Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," experiences a classic Mediterranean hot-summer climate (Csa). Due to its inland position and the sheltering effect of the surrounding Tomorr and Shpirag mountains, its weather is more extreme than the coastal regions of Albania, featuring hotter summers and cooler, damper winters.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer (June – August)
Summers in Berat are intense, characterized by high temperatures and very little rainfall.
- Typical Conditions: Daily highs regularly reach 32°C to 35°C (90°F+), with the peak heat occurring in late July and August.
- The Experience: The air is dry and the skies are almost perpetually clear. Rainfall is nearly non-existent, particularly in July.
- Diurnal Rhythm: The city experiences a significant temperature drop after sunset. While daytime can be scorching, the evening air cooling down allows for the local tradition of Xhiro—the sunset stroll through the historic Mangalemi and Gorica quarters.
Autumn (September – November)
This is a season of transition, marked by the arrival of the rains and the cooling of the Earth.
- Early Autumn: September remains warm and pleasant, often feeling like a mild summer without the oppressive heat.
- Late Autumn: November is historically the wettest month of the year. Rain typically comes in heavy, multi-day bursts rather than short showers. The humidity rises, and the town takes on a misty, atmospheric quality as clouds hang low over the Osumi River.
Winter (December – February)
Winters are cool and damp, though rarely freezing for extended periods.
- Typical Conditions: Average highs hover around 10°C to 14°C (50°F - 57°F), while nighttime lows can drop near freezing.
- Phenomena: While snow is rare in the city center, the surrounding Mount Tomorr is often capped in white from December through March. Fog is a common morning phenomenon in the Osumi Valley, occasionally staying trapped between the hills until midday.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a vibrant season of renewal and is widely considered the most comfortable time for exploration.
- Typical Conditions: Temperatures climb steadily from 16°C in March to 25°C in May.
- The Atmosphere: The landscape turns deep green, and the air feels crisp and fresh. Rainfall decreases as the season progresses, providing a mix of sunny days and occasional mild spring showers.
Microclimates and Local Topography
Berat’s unique topography creates distinct microclimates. The city is built on two steep hills facing each other across the Osumi River.
- Mangalemi vs. Gorica: The Mangalemi side (south-facing) receives direct sunlight for most of the day, making it significantly warmer in the summer. Conversely, the Gorica neighborhood (north-facing) stays in the shade longer, providing a naturally cooler retreat during the heat of July.
- Valley Inversion: In winter, cold air can settle in the narrow valley, meaning the historic castle area (Kala) atop the hill can sometimes be sunnier and warmer than the shaded streets of the lower city.
Historical Context & Local Adaptation
Historically, Berat’s architecture is a direct response to its climate. The iconic "thousand windows" were designed not just for aesthetics, but to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation. Thick stone walls in the Ottoman-style houses provide excellent thermal mass, keeping interiors cool in summer and retaining heat during the damp winters.
Locals adapt to the heat with the Midday Siesta. During the peak summer heat (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM), businesses often close and streets empty as residents retreat indoors. Life resumes in the late evening when the "Bora" (mountain breeze) begins to flow down from the heights of Mount Tomorr, freshening the valley air.