Best time to go to Romania for a perfect weather and where to go?
Julie Parment and Tony Samson last update: 13/11/2024When is the best time to go to Romania?
The best time to visit Romania is from April to October, with ideal weather conditions in August and September. This is the time of year when you can fully enjoy all the wonders Romania has to offer. From well-preserved medieval towns to various castles, including the infamous Bran Castle linked to the Dracula legend, to the Black Sea coastlines and mountain landscapes, there's plenty to do! The rest of the time, Romania is much less popular with vacationers, as you can expect low temperatures and regular snowfall. However, the country can be an original destination to enjoy the delights of the snow!
When to visit Romania based on your interests?
- For a city trip to Bucharest, the best season can extend from March to November. Indeed, you will always find a nice bar or restaurant to warm up, and the sun is usually present despite the cool temperatures during the off-seasons.
- For hiking, know that the country is a paradise. Trails are set up throughout the territory and offer an incredible variety of landscapes! For hiking, it's best to go between April and October. If you plan to go to higher altitudes, choose the summer months, between July and September. You will then be almost sure to have good weather and perfect temperatures for day hikes or even multi-day trekking. Don't hesitate!
- For relaxing and unwinding on the beach, the Black Sea coast is ideal between June and the end of September. However, July and August are very crowded along the entire coastline, which can spoil the fun. Want tranquility? Choose June or September. The water is pleasantly warm for swimming without getting cold, all hotels are open, and the beaches are well-maintained, unlike the rest of the year.
- For diving, the entire summer period is recommended, as visibility is at its peak. In the Black Sea, wrecks are particularly well-preserved due to the low salinity of the water, but it's also possible to dive into the depths of multiple lakes and glacial lakes to discover spectacular caves.
- To experience the magic of the holiday season, go to Bucharest in December. The city becomes enchanting with its sparkling Christmas markets and numerous festivities. If the cold and snow don't scare you, you can extend your stay in the towns and villages of Transylvania, which are also incredible at this time of year.
- For skiing in the Carpathian Mountains, the snow conditions are optimal in January and February, although the entire winter is suitable for outdoor activities.
- For a nature road trip, especially in the Danube Delta, May-June is when you have the best chance of observing wildlife, not to mention the blooming fields and meadows.
Annual weather in Romania
For information about the climate and the weather city by city in Romania for a specific month, click on the corresponding line below:
| Month | Our opinion | View Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F to 43°F | very bad weather | |||
| February | 20°F to 45°F | very bad weather | |||
| March | 27°F to 56°F | very bad weather* | |||
| April | 40°F to 67°F | good weather* | |||
| May | 49°F to 76°F | good weather* | |||
| June | 56°F to 85°F | good weather* | |||
| July | 59°F to 90°F | good weather* | |||
| August | 59°F to 92°F | perfect weather* | |||
| September | 49°F to 81°F | perfect weather* | |||
| October | 40°F to 67°F | good weather* | |||
| November | 31°F to 58°F | very bad weather* | |||
| December | 22°F to 47°F | very bad weather |
Best time to travel to Romania by cities
Climate and Weather in Romania
Due to its geographical position and terrain, Romania's climate is diverse. Here are the main trends:
- A humid continental climate with temperate summers and no dry season is predominant. It prevails throughout the Transylvania region, especially in its largest city, Cluj-Napoca.
- A humid subtropical climate with no dry season and hot summers is present in the capital, Bucharest, as well as on 30% of the territory.
- An oceanic climate with temperate summers is found in the far west of the country, near the border with Hungary.
- More exceptionally, there are regions experiencing a subarctic climate near the Ukrainian border in the north, or a cold semi-arid steppe climate near Sfantu Gheorghe, in the central area of Romania.
Between Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, and Serbia and Montenegro, Romania benefits from climates marked by significant temperature variations and very distinct seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
Climate of Romania in Summer
The weather in Romania during the summer period largely depends on where you go:
- In Bucharest, in the surrounding plains and in Dobrogea, summers are stifling even though temperatures are not that high. From late June to late July, it ranges from 28 to 31°C (88°F) , while it is around 33°C (92°F) in August and 27°C (81°F) until the end of September. This is due to the lack of wind, which makes the atmosphere heavy.
- On the coast, the weather is milder and more pleasant, thanks to sea breezes. In Constanta, for example, the thermometer rarely exceeds 30°C (86°F) , even in the height of summer. For swimming, July and August offer the most pleasant water temperatures: around 25°C (77°F) . Late June and September are also suitable for swimming, with water between 22 and 23°C (74°F) , especially since there are far fewer people.
- In the mountains of Romania, particularly in Maramures or the Apuseni Mountains, summers are mild and less difficult to bear than in the central lands. It is generally around 25°C (77°F) during the day, but nights can be a bit cooler than elsewhere.
Although the sun shines most of the time, rain is quite present during this season. Showers are short-lived and often take the form of thunderstorms, which pleasantly refresh the atmosphere. There is also a large temperature range between day and night during the summer period, with a difference of about 15 to 20°C (68°F) . So, remember to bring something to cover yourself with at nightfall.
Climate of Romania in Autumn
From the beginning of October, the thermometer drops and the trees take on their autumn colors. It is around 19°C (67°F) during the day and 4°C (40°F) at night.
The season seems particularly short, because by November, winter seems to set in and the climate becomes unfavorable for travel. In the middle of the day, it is around 14°C (58°F) , but at night, temperatures are mostly negative and the first snows appear.
In December, the weather is decidedly wintry throughout the country. Expect an average of 8°C (47°F) during the day and -6°C at night.
