Best time to visit Përmet: weather by season

The best time to visit Përmet for most plans is May and June, or September and October. Rafting on the Vjosa runs from April to October, hiking is most comfortable in late spring and early autumn, and the Benja thermal baths are quieter in spring and in the shoulder months than at midday in summer. Përmet has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, and snow lies on the high Nemërçkë ridge from about November to April.

The short answer

Best overall: May to June, and September to October.
Best for rafting: April to June for the fastest water; July to October for calmer, warmer trips.
Best for hiking: late spring and early autumn.
Best for the thermal baths: spring or early autumn, and outside the middle of the day in summer.
Hottest and driest: July and August.
Wettest: November, and winter in general.

Climate at a glance

Measure	Figure	Source
Climate type	Warm-summer Mediterranean (Köppen Csb)	Climate-Data.org
Hottest months	July and August, average highs of about 29 °C	Weather and Climate
Coolest month	January, average highs of about 8 °C; nights around −2 °C in the colder months	Weather and Climate
Rain and snow in a year	About 1,150 to 1,200 mm (1,147 mm and 1,211 mm in two data sets)	Weather and Climate; Climate-Data.org
Wettest month	November, about 156 mm over 14 rainy days	Weather and Climate
Driest month	August, about 26 mm	Weather and Climate
Snow on the high ridge	About November to April	Wikipedia

These are long-term averages. Individual days vary, and mountain weather can differ sharply from the town.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is when the Vjosa runs highest, fed by snowmelt from the mountains. The rafting season opens in April, and the rapids are at their fastest and most powerful from April to June. The water is cold. In the Benja canyon, April and May are quieter than summer, and one visitor guide recommends spring for fewer crowds. One guide places the rose bloom around Përmet in late May and June; the town is sometimes called the "City of Roses". The Hotova–Dangëlli forest is at its most comfortable from May.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is hot and dry, with average highs around 29 °C in July and August, and August is the driest month. The river drops through the summer and rafting becomes gentler, with swimming stops. The Benja pools are busiest from about 11:00 to 14:00, so go early or late in the day. Walk early in the day and carry plenty of water.

Autumn (September to November)

September and October are among the most pleasant months for walking, with milder temperatures than summer. October rafting is quiet, with autumn colour along the riverbanks. One guide mentions the walnut harvest in autumn. November is the wettest month, so plan for rain and shorter days, and check the water level before going into the Langarica gorge.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is cool and wetter than summer. January averages highs of about 8 °C, and the Nemërçkë ridge is under snow, with frequent avalanches on its western slope. The main rafting season has ended, and many outdoor trips are seasonal, so check what is running. The Benja thermal pools can be visited all year, and one local guide calls a winter visit a unique experience, but water levels in the canyon can be high, so check conditions first. Mountain roads, including the one to Frashër, can be affected by weather.

Best time by activity

Activity	Best months	Notes
Vjosa rafting	April to October	April to June has the highest, fastest water; July to September is gentler; October is quiet
Kayaking and packrafting	Summer and autumn	Calmer flow suits beginners
Benja thermal baths	April, May, September and October	Open all year; busiest around midday in summer; high water possible in winter
Langarica Canyon walk	Late spring to early autumn	Avoid after heavy rain or at high water
Walks near Përmet (Sopot waterfall, Leusë)	May to June and September to October	Hot in midsummer
High-ridge hiking on Nemërçkë	Late spring to autumn	Snow and avalanche risk from November to April
Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest	May to early June, September to October	Described as pleasant in all seasons

What to pack by season

Spring and autumn: layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes with grip.
Summer: sun hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, a swimsuit, a towel and water shoes.
Winter: warm clothing, waterproofs and sturdy boots; check road conditions.

Plan your trip

Questions and answers

What is the best month to visit Përmet?

May, June, September and October suit most plans: the weather is comfortable, and rafting, hiking and the thermal baths are all possible. Late May and June also bring the rose season, according to one guide.

When is the rafting season on the Vjosa?

April to October. April to June has the highest and fastest water because of snowmelt, while late summer and autumn are calmer.

Is Përmet hot in summer?

Yes. Average highs reach about 29 °C in July and August, and summer is dry. Plan walks for the early morning and use the river and the thermal pools to cool off.

Does it snow in Përmet?

Snow lies on the high Nemërçkë ridge from about November to April. In the town itself winter is cool and wetter than summer, so check the forecast before travelling in winter.

Can you visit the Benja thermal baths in winter?

Yes, the pools can be visited all year, but water levels in the canyon can be high in winter and after heavy rain. Check conditions locally.

How much does it rain in Përmet?

About 1,150 to 1,200 mm of rain and snow fall in a typical year, mostly between autumn and spring. November is the wettest month and August the driest.

When do the roses bloom in Përmet?

One visitor guide places the rose bloom in late May and June. Përmet is sometimes called the "City of Roses".