Romania has a temperate continental climate and a variety of relief forms, so no matter when you’re planning to visit, there might be something for you to do. To maximize your experience, it’s a good idea to find out what is the best time to visit Romania for you.
What is the best month to visit Romania? The short answer
From April to June and from September to October, the weather is the most pleasant, with temperatures that are not too cold (although you might want to bring a light jacket for the evenings) and not too hot.
The best time to visit Romania is in April, May, June, September and October. These months offer the best chances for good weather for walks and bright sun for photos.
When is the best time to travel to Romania: key factors in decision-making
There is no best season to visit Romania. At least, the answer will not be the same for everyone. It depends on what you want to do on your trip.
Best time for a city break in Romania
Romania is beautiful during spring. The pleasant weather makes it the perfect time to explore the city on foot, especially in April and May. Too bad spring is the shortest season, and it can also be rainy. There can be short showers, so bring a raincoat just in case. June is also a decent time to plan a city break.
The best time to visit Romania for a city break could be either spring or autumn.
Just a quick heads up that 1st May is Labor Day, which is a bank holiday. Usually, Bucharest gets quite emptied during this day since most people like to take advantage of the long weekend and head to the seaside or mountains. All the tourist attractions outside big cities tend to be more crowded around 1st May and accommodation prices may be higher than usual.
September and October can also be great for walks and exploring cities. Bring a jacket, it gets colder in the evening. Bonus: Autumn colours are gorgeous, and you’ll leave with great vacation photos.
Read more: Travel Time: What is Romania like in September?
I will say a big NO for Bucharest in July and August. The weather is dry, and the temperature can reach 40°C (degrees Celsius). However, the weather can be acceptable during summer in the cities in the mountain region.
If you’re a big fan of Christmas, you might enjoy a city break in Sibiu in December. The Christmas Fair here might be the nicest in Romania.
When to hike in Romania
Hiking is one of those situations where the journey is more important than the destination. On top of the Romanian peaks, you will enjoy spectacular landscapes if you catch good weather.
The best hiking season in the Carpathian Mountains is from May to the beginning of November. It is recommended to check the weather before starting the journey. Remember that the climate conditions on the mountain tops may differ from the bottom. Even if it looks sunny outside, bring a raincoat just in case. Ensure you have all the necessary hiking equipment.
All the mountain trails are open throughout July and August, and you get good chances to catch favourable weather.
If you are a skilled hiker, you can plan a hike through the Carpathian Mountains in the time of winter. But this may be very dangerous because of high avalanche risks and low temperatures.
Best time to visit Romania for winter sports
The most popular winter sports in Romania are skiing, snowboarding, sleighing, and ice skating.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Romania does not have a long tradition in winter sports, but they are developing. Given the lower altitudes of the Carpathians compared with the Alpes, most of the tracks are modest. Also, the skiing season is shorter, with the best time to visit from January to the beginning of March. While the experience may not be as great as in an Austrian Resort, it will be cheaper.
Many resorts use artificial snow to extend the winter sports season, so you can find open tracks from December to the end of March.
The winter sports resorts are always crowded on weekends and holidays. This is especially valid for the resorts in Valea Prahovei, as they are the closest to Bucharest.
Before choosing where to go, check the live-streaming webcams with winter sports tracks.
Ice skating
Many malls around the country have synthetic ice rinks during the winter, and some are open all year round. Most of the big cities have at least one open-air ice rink. The opening and closing of the open-air ice rinks can be short notice, as the weather is the main factor. The best chances to find them open are in January and the beginning of February.
The best time to visit the Romanian coast
Romanian summer season is shorter than in southern Europe. The beach season in Romania officially starts on May 1st. Many young people prefer to celebrate Labor Day at the Vama Veche or other seaside resorts. If you don’t like crowded and loud beach vacations, this may not be the best time to visit Romania. Besides Labor Day, May sees fewer tourists due to cold beach weather.
In June, the weather is getting nicer, but the weather may still be cold.
July and especially August are peak seasons. The first half of September can also be a great time to visit the coast, as the temperatures are still hot, the beaches are not as crowded, and the accommodations are cheaper.
As always, weekends are crowded. However, in the past years, Romanian beaches were pretty empty during summer due to complaints about high prices for poor services.
When to visit the Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is a unique place in Europe everybody should visit, especially during spring.
The Danube Delta is spectacular in April and May, with beautiful waterlilies, orchids, pond irises, and other spring flowers. It is also the perfect time for birdwatchers due to the diversity.
Mornings in the Danube Delta can be cold, so bring a jacket. The mosquito repellent is also essential.
Summer can also be a great time to visit the Danube Delta, especially if you love fish dishes. September and October are colder but still enjoyable. The autumn colours in nature are magnificent, and you’ll have the chance to see the migratory birds leaving.
No matter when you choose to visit the Delta, keep in mind that temperatures are always a few degrees lower than in the rest of the country.
Best time to go to Romania for rural tourism
If you want to enjoy your holidays away from the cities, Romanian villages wait for you. You can enjoy rural tourism all year round. Of course, there isn’t much to do in a village during the winter, but it can still be a great way to relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
The best time to visit Romania for agrotourism is September and October when the harvest is gathered and the wine is made.
If you’re looking for a quiet place, avoid the Christmas and New Year times. But if you’d like to celebrate the winter holidays in a traditional Romanian way, book a room in advance because everything will get sold out.
Rural tourism also peaks in the summer when people from the cities seek relief from the heatwaves and pollution. In the countryside, especially in the mountain areas, the air is fresh, and the food is tastier. And if you’re already here, you can also take a hike.
As you can see, the best time to visit Romania depends on what you want to do in the country and the weather. Another main factor to consider is public holidays: Easter, May 1st, Christmas, and New Year are the favourite times of the year for vacations in Romania, as well as August. During these times, accommodations are more expensive and can even be sold out, roads between towns are congested, and tourist attractions are crowded. Additionally, weekends are always more crowded than weekdays.
