What Is the Weather Like in Slovenia Throughout the Year?

Slovenia is a beautiful country with an incredible richness of landscapes. This diversity is why there are so many different climates. Depending on where you are located you can see the snow in the mountains or the sun reflecting in the sea. In general, the weather is continental, but there are some variations. In the northwest, where the region is mountainous, you will find an alpine climate. In the South, you will encounter a Mediterraneaous climate.

In Slovenia, the weather is charming, with sunshine most of the year, snow during the winter, and rain almost only in October. In Slovenia, the sunnier period is between June and September, when temperatures are daily above 72°F (22°C). From November to March, the average will be of temperatures below 47°F (8°C).

Depending on whether you are looking to sunbathe and take a swim or ski and make snowmen, you should not visit Slovenia at the time of the year. Let’s take a look at the weather in Slovenia throughout the year.

How Is The Climate Like In Slovenia?

Since three types of climate exist in Slovenia due to the diverse landscapes and rich geography, there are many different climates in the country. In Slovenia, you will find both mountains such as Triglav or the Alps and the Adriatic coast. There are also many rivers which influence the weather and climate.

Temperatures change radically throughout the year. In August in Ljubljana, on the hottest day of the year, the average high is about 81°F (27°C) and the average low around 59°F (15°C). In January, on the coldest day of the year, the average high is 38°F (3°C), and the average low is 26°F (-3°C).

To help you decide when and where you should go for the best trip in the beautiful country that is Slovenia, let’s see how temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, and water temperature change depending on the season, the month, and the location in Slovenia.

Weather in Winter in Slovenia (December-March)

Winters in Slovenia are pretty cold, but the weather is not excessive, about 23°F (-5°C). However, they are a few parts of the country that can get extremely cold in the winter. The Babno Polje area, also called Slovenia’s Siberia by some, has recorded a temperature of -30,1°F (-34,5°C) in February 1956 and January 1968.

From November to March, you will probably see snow falling over most of the country, especially at the end of December and the beginning of January, right in time for a snowy Christmas. The average snowfall (total liquid-equivalent accumulation) in January is about 3 inches (7,64cm).

During this time of the year, you should definitely enjoy going skiing in the many mountains of Slovenia.

Also, during winter, there is a fearful wind called Bora, which makes the temperature drop radically. This wind influences Slovenia’s weather all the way to April.

You can notice when temperatures get colder but still with clear skies (light Bora) or more rarely cloudy skies, rain, or snow (dark Bora). It is a dry wind because it comes from the plains of Eastern Europe.

Weather In Spring in Slovenia (March-June)

Throughout Spring, Slovenia’s temperatures keep increasing from the crisp and refreshing winter towards a warm and sunny summer. Visiting the country around May is ideal for you if you do not appreciate too much sun or a snowy vacation.

In Ljubljana, high temperatures range from 65°F (18°C) to 72°F (22°C) and rarely fall below 55°F (12,7°C) or exceed 82°F (27°C). Low temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) to 52°F (11°C), rarely falling below 38°F (3°C) or exceeding 58°F (14,5°C).

Spring is a great time to visit the continental part of Slovenia, like Ljubljana. You will not be too hot or cold, great weather if you are a museum lover or a hiker.

However, be careful, Ljubljana is one of the rainiest capitals in Europe, and Slovenia, in general, has pretty abundant rainfall. Although March and May will be pleasant months, April often is a rainy period.

Weather In Summer in Slovenia (June-September)

During Summer you will find great weather for your vacations, especially on the Adriatic Coast. The weather is warm without being too hot, and the water is relatively mild as well. 

The whole country is getting hotter during the holidays. If you are like a lizard, you will enjoy the coast right next to Italy and Croatia. On the coast, the temperatures get above 77°F (25°C) for sure every day. The average high temperature is 84°F (28,8°C), and the average low is 63°F (17°C) in August.

The water temperature in Summer is, on average, between 68°F (20°C) and 81°F (27,5°F). You will definitely enjoy bathing in Piran’s clear waters and the other cities of the Slovenian coast.

Weather in Autumn in Slovenia (September-December)

October is the rainiest month in Slovenia, with a constant probability of precipitation, around 29% throughout the month. November is essentially the same with a chance of snow at the end of the month, coming into winter.

However, humidity stays comfortable (and this the whole year in Slovenia). If you want to avoid tourists and do not mind the rain, autumn is a good season for you to visit the country.

Concerning temperatures in autumn, they are pretty cold but still acceptable. In October in Ljubljana, higher temperatures on the average range from 65°F (18,3°C) to 54°F (12,2°C), and low temperatures range from 48°F (8,8°C) to 39°F (3,8°C).

When Is The Best Time To Visit Slovenia?

Weather is an essential factor in deciding when to visit a country. Multiple meteorological factors can be taken into account in order to determine what time is best.

Based on the following factors: clear, rainless days with perceived temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, the best time to come to Slovenia is from mid-June to early September, with a peak score in the second week of July.

With the same factors, the best time to visit the coast is from mid-May to late September, with a peak score in the last week of August.

However, the weather is not the only deciding factor for when to come to visit a country. Take a look at this other article to see what events are organized throughout the year in the country to help you decide when and where to go in Slovenia.

What Clothes To Bring When Visting Slovenia?

If you have decided to visit Slovenia, it is essential to pack according to the weather, because one of the worst things that can happen during vacations is to be unprepared for the weather. Here are some tips on what to pack for your trip, depending on whether you travel in winter or summer.

If you are a snow enthusiast, you probably will want to travel in winter to discover Ljubljana under the snow or the beautiful mountains of Slovenia.

If you are planning to go in the higher Alpine regions in the North, take with you medium-weight clothing and heavy overcoats.

If you want to visit the interior of the country, like Ljubljana, pack warm clothes like sweaters, jackets, scarfs, gloves, and umbrellas for the rain. If you are coming in December, you might even by warm winter clothes at the beautiful Christmas Market. They sell artisanal clothing on purpose for Winter and Christmas season.

Some people might enjoy visiting the coast during winter, although I recommend going in summer to bathe. In winter you can still enjoy the views (if the weather is not too cloudy), but the water will be cold, and many bars and restaurants will be closed.

However, if you still want to make the trip, pack warm clothes, a raincoat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves if the wind Bora follows you.

Now, for summer fans, the packing will be a lot lighter. You will enjoy the warmth of the sun throughout the country.

For a trip in the higher Alpine regions in the North take lightweight clothing and raincoats. It might still rain in the mountains.

If you are going to Ljubljana or the interior of the country, take light clothes such as T-shirts and shorts. Do not forget to take a few long pants and sweaters for the evenings, and an umbrella if it rains (there often are rainstorms when it is really hot).

Summer on the coast will be warm or even very warm. Pack very light, and take a bathing suit to dive into the Adriatic sea. Views in Piran, Portoroz, Koper, Izola, and other cities on the coast are worth viewing, especially in the summer when you will see Croatia, Italy, and the Alps all around you.

Get Ready to Enjoy Slovenia!

The weather in Slovenia is diverse but stays very comfortable throughout the year. Winter is cold but tolerable, with snow to offer you beautiful landscapes. Summer is warm and sunny, but without being sweltering. The rich geography of the country allows you to be able to visit parts of Slovenia no matter what season it is.