December, January and February are very cold inland and in the mountains – and heavy rain can lead to flooding and disruption. If you’re after powder, though, this is the time to come – snowshoeing vacations take place from late January to mid March in the Albanian Alps.

Late June into July and August are fiendishly hot along the coast and inland – and these peak vacation months will also see the popular coastal hub of Saranda packed with Albanians escaping Tirana, and tourists heading over on daytrips from Corfu.

Outside of Saranda, Albania is actually a great summer Med getaway – as it receives just a fraction of the tourists of nearby Croatia, Greece, Italy or even Montenegro.

The mountains will be much cooler though – and walking vacations here run right through the summer until September.

April, May and early June are some of the best months to go to Albania, with great weather for walking and cycling – and you can still make the most of the Mediterranean beaches. Prices will be lower (avoiding Easter), the main attractions will be quieter, and the rural areas just as empty as always.

Late September through to mid October is another good season, before the weather really kicks in in November.