In need of a warm and sunny escape to Europe in spring? Look no further than the Balkans. Being in southern Europe, you can expect mild to warm weather in Croatia, Montenegro and Albania from April onwards while the UK is still thawing out.
Not only that, but it’s one of the most beautiful times in terms of nature—wild orchids, blossoms, nightingales singing and Dalmatian Pelican hatchlings on Lake Skadar. Vivid green landscapes are contrasted with snow-capped mountains into May and Lake Skadar is strewn with lilypads. No wonder then that it’s co-founder Emma’s favourite season.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best holidays to take in the Balkans in spring and what weather conditions to expect between April and June.
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Albania in spring
The shoulder season is the best time for active holidays in Albania as it’s warm without being too hot—plus you can enjoy the hiking trails without the crowds (not that that’s a major issue in the Balkans compared to other European destinations).
You won’t be short of walks in Albania’s Accursed Mountains. While it’s too early to hike the high mountain pass between Theth and Valbona in spring, there are tons of equally stunning rambles. It’s perfect timing to try our new hut-to-hut hiking adventure in the remote Zagoria region—our alternative hiking destination to Spain’s overtrodden Camino de Santiago. Here you’ll immerse yourself not only in incredible natural surroundings as you trace ancient caravan routes, but traditional ways of life when you stay with shepherd families.
A great holiday in Albania to consider with the kids during the Easter break is our multi-activity holiday. There’s plenty for your little adventurers to sink their teeth into, from SUP on the lily-clad Lake Shkodra to rafting in the Osumi Canyon (Europe’s Colorado), and plenty of cultural immersion too as you visit the UNESCO town of Berat and tuck into delicious Albanian food (and wine if you’re of age).
Albania weather in April, May and June
Depending on where you go, Albania can range from mild to warm in April with highs of 19℃. By June, you’re looking at temperatures in the high 20℃s, even 30℃s. As a rule of thumb, the temperature is always 10℃ lower in the mountains at any time of year, so you could even see some snow capped peaks in April. Lower down, expect intermittent showers, but still plenty of sunshine.
Croatia in spring
Enjoy the Croatian coastline without the crowds at our little island retreat in the fortified town of Mali Ston. Our week-long Southern Dalmatia multi-activity holiday blends sightseeing with soft adventures such as sea kayaking to secluded beaches and hidden coves, cycling through Croatia’s wine country, and a day trip to the stunning Mljet National Park. Dubrovnik is an hour’s drive away and a day trip there is an optional extra, as is the chance to go white water rafting on the Cetina river—the best time of year to do it as the rapids are high from winter snowmelt.
Croatia weather in April, May and June
You’re looking at maximum daytime highs of 16℃ in Southern Dalmatia in April with sea temperatures of 15℃. In true spring style, expect some rainfall in between the sunny spells. By May, the daytime temperature climbs up to 21℃ maximum and come June, you’re enjoying balmy highs of 25℃.
Montenegro in spring
Ah, Montenegro, our founders’ adopted home. Witness the spring awakening at our Lake Skadar base with a birdwatching holiday or embrace nature’s fresh energy with our week-long yoga retreat.
If you’re looking to take the kids away for Easter, consider our Montenegro family activity holiday which is jam-packed with adventurous activities that provide the perfect antidote to screens and school books. Highlights include kayaking on Lake Skadar, hiking in Durmitor National Park (our answer to the Italian Alps), zip-lining, white water rafting and canyoning. Adventures are fuelled with fresh and flavoursome Montenegrin dishes.
Our Lake Skadar activity holiday is another great shout for spring, whether you’re a family, couple or solo traveller. You’ll be based at Villa Miela, our beautiful restored farmhouse complete with a pool, yoga deck and recently refurbished rooms. Kayak on Lake Skadar in search of Dalmatian Pelicans, go wine tasting, explore the national park by 4×4, and enjoy gentle hikes. Guests love the balance of organised activities and free time to explore or relax back at the villa on this holiday.
Feeling more adventurous? Hold off until June and come and experience the beauty of the Dinaric Alps on our Montenegro to Albania hiking holiday. You’ll ramble across iconic sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail—including the increasingly famous Theth to Valbona pass, cross the border on foot, stay in locally-run traditional guesthouses and take a scenic ferry ride on Komani Lake, one of the region’s most beautiful lakes. Want to hear from somebody who’s done it? Read what guest Simon and his hiking club had to say.
Montenegro weather in April, May and June
April days in Montenegro are pleasant with highs of 20℃ around Podgorica and Lake Skadar with snow still visible in the high mountains. It can be chilly first thing in the mornings and in the evenings, so best to pack layers—as well as a raincoat as showers are likely. Come May, the weather hots up a bit with daytime highs of 24℃ and by June, expect temperatures to hit the mid 20’s to low 30’s. Remember that temperatures will be around 10℃ cooler in the mountains.
Serbia in spring
Explore Belgrade and beyond with our Serbia holidays. The hikes and homestays are only possible thanks to our special relationships with rural communities and hosts—and of course, our incredible guides Philomena and Aleks.
Embrace slow travel and glamping during our Serbia multi-activity holiday which sees you lapping up the bucolic beauty of Western Serbia. Highlights include staying with a farming family in a remote hill village, hiking, canyoning, kayaking, exploring Tara National Park, and riding the Yugoslavian Šargan Eight train. If flight schedules allow, we’ll also explore Belgrade and tuck into some delicious local dishes at one of Aleks’ favourite kafanas. See what travel journalist Laura Sanders had to say about this trip.
New for the 2026 season is our Serbia hiking holiday. If you really want to escape the crowds and enjoy the views all to yourself, while boasting about exploring somewhere most foreign tourists have never heard of, this is the trip for you. You’ll touch down in Belgrade and be whisked away to the mountains in the east which are blotted by traditional stone villages. Scale Serbia’s highest peak, hike in Serbia’s answer to the Scottish highlands, cruise along the Danube and explore Belgrade.
Serbia weather in April, May and June
The weather in Serbia in April can be a mixed bag with highs of 17℃ and a mixture of sunshine and rain. Daytime highs reach 22℃ in May, but showers are still likely, and by June you’re looking at 25℃ on average. Again, take 10℃ off the ground temperature if you’re in the mountains.
Bosnia in spring
Spring is an ideal time to take on our new Bosnia hiking holiday, which takes you over some breathtaking (in every sense of the word) passes in the Dinaric Alps and Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia’s oldest national park. You’ll also climb to Outlaw’s Gate viewpoint and Bosnia’s highest peak, explore Mostar and the Dervish village of Blagaj and discover Tito’s Cold War bunker.
Browse all of our Bosnia holidays.
Bosnia weather in April, May and June
It can still be chilly in Bosnia in April with highs of 13℃ on average—and cooler the higher up you go. By May, temperatures creep up to 18℃ and in June, it can range from comfortably warm to pretty hot with temperatures known to hit 30℃ in Mostar and the southern Herzegovina region.
Feeling inspired? Browse our full collection of small-group adventure holidays in the Balkans and sign up to our free monthly newsletter to be the first to know about special offers and new trips.
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