The best time to visit Slovenia is May or September. Both of these months fall within the country’s shoulder seasons while still offering decent weather conditions. Visiting in these two months, travellers will avoid the summer high season and the rainiest time of year inland.
If Slovenia’s growing tourist crowds don’t bother you, summer is a great alternative, too. From June to August, you’ll enjoy warm to hot temperatures, making the summer months the country’s most popular for tourism. (Just keep in mind that other than along the coast, summer is also one of the country’s wettest seasons, along with late fall.)
Looking for more info? Read on to discover exactly when to go to this popular Central European destination with this complete Slovenia weather guide by season and month!
Looking for more inspiration? Time your trip perfectly with our other when to go & weather guides and check out our Slovenia Travel Guide for more recommendations on where to go & what to do!
Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.
Weather in Slovenia: An overview
Few countries in Europe have more diverse weather than Slovenia. A true four-season climate prevails here, and even regional variations can be significant.
For a country as small as Slovenia, the differences are surprising. Throw in the burja, a strong wind that rips through the country year-round, and it’s easy to see why choosing when to visit Slovenia isn’t always easy.
Three main zones determine the weather throughout Slovenia. In the mountainous interior, an Alpine climate dominates. Harsh winters and unpredictable conditions characterize these areas throughout the year.
Along Slovenia’s coast, it’s far more pleasant. The sub-Mediterranean climate compares with more southern European countries. It’s similar to the weather in Croatia, Slovenia’s southern neighbour, and the coastal areas of Italy.
Elsewhere in Slovenia, particularly in the northeast, a continental climate creates conditions that resemble northern European destinations like Germany and the Czech Republic.
Weather by season
Spring
When is spring in Slovenia?
Spring in Slovenia is from March until May.
What to expect
In spring, the winter blues gives way to milder temperatures. The spring weather is unpredictable, though.
Rainfall and cool days are still common, but late spring is drier and warmer. It’s a great time to start exploring Slovenia.
What to wear
Spring brings along a lingering chance of cool and rainy days. Always be prepared with warmer waterproof clothing. Toss a warm waterproof softshell jacket into your travel backpack. Waterproof hiking shoes with a good grip are a must if you’re planning to go hiking in Slovenia.
Summer
When is summer in Slovenia?
Summer in Slovenia is from June until August.
What to expect
In summer, warm weather and sunny skies spread throughout the country. Summer is the definitive tourism high season in Slovenia. Popular destinations like Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Piran, and Lake Bohinj get jam-packed with tourists.
Although the crowds are thinner in spring and fall, the hot summer weather makes it a good time to hit the outdoors on your Slovenia itinerary. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the country’s unbridled nature at its finest.
While rain hits most of Slovenia evenly throughout summer, the Mediterranean coast is at its driest. (Just don’t forget it’s extremely busy!)
What to wear
With the rising temperatures in Slovenia during summer, you’ll be able to get away with T-shirts and shorts throughout much of the season.
For the always lingering possibility of rain, carry a lightweight travel umbrella. Packing one of these top-rated lightweight waterproof jackets in a recommended travel daypack is never a bad idea, either.
Autumn
When is autumn in Slovenia?
Autumn in Slovenia is from September to November.
What to expect
Sitting outside of high season, visiting Slovenia in autumn is a good alternative to summer. Days are still pleasantly warm into September.
Accommodation prices throughout the country are generally lower in autumn. Cooler temperatures blow in during October and November with increased rainfall. Autumn is generally the wettest time of year in Slovenia.
What to wear
With the cooling temperatures, you’ll need to dress warmer as fall swings into full force. Early autumn still carries some of the characteristics of summer. On many days, you’ll be able to get away with lightweight clothing, even shorts and a T-shirt.
As the wetter and cooler months roll in, you’ll need to pack some warmer clothing and waterproof outerwear. A pair of water-resistant hiking shoes is also recommended if you’re planning to hit the hiking trails in October and November.
Winter
When is winter in Slovenia?
Winter in Slovenia is from December to February.
What to expect
Winter is magical in Slovenia. From the Christmas markets of Ljubljana to the incredible skiing in the Alps, you’ll fall in love with Slovenia at this time of year.
The alpine areas are cold and windy during winter, and snow and rainfall are common. While much of the country experiences bitterly cold winters, the coastal areas are milder and more comfortable.
