What’s the best time to go to Slovenia?
Although the best month to visit Slovenia varies according to one’s preferences, it is useful to know what to expect depending on the time of year. That’s why we’ve assembled an overview of Slovenia’s seasons in terms of weather, crowdedness, and prices.
Slovenia has all four seasons, and many popular destinations, including Ljubljana, Maribor, Lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, and the coast, are very appealing all year round. However, there’s a much greater number of attractions to enjoy in this diverse country, and each season has its own perks that help you do so.
Slovenia in spring
Springtime in Slovenia stretches from March to May. As is it typical for a continental climate, the weather can be quite unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean a wide array of outdoor activities and sightseeing options aren’t available.
In fact, many of these come highly recommended this time of year. The tourist season hasn’t officially started, which translates into fewer crowds at popular landmarks and lower accommodation prices.
Early spring in Slovenia is characterized by wet and windy spells and clear and sunny days. March in Slovenia can therefore be a bit of a gamble weather-wise. With the average rising gradually from 3°C the mountains are still off-limits (except for skiing), but lower hills and valleys are already fine for exploring on foot or by bike.
April in Slovenia can even be wetter than March, but it’s actually a great time of year to visit Slovenia. Warming temperatures (12°C is an average high) and sunnier days come with plenty of festivals and outdoor activities. The Easter holidays are excellent for family adventures, and as May approaches, the coast can see temperatures enter their 20s, making an early-summer break very appealing.
May is also among the best times of year for visiting Slovenia. Cycling holidays, day trips, and hitting the wide network of hiking trails are absolutely fantastic. There’s no scorching heat, and although the influx of foreign and domestic tourists is on the rise, sightseeing conditions with affordable prices are phenomenal.
Besides conveniently high yet bearable temperatures and less rainfall, visiting Slovenia in June promises incredible pre-summertime adventures. Basically, you can engage in all the super fun water-based sports, hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, caving and the likes, without the swirling crowds of July or August.
There are numerous festivals in major and smaller urban areas that can be enjoyed without the threat of summer storms. Slovenia in June does demand some booking in advance, but traveling to anywhere in the country, be it the mountains or the coast, certainly comes highly recommended.
Slovenia in summer
From late June till late August, Slovenia’s summer holidays are in full swing. It’s by far the most popular time of year to visit Slovenia. Blue skies and temperatures exceeding 25 °C (often lingering around 30 +) are only spoilt by the odd shower that comes in the form of a summer storm.
Pre-booking for this time of year becomes obligatory, as popular destinations, like Lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, Ljubljana, Piran, Koper, Triglav National Park, Bovec, etc. are packed with holidaymakers.
Slovenia in July is excellent for retreating to the mountains or getting your tan on at the coast. Although sunscreen weather begins in May, July truly is a scorcher, so packing summer outfits is a good tip to follow. However, the mountainous region does require warmer layers, as temperature shifts up there are quite dramatic.
Slovenian towns and villages can see slightly more people walking around, especially foreign visitors, but even during this high peak, the streets rarely feel overcrowded, as many Slovenes tend to migrate to the Croatian seaside or seek shade in the mountains.
August in Slovenia continues to bring the hot weather, especially in the country’s flatlands and along the Adriatic. Prices can rise quite steeply this time of year in Slovenia, so do keep that in mind when planning your holiday. Every outdoor activity can be enjoyed, yet do take the crowds around popular destinations into consideration.
If you’re not hiking in the mountains or swimming in the lakes and the sea, then watching life go by from a shady café with a cool beverage in hand should hit the spot. A number of festivals, outdoor gatherings, and shows will also keep you entrained day and night if you visit Slovenia in summer.
Slovenia in autumn
Visiting Slovenia in autumn (September to November) definitely has some amazing perks. The days are still warm enough for outdoor pastimes, the summer crowds disperse, prices decrease, and Slovenia’s natural world is draped in beautiful colors.
Slovenia in September is wonderful. The weather is more predictable (although quite wet). The Adriatic is still more than attractive for swimming, as are certain alpine lakes. Heading to the Triglav National Park and hiking in the mountains has a special charm to it, as do other sporty activities.
As autumn progresses, temperatures drop but the reasons for coming over to the sunny side of the Alps rise. Some say the best month to visit Slovenia is October. It’s certainly one of the loveliest months in terms of autumn colors, food and wine festivals, convenient weather conditions for activities (just bring enough clothes), popular destinations are even more accessible and prices are low. Booking, however, is once again advisable in advance due to the aforementioned appeals of October.
Slovenia in November is quite damp and foggy, which makes it most suitable for urban holidays and cultural indulgence. It’s the best month for visiting Slovenia if you want to go museum and gallery hopping, cave and castle exploring, and sightseeing around famous landmarks without the crowds.
Wine season is officially open, and although days are becoming shorter and temperatures chillier, there are always plenty of things to see. Winter is in the air and the towns and countryside are engulfed in a kind of mysterious veil that makes them uniquely charming.
Slovenia in winter
For many, winter (December to February) is the best time of year to visit Slovenia. The place is absolutely stunning. Winter wonderland stuff straight out of a fairy tale.
The mountains and valleys are getting covered in that powdery goodness that offers amazing opportunities for skiing, ski-touring, sledding, ice-climbing, and the likes. Although temperatures drop to nil or below freezing, there’s nothing that packing a warm wardrobe can’t handle.
Slovenia in December might sound dark and cold, but in fact, it’s bright and… well, still cold, but worth it! Christmas markets in every town have their game on. Especially the capital Ljubljana is packed to the brim with holiday cheer and festivities of various forms. Mulled wine, tasty goodies, and pretty handicraft stalls are booming. As are the streets which can get quite crowded with tourists and locals. But hey, that’s half the charm.
Visits to popular places like Lake Bled or Kranjska Gora should be booked well in advance and you should expect the prices to be a tad higher than in autumn.
Visiting Slovenia in January means looking forward to even colder temperatures, the occasional snowy spell, but mostly lots of fun at the country’s ski resorts that promise uncrowded slopes and breath-taking views. Families can look forward to a superb winter itinerary in Slovenia, with excellent ski schools and après-ski activities in nearby towns like Maribor, Bled, and Ljubljana.
In terms of budget, accommodation, and restaurants become super affordable this time of year. Even the coastal region is very appealing in wintertime with much milder temperatures than up north. It’s the best time of year to go to Slovenia if you want to catch some international winter sports events, enjoy the uncrowded streets, get some skiing done, and take advantage of the lower prices.
February in Slovenia is still very off-season and splendid for cultural holidays and sightseeing, while also being the busiest ski month of the year. With spring approaching, Slovenia is alive with Mardis-Gras-style celebrations in the form of countrywide folk festivals, great culinary offers, and affordable pastimes. But do keep in mind that locals often tend to venture on their ski-related holidays this time of year, so booking accommodations and restaurants in advance is a good idea.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of what to expect, when is your best time to visit Slovenia?
Hint: We have your back with excellent Slovenia Holidays regardless of when you decide to enjoy our awe-inspiring country.
