In short
- Climbing: spring and autumn, summer mornings, and sunny winter days in Demir Kapija.
- Hiking: May to October in the high mountains, spring and autumn in the hills.
- Skiing: mid-December to March, often into April on Popova Shapka.
- Kayaking: spring to autumn on the lakes, whitewater in spring.
- Mountain biking: April to June and September to November.
The climate in short
The valleys, including Skopje and the Vardar valley, are hot and dry in July and August, often well above 30 °C. The high mountains, Šar, Korab, Jakupica and Pelister, stay cool in summer and hold snow from December into spring.
Spring and autumn are long and mild, and they are the best time for most outdoor activities.
Spring: March to May
The climbing season starts at Bislim Ravine, Kadina Cave and Demir Kapija. The hills turn green, which makes it the best time for mountain bike tours and lower hikes, while the highest summits keep their snow until May or June.
Snowmelt fills the rivers, so spring is the season for whitewater on the Radika and the Treska. Popova Shapka often has spring skiing into April.
Summer: June to August
Summer is for the high mountains and the lakes. Hike to Titov Vrv (2,748 m) on Šar, to Korab, or to the glacial lakes of Pelister, and paddle on Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, which are warm enough to swim from late June to September.
Climb early in the morning in Matka, or in Mavrovo Cave, which is at its best in summer. Plan long hikes to finish before the afternoon thunderstorms that often build over the mountains.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is the best climbing season, with cool, dry days on every crag. The beech forests turn red and gold, which is the time for 4x4 and quad tours, and the grape harvest in the Tikveš wine region is in September and October.
Winter: December to March
The ski season usually runs from mid-December to March. Popova Shapka has the most snow and the best freeride, and there is ski touring on Šar and Korab. Winter hikes on the snow are possible on most mountains with a guide.
On sunny winter days we still climb in Demir Kapija and Kadina Cave, and in cold winters there is ice climbing in the Radika canyon.
Month by month
| January | Skiing, ski touring, winter hikes, sunny days in Demir Kapija |
|---|---|
| February | Skiing and freeride, ice climbing in cold winters |
| March | Skiing on Popova Shapka, first climbing days in Kadina and Demir Kapija |
| April | Climbing on the low crags, whitewater on the Radika, spring skiing |
| May | Climbing, mountain biking and hikes in green mountains |
| June | Hiking, kayaking and morning climbing |
| July | High mountain hikes, lake kayaking, Mavrovo Cave |
| August | Like July; the hottest month in the valleys |
| September | Climbing, hiking, biking and warm lake water |
| October | The best month for climbing, autumn colours on 4x4 tours |
| November | Climbing on sunny days, quad tours, first snow on the summits |
| December | The ski season starts in mid-December |
Weather and safety
Mountain weather changes fast in every season. We check the forecast before every trip, and if it is bad we move the date or suggest another activity, because wet rock and storms on a ridge are never worth the risk.
Questions before you book
What is the best month to visit North Macedonia?
May, June, September and October suit most activities: climbing, hiking, biking and kayaking. For skiing, come between mid-December and March.
Is it too hot to climb in summer?
In the valleys, in the afternoon, yes. We start at dawn in Matka or climb in Mavrovo Cave, which is higher and in the shade.
When is the ski season in Macedonia?
Usually from mid-December to March, and often into April on Popova Shapka. We check the snow before every trip.
Can I hike in winter?
Yes. We run winter hikes on the snow. High summits in winter need winter gear and experience, so go with a guide.
When are the lakes warm enough to swim?
Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa are warm enough from late June to September.