What to wear
With the cold temperatures blowing in, you’ll need to bundle up during winter in Slovenia. Warm outerwear will keep you toasty if planning any outdoor activities such as skiing. Always pack a toque and a pair of warm gloves.
Weather by Month
January
Overview: The average temperature in Slovenia dips to a cool -2°C (29°F). Average highs don’t often offer much relief at a still chilly 1°C (34°F). Expect average lows to drop to -5°C (23°F). January is, on average, the driest month in Slovenia.
Where to go in January: If you’re planning outdoor winter activities in Slovenia, January is a great month. By then, Slovenia’s ski season is in full swing. Head to Kranjska Gora for the country’s finest skiing & snowboarding.
February
Overview: The last full month of winter in Slovenia slides in warmer days than January. Average national temperatures rise to -1°C (31°F). Average highs and lows hit 3°C (38°F) and 2°C (35°F). Although snow is still quite common, February is a relatively dry month.
Where to go in February: Skiers won’t be disappointed in February. The ski season still rocks on in February in Slovenia. If you can handle to cold weather, visit Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, or Soča Valley for winter sports like Nordic skiing.
March
Overview: The winter temperatures start to shake loose heading into March. Average temperatures get up to 3°C (38°F), edging slightly higher by the end of the month. Expect average highs of 8°C (46°F) and average lows of about 1°C (31°F). Inland areas begin to get a little wetter in March.
Where to go in March: Much of the country is still in the throes of winter during March. The ski season is beginning to inch toward its end, but you should still be able to squeeze a few runs in. Spend some moments along the coast in Piran. You’ll find slightly warmer temperatures here in March.
April
Overview: April is the first true month of spring in Slovenia. It’ll push more comfortable temperatures your way. Average temperatures inch up to 7°C (45°F). The average highs creep into the double-digits at 12°C (53°C). At 3°C (37°F), the average lows in April can still get a little chilly. April is generally a wetter month than March throughout the country.
Where to go in April: Although April is not an ideal month to travel to Slovenia, you should be able to experience much without a ton of inconveniences. Popular destinations like Ljubljana, Bled, Predjama Castle, and Skocjan Caves are all accessible at this time of year. Keep in mind that April falls around Easter, a popular travel season in Slovenia. Book your rooms well ahead to avoid disappointment.
May
Overview: With sunny days and warmer temperatures hinting at the hot summer ahead, May is an awesome time to check out Slovenia. Average temperatures reach up to 12°C (54°F) with average highs of 17°C (62°F) and average lows 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is only marginally higher than in April. Thanks to the warmer temperatures and relatively dry conditions, May is one of the best times of the year for outdoor adventure. Hit the hiking trails to see what the fuss is about.
Where to go in May: Most of the country is at your disposal with a visit in May. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beautiful weather in Ljubljana before the swarms descend. May is the perfect time to stay in the capital and dig into many of the fun things to do in Ljubljana. Many of the most popular day trips from Ljubljana are at your fingertips without the busyness that accompanies them into June. Late May, after the spring meltdown has dried up, take to the hiking trails around Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Bovec.
June
Overview: June is the first official month of summer in Slovenia. It brings sunshine, warmth, and joy throughout the country. Average temperatures hustle up to a comfy 16°C (60°F). Nice and warm 20°C (68°F) average highs sweep through Slovenia with average lows of 11°C (51°F). Coastal areas get even warmer, with average highs pushing into the mid-twenties. June is the wettest month in Ljubljana and one of the driest along the Mediterranean.
Where to go in June: With the beautiful weather sweeping in, the tourists follow. Aside from the ever-increasing crowds, everywhere in Slovenia is accessible in June. The first month of summer also brings festival season to Slovenia. Music festivals like the Ljubljana Jazz Festival and the Bled International Music Festival roll into town in June.
July
Overview: July is the warmest month of the year in Slovenia. And it couldn’t come soon enough! Average temperatures reach 17°C (63°F). Average highs push up to 23°C (73°F) and lows to 12°C (54°F). Both the coastal and the continental climate zones see temperatures soar into the high twenties. You may even enjoy days in the thirties in July. Alpine areas are generally cooler.
Where to go in July: Crowds are a problem in Slovenia in July. The excellent weather conditions keep people coming. As long as you don’t mind the hordes, visiting anywhere in Slovenia during July is great. Be sure to book your accommodations in Slovenia well ahead. If you’re a fan of rock, don’t miss the Festival of Beer and Flowers in Laško. It’s a huge music festival combined with Oktoberfest-like beer-swilling shenanigans.
