Best Time to Visit Romania: A Complete Seasonal Guide

I know the feeling.

You have a new fixed idea. This year you have to visit Romania. But what about the weather? Is summer too hot, how mild are winters, does it rain a lot? These are all legit questions to plan a good travel… but don’t worry, I am here to help you find out everything about the best time to visit Romania.

This blog post is spot on your Romanian journey.

Being Romanian, I have a good handle on the question and can give you important insights about the best season to travel to Romania, shoulder season or the least inviting months for a visit. You don’t have to lift a finger, just read the post!

Romania has four seasons and a temperate continental climate. The temperature varies according to the country’s geography as you move from level zero to the mountains. The hottest parts of the country are the cities in the plain areas (Bucharest, Craiova, Drobeta Turnu-Severin in the south, Timisoara, Arad and Oradea in the west). The coolest parts, on the contrary, are to be found in the mountainous areas (the Carpathian Mountains are shaped like an arc), while the plateaus in the proximity of the mountains feature warm temperatures slightly more reasonable than in the plains. The area inside the arc, Transylvania’s depression, reveals normal temperatures with a tendency to hot. All needs to be understood in the context of global warming.

You can visit ANY PART OF ROMANIA ANY SEASON. This guide is intended to offer support by highlighting some activities that get more sparkle in a particular season.

To break it down and give meaningful detail, I’ll talk separately about the four seasons in all parts of the country: the best things to do, advantages and drawbacks for planning a visit in one particular season.

Content:

Is winter the best time to visit Romania?
What are the best things to do in winter in Romania?
Advantages of visiting in winter
Disadvantages of visiting in winter
Is spring the best time to visit Romania?
What are the best things to do in spring in Romania?
Advantages of visiting in spring
Disadvantages of visiting in spring
Is summer the best time to visit Romania?
What are the best things to do in summer in Romania?
Advantages of visiting in summer
Disadvantages of visiting in summer
Is autumn the best time to visit Romania?
What are the best things to do in autumn in Romania?
Advantages of visiting in autumn
Disadvantages of visiting in autumn
Conclusion

Is winter the best time to visit Romania?

Generally speaking, winter in Romania is cold, but things vary a lot from region to region. Expect snow in areas such as Transylvania, Maramureș, Bucovina and the mountains, while the rest of the country has mild temperatures, most often without snow. In recent years, the amount of snow diminishes year by year due to global warming.

Transylvania is the largest region in the country and literally translates “through the woods”. Located in the Carpathian arc, Transylvania soaks up the spotlight. This tourist destination is chilly in winter; Eastern Transylvania has the coldest places in the country.

December is the month to explore the Christmas spirit and traditions. January is the least interesting month to plan a trip to Romania. February is usually the coldest and most snowy time in the country. Go to the mountains to hear the crisp snow under your boots. However, there’s usually a week of vacation for schools (period changes every year), so skiing areas can be more crowded.

The touristy areas of Maramureș and Bucovina, both situated in northern Romania welcome tourists with temperatures below zero (at least at night) and white attire. Moldova, placed at the eastern border is quite frozen as well, while the rest of the country, meaning mainly southern (Oltenia, Muntenia), western Romania (Crișana, Banat) and the Delta area (Dobrogea) have generally higher temperatures. Here, the landscape is mainly flat, and these areas are not a good option to visit in winter if you crave snow. Bucharest is no exception. However, Bucharest is a splendid idea to visit for the Christmas markets with wonderfully decorated buildings, just like in any other big cities.

What are the best things to do in winter in Romania?

As a tourist, Romania has on offer a large palette of activities, depending on the area planned. If you visit in winter, here is a selection of the best things to do:

• Practise winter sports (in Poiana Brașov – the fanciest, but also most expensive winter resort, Bușteni, Predeal, or close to Transalpina at Obârșia Lotrului and Rânca);
• Have fun at the bobsleigh track in Toplița, Transylvania. This is an activity for all seasons, but I think it is most charming in winter;
• Explore nature! Immerse yourself in the Transylvanian villages and the countryside in a scenic white landscape;
• Visit Bran Castle (associated with Dracula) and Peleș Castle in Sinaia, wonderful under the snow;
• Explore Christmas markets in Romania’s major cities. Bucharest has amazing decorations on the beautiful old buildings along with the Christmas markets where you can taste some Romanian delicacies or have a mulled wine.  Craiova (southern Romania) comes with a lot of magic, ranking high on the European Christmas markets list. But all major cities have beautiful Christmas markets worth visiting.
• If you visit around Christmas and target traditions, you must head to Maramureș and Bucovina. These are the regions with traditional hearty food and customs preserved.
• Heading to Maramureș? Find a cozy traditional accommodation, take a ride with Mocănița steam train and enjoy a horse-ridden sleigh.
• Ideal weather for trying the plum țuica (very strong liqueur).
• Take a stroll in the cities, but do not expect snow. Depending on your luck, the weather can be sunny or rainy.

Insider tip!: Of course, global warming is an all-enveloping phenomenon, so snow is not guaranteed not even in the coldest parts. Weather is a lottery!

Advantages of visiting in winter

There are several advantages of visiting Romania in winter, and here are the main ones:

• Not many tourists adventure themselves in winter, so there are fewer tourists and the most popular landmarks are not busy.
• It is cheaper compared to full season, which can be an important aspect.
• Most places are open, such as castles, while cities are hustling and bustling.

Disadvantages of visiting in winter

• Unfortunately, weather is unpredictable, and snow is not guaranteed.
• Transfagarasan, the iconic Romanian highway is partially closed in winter because of the weather. The parts that are open are not the ones that made it famous.
• Low on tourists, villages slow the engines, and you have limited restaurants or activity options.

Is spring the best time to visit Romania?

The season spreading from March to May comes with the energy of renewal. In reality, spring is short, being a bridge between brisk days and sudden summer temperatures. Nature turns raw green; flowers are in bloom and agriculture is back. How does this translate in traveling? Mornings and evenings stay chilly, but you’ll probably enjoy a pleasant temperature around noon and get rid of the sweater. Weather can be sunny, cloudy and sometimes wet, with moderate rainfall, unlikely to spoil your vacation. However, make sure to have a raincoat!

If you plan a trip to Bucharest, check out these blog posts: Why visit Bucharest – 18 reasons it’s worth it!
Iconic communism in Bucharest – the Palace of Parliament
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Transylvanian spring is chilly in the morning and evening and can reach pleasant temperatures throughout the day. Maramureș and Bucovina, placed in northern Romania make sure you don’t sweat, while the cities boast their most attractive attire: blossoming trees with white and pink perfumed flowers. In the mountains, however, nature is a bit lazier, and it still takes some time before awakening.

What are the best things to do in spring in Romania?

Spring is a wonderful season to visit Romania. Here’s a list of some activities to carry out in spring:

• It is probably the best time to enjoy the cities.  Take a leisurely stroll through a park or go to an outdoor adventure to hear birds singing in the trees, see vibrant flowers blooming in the fields and lush foliage. Do not miss out on the Japanese garden in Herăstrau Park Bucharest, as well as the public gardens from Timișