Ljubljana is undeniably among the most uniquely charming cities you’ll ever visit. This small yet vibrant, laidback yet modern European capital has all the perks of a big city while being exceptionally easy to navigate and is an excellent starting point for exploring wider Slovenia.
Truth be told, like Slovenia itself, Ljubljana is a top destination to visit all-year-round. There are always plenty of exciting things to do and interesting sights to marvel at. It depends on individual preferences, of course, so it’s nice to know what to expect according to the time of year.
Although we highly recommend you visit Ljubljana in every season, we’ve nonetheless created a short overview of the city’s features throughout the year that will help you decide on when is your best time to visit Ljubljana.
Ljubljana’s Climate
Ljubljana is strategically situated in a specious basin on the doorsteps of the Alps and holds a near-perfect central position that acts as a crossroads to other major regions of Slovenia, which means it’s affected by the country’s four prevailing microclimates.
Meteorologically speaking, Ljubljana has an oceanic climate, bordering on a humid subtropical climate zone with continental characteristics, such as warm to hot summers and moderately cold winters.
Temperature
Because of its aforementioned location, average temperatures in Ljubljana can vary drastically and are therefore quite difficult to predict. That said, compared to popular tourist destinations worldwide, Ljubljana is known for having very agreeable temperatures.
If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Ljubljana, then June, July and August are your safest bet. July and August are the warmest months with daily highs somewhere between 25 and 30 °C (77 and 86 °F) with temperatures rarely dropping below 62.4°F (16.9°C) at night. On the other hand, January is the coldest month with temperatures mostly lingering around 0 °C (32 °F).
Precipitation
Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the four seasons, yet surprisingly, winter and spring can even be somewhat drier than Ljubljana in summer and autumn. Yearly precipitation is about 1,400 mm (55 in), making Ljubljana one of the wettest European capitals. Thunderstorms are common from May to September and can occasionally be quite heavy.
Snow can be expected from December to February (or later), but snowfall has decreased substantially in recent years. Due to the large marshlands in its vicinity and persistent temperature inversion, Ljubljana is known for its fog (average 64 days of fog per year), mostly in autumn and winter.
Best time to visit Ljubljana by month
Ljubljana in December
If you want to experience a winter fairy-tale in Ljubljana, then December is definitely the jolliest month of the year. Ljubljana’s wacky light decorations are true art installations you will never get tired of admiring. There’s a different theme every year and the streets and squares are transformed into gorgeous outdoor venues for various types of events.
Christmas markets are a big thing in Ljubljana in December. Temperatures are low but spirits are high. And so are prices. The winter high season means you should book your holidays in advance, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly.
Ljubljana in January
January is marked by fewer tourists, a greater chance of snow as well as cheaper accommodation and activities. You can go ice skating, skiing, sledding or attend ski events in the mountains. It also makes visiting other popular attractions, such as Postojna Cave or Lake Bled, both a short drive away, or to enjoy the less crowded landmarks and museums in the capital.
Ljubljana in February
February is even colder, but that doesn’t stop Ljubljana from being a hot destination. It may sound unlikely, but February is quite popular among foreign visitors. 8 February is National Day of Culture, and museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions are free-of-charge.
Slovenia’s pagan Halloween-style carnival called Pust takes place throughout the country, and Ljubljana is a great place for seeing a mardi gras procession in the center of town.
Ljubljana in March
March is when spring begins to awake in Ljubljana. The weather gets warmer, days longer, and the proper tourist season is still far enough for you to enjoy a less crowded Ljubljana. March isn’t that rainy, so sightseeing in Ljubljana and its surroundings is superb. People venture into the streets, the Open Kitchen food market is open for business, and the parks become more inviting.
Skiing is still on the menu, as are major ski events, like the Vitranc Cup at Kranjska Gora Ski Jumping World Cup Finals, both of which are a stone’s throw away from Ljubljana.
Ljubljana in April
Springtime is here! Easter celebrations and various other festivals in and around Ljubljana take center stage. The weather is warmer yet unpredictable. Wet spells are common, so you should always plan on packing enough of everything. Hiking, cycling, and water activities can be enjoyed without the crowds, and Ljubljana’s nearest ski resort Krvavec usually has excellent skiing conditions well into April. Coincidently, April is also the least humid month, and strolling around our capital becomes very inviting.
Ljubljana in May
May in Ljubljana is a flagship month of great weather and balmy temperatures. The nearby mountainous regions become more accessible. In fact, the entire country opens up, and Ljubljana, Europe’s greenest capital, is in full bloom during this pre-peak period. The arboretum on Ljubljana’s outskirts is therefore a must, as are Ljubljana’s botanical gardens and numerous parks.
You can also venture on the 35-km circular path called “Walk along the Wire”, an annual event commemorating the occupation of Ljubljana in WW2. It’s probably the best way to feel Ljubljana’s small yet versatile character from different viewpoints.
Ljubljana in June
Summertime is knocking on Ljubljana’s door in June. The heat is on! Well, the temperatures are steadily climbing and the weather is sweet. June is already a time for booking your Ljubljana holidays and accommodations in advance. It’s advisable to make arrangements before the end of school (3rd week of June), because as the springboard city for exploring Slovenia, visitors to Ljubljana should consider discovering the country’s highlights before the summer season.
In terms of events, Ljubljana in June welcomes the Jazz Festival and the start of the Ljubljana Festival as well as other lively goings-on that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Ljubljana in July
The first scorching month is here. Although many locals migrate to the mountains or the Croatian coast, July in Ljubljana is still very busy. Expect the riverside to be jam-packed with tourists and something happening on every major street and square in Ljubljana. But when the hustle and bustle get too much, you can always retreat to Ljubljana’s amazing countryside. Yes, rural areas with lush forests and picturesque villages are a bike ride away.
Ljubljana in August
Another hot month in Ljubljana, August is also prone to quite a few random showers and summer storms. The mountains are calling this time of year, and many locals answer that call. But prices rise and accommodations become scarce as Ljubljana becomes a transit destination for waves of European tourists who stop off here on their way to the coast.
Staying in Ljubljana in August supplies you with a great deal of outdoor activities and opportunities to mingle in the lively cafes and open markets. Music festivals are another trend passed on from July, so be ready to get your groove on.
Ljubljana in September
The kids are back in school and the weather is still pleasant and stable in Ljubljana and the mountains without the sporadic summer storms. With the number of tourists dropping significantly, September is perfect for hiking and mountain climbing, cycling, etc., and sightseeing around Ljubljana becomes less hectic, and accommodation prices also begin their steady decline.
Ljubljana in October
The weather starts to cool and autumn enters Ljubljana in all its pretty colors. Due to favorably mild weather conditions, October in Ljubljana is also the busiest month. But do pack an umbrella, as October is the wettest month.
That said, visiting the city’s attractions is much easier without the summer crowds of tourists, which might make October the ultimate time to visit Ljubljana. Grape harvest begins and wine is served at numerous interesting events. The Ljubljana Marathon kicks off and the Festival of Slovenian Film is open for business.
Ljubljana in November
November is cold but quiet. It’s when Ljubljana is the least crowded and most affordable. St Martin’s day brings delicious wines to Ljubljana’s street stands and festivals are everywhere, including the Ljubljana Wine route, where locals and tourists mingle over a tasty glass of wine. All Saints Day lights up the cemeteries to create a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