August
Overview: August is another warm month in Slovenia. Average temperatures are the same as in July, peeking into the high teens at 17°C (63°F). There’s little change in the average highs and lows, too. With average highs of 22°C (72°F) and average lows of 12°C (54°F), August is a comfortable month to travel. Other than in the Alps, August is a slightly wetter month than July.
Where to go in August: The top destinations in Slovenia still teem with tourists in August. Try to get a little off-the-beaten-path. Along with September, August is the best month to climb Mount Triglav. The alpine regions are cooler than the coast and inland areas. Escape the heat with incredible walks and hikes around Triglav National Park, Kranjska Gora, Bled, or Bovec.
September
Overview: Into September, the ever-so-short summer wanes. September succumbs to the first signs of fall. September is still a comfortable month with average temperatures of 14°C (57°F). Average highs and lows begin to dip. They sit at about 19°C (66°F) and 9°C (48°F) for the month. On average, September is the wettest month in the Alps. The coastal areas witness a sharp increase in precipitation moving into the wet autumn season.
Where to go in September: After the peaks of the high season, accommodation prices slide downward in September. September is a fantastic time to travel around Slovenia. The most popular places to visit in Slovenia are ripe for exploration. Looking for something off-beat for your trip? It’s unlikely you’ll find anything quite like the Cow Ball in Lake Bohinj. Or, if you love wine, don’t miss out on the Old Vine Festival. This famous culinary & cultural event is held annually in Maribor. It usually falls at the end of September or early October.
October
Overview: Any signs of summer are long gone by October, the first full month of autumn. Average temperatures drop to last month’s lows at 9°C (48°F). The average highs lose their edge at a cooler 13°C (56°F). Cool average lows begin to chill the bones at 5°C (41°F). October is, on average, one of the wettest months in Slovenia, especially along the coast.
Where to go in October: Autumn colours are in full swing in October. October is one of the prettiest times to seek refuge in the outdoors. By now, the high season has come and gone in popular destinations like Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, and Lake Bohinj. Spotting the fall colours in any of these places would make for a memorable Slovenia trip.
November
Overview: In Slovenia, November is a far less tolerable month than October. November is not one of the best times to wander about Slovenia. Expect foggy and damp weather with cooler temperatures blowing in. Average temperatures slip down to 3°C (38°F). Average highs reach just 6°C (43°F) and average lows dip to 1°C (33°F). November is the wettest month in Ljubljana.
Where to go in November: While most would-be travellers avoid November, wine lovers should give it a second look. The official wine season in Slovenia kicks off after St. Martin’s Day (Nov 11). It sparks a slew of wine festivals throughout the country. Some of the biggest festivities take place in Maribor, Ljubljana, and Kranj.
December
Overview: With the misery of a dreary November behind us, the coming of December isn’t a bad thing. Although average temperatures dip to 0°C (32°F), the holiday season in Slovenia brings joy throughout the country. Don’t let the average highs of 2°C (36°F) and average lows of -3°C (27°F) keep you from getting outside. December is generally much drier than November. The magic of the first snowfall and the Christmas season give December an edge over other winter months.
Where to go in December: Every year, Central Europe comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. Slovenia’s no different. Spread the cheer in Ljubljana, taking in the city’s famous Christmas Market. For the entire month of December (and a few days in January), Bled surges with joy during the Festive Winter Village promenade.
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Slovenia is May or September.
Why visit in May?
May is a wonderful time to visit Slovenia. Sitting in the shoulder season, May sees fewer tourists than the summer high season of June to August. Unlike the summer months, the Mediterranean coast isn’t yet full of Italians looking to stretch their Euro farther.
The streets of Ljubljana also aren’t overloaded with tourists yet in May. And outdoor hotspots like Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj? Well, you might just have a little more space there, too.
In late May, you’ll enjoy rising temperatures and lower precipitation. May is a pleasant time to spend time outdoors in Slovenia. Accommodations prices are also generally lower.
You’ll also see your Euros dwindle slower in choosing May over June, July, or August.
Why visit in September?
Like May, Slovenia is close to its peak in September. Although the temperatures aren’t as warm as in summer, September is still a comfortable month. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors to its fullest.
By September, the tourist high season in Slovenia is in the rearview mirror. Finding great deals on accommodation in Slovenia is always easier in September than in the summer months.
