assumption that August will be full, it is not the busiest month. The temperatures are the same as in July and in some countries the school holidays have come to an end. In terms of the number of people, this month is as busy as July and as warm as July. These two months can probably be treated as one. P

Peaks of the Balkans in September Hiking

September will be less busy and temperatures will drop, but the length of the day will also decrease. The risk of rain begins to increase and there is a possibility of thunderstorms. Nature prepares for winter and the colours begin to change. There will be fewer flowers but more colours. All guesthouses are still open and some may need to switch on the heating as night temperatures may drop below zero.

Peaks of the Balkans in October Hiking

October may be the last month in which you can do the full trial when guest houses are open. These are therefore the latest dates that would be included in the season. The downside is that the risk of rain increases and the days get shorter. On the plus side, however, you can enjoy the unique autumn nature, hiking trails just for yourself and possibly better prices. Balkan Natural Adventure organised several groups in October and most of them had a great time. However, there were cases when the tour had to be cancelled due to several days of heavy rain in a row. During these months, the company offers free cancellation and alternative programmes in southern Albania.

Peaks of the Balkans - November to April

These are atypical times for the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. However, these are months when this region is not a destination. There are very beautiful sections for ski touring and snowshoeing and places like Plav, Valbona and Theth are open all year round. There are guides in the region for special tours and equipment can be hired. The entire trail is possible during this time, but you need to be strong and be prepared to use some of the accommodation without services, which includes food transport. As an adventure company, we would be happy to provide these services.

Summit of the Balkans - when to travel?

There are no rules as to when the best time is. However, the recommendation is June to October. Before June is a favourable time, but some of the guesthouses may not be open, so shorter versions are possible.

Frequently asked questions

When should you climb the peaks of the Balkans?

When should you hike the Peaks of the Balkans? The hiking season starts in May or JuneJune brings more stable weather and milder temperatures - although you can still expect patches of snow in June or at higher altitudes until July. Wildflowers are at their most spectacular in June.

Which month is best suited for the Balkans?

In the June it is still relatively quiet before the start of the European holiday seasonso this is the best time to visit the Balkans and enjoy the sunny days before the tourist crowds arrive. In the July and August the picturesque towns are full of life.

How challenging is the Peaks of the Balkans Trail?

The hike itself is not difficult, although the route leads through some remote areas and is a Average fitness requires. The route is travelled anti-clockwise from Theth (Albania) in 10 stages of between 10 and 25 km.

How difficult is the hiking trail?

The Peaks of the Balkans hiking trail is signposted over long stretches. Good, local guides are available to accompany groups or individuals on the route. The hike follows existing paths and four-wheel drive trails and is not technically difficult - however, the surrounding mountains are high and the weather can change suddenly and dramatically, and the route is mostly very remote. The exit points, where you can abort the trek in an emergency, may be several days apart and may not be in the country you have arrived in.

What about accommodation?

Along the trail there are small guesthouses in villages, many of which are excellent and offer wonderful food and hospitality. Bed linen (sheets, blankets, pillows) is provided, so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag. However, it is a good idea to take a light silk or cotton sleeping bag for a few nights where sleeping arrangements are easier. There are several spots along the route that are suitable for wild camping (note, however, that camping in a national park or nature reserve is prohibited, which at least technically excludes almost the entire route in Montenegro).

Where is the best place to start if you want to hike the peaks of the Balkans?

The rather challenging "Balkans of the Balkans" hiking trail is 192 kilometres long and leads through three countries. The hike can be started in any country: Theth (Albania), Plav (Montenegro) or in the small town of Peja (Kosovo).