Climate of Romania in Winter
From late December to late February, winter is in full swing in Romania. It is cold and snow is present. During the warmest hours, the thermometer hovers between 6 and 7°C (45°F) , while the lows are close to -10°C.
Overall, January is the coldest month of the year and the sky is often overcast until early March. Along the coast, the season is less harsh than elsewhere, and one can enjoy slightly more pleasant temperatures. Conversely, it is in the mountains that it is coldest and where snow falls abundantly.
In March, the sun makes a grand return and the climate is quite comparable to that of November, although snowfalls are still very frequent. The highs rise above the 10°C (50°F) mark and reach around 13°C (56°F) during the day. At night, it is still very cold with lows close to -3°C.
Climate of Romania in Spring
Like autumn, spring is quite short in Romania. It is not until the end of March that nighttime temperatures become positive again, but they are once again very pleasant during the day, around 19°C (67°F) in April.
In May, the thermometer is close to 25°C (77°F) and approaches 30°C (86°F) from early June, although nights are still cool, averaging between 9 and 13°C (56°F) .
The entire season is marked by abundant rainfall, but showers are often short-lived and the sun quickly returns.
Temperatures and rainfall in Romania
On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Romania and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Bucharest, Arad, Bacău, Bistriþa and Brăila, as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities.
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Romania
Find out when Romania has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Romania
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January, February, March, April, June, November and December. The number of visitors to Romania is high in: May, July, August, September and October.
- Very low season in Romania: January and February.
- Low season in Romania: March, April, June, November and December.
- High season in Romania: May, July, September and October.
- Peak season in Romania: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Romania month by month
Average price for flights to Romania
A return flight between London and Cluj-Napoca is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 76 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 174 more for your airline ticket to Cluj-Napoca if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Romania
Where to go in Romania?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
| Cities | jan. | feb. | mar. | apr. | may | jun. | jul. | aug. | sep. | oct. | nov. | dec. |
| Bucharest | 38°F | 43°F | 54°F | 67°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 92°F | 81°F | 65°F | 54°F | 43°F |
| Arad | 38°F | 43°F | 54°F | 65°F | 72°F | 81°F | 86°F | 88°F | 77°F | 65°F | 54°F | 41°F |
| Bacău | 34°F | 40°F | 50°F | 63°F | 72°F | 79°F | 85°F | 86°F | 76°F | 61°F | 52°F | 40°F |
| Bistriþa | 32°F | 38°F | 49°F | 59°F | 68°F | 76°F | 79°F | 83°F | 72°F | 59°F | 50°F | 36°F |
| Brăila | 38°F | 43°F | 54°F | 67°F | 76°F | 85°F | 88°F | 90°F | 79°F | 65°F | 56°F | 43°F |
| Brasov | 31°F | 36°F | 43°F | 54°F | 63°F | 70°F | 76°F | 77°F | 68°F | 56°F | 47°F | 34°F |
| Buila-Vânturariţa National Park | 40°F | 43°F | 52°F | 63°F | 72°F | 81°F | 85°F | 86°F | 77°F | 63°F | 54°F | 43°F |
| Buzău | 38°F | 43°F | 54°F | 65°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 90°F | 79°F | 65°F | 54°F | 43°F |
| Călărași | 40°F | 45°F | 56°F | 67°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 92°F | 81°F | 67°F | 56°F | 43°F |
| Călimani National Park | 31°F | 34°F | 40°F | 50°F | 59°F | 67°F | 70°F | 72°F | 63°F | 52°F | 45°F | 34°F |
| Ceahlău National Park | 32°F | 36°F | 43°F | 54°F | 63°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 56°F | 47°F | 36°F |
| Cheile Bicazului National Park | 32°F | 36°F | 43°F | 54°F | 63°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 56°F | 47°F | 36°F |
| Cheile Nerei-Beuşniţa National Park | 38°F | 43°F | 52°F | 65°F | 72°F | 79°F | 85°F | 86°F | 77°F | 65°F | 54°F | 41°F |
| Cluj-Napoca | 32°F | 38°F | 49°F | 59°F | 68°F | 76°F | 79°F | 81°F | 72°F | 59°F | 49°F | 36°F |
| Constanta | 41°F | 45°F | 52°F | 59°F | 70°F | 79°F | 85°F | 85°F | 77°F | 65°F | 56°F | 47°F |
| Cozia National Park | 40°F | 43°F | 52°F | 63°F | 72°F | 81°F | 85°F | 86°F | 77°F | 63°F | 54°F | 43°F |
| Focșani | 36°F | 41°F | 50°F | 63°F | 74°F | 81°F | 86°F | 86°F | 77°F | 63°F | 52°F | 41°F |
| Galați | 36°F | 41°F | 54°F | 65°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 90°F | 79°F | 65°F | 54°F | 41°F |
| Gura Portiței | 40°F | 43°F | 50°F | 59°F | 70°F | 79°F | 83°F | 85°F | 76°F | 63°F | 56°F | 45°F |
| Iasi | 34°F | 38°F | 50°F | 63°F | 74°F | 81°F | 85°F | 86°F | 76°F | 61°F | 50°F | 38°F |
Legend:
perfect weather
good weather
tolerable weather
bad weather
very bad weather
About Romania
What can I do in Romania?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Romania reliable?
Climate data for Romania has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Romania allows us to determine the average for each month in Bucharest, Arad, Bacău, Bistriþa, Brăila, Brasov, Buila-Vânturariţa National Park, Buzău, and 60 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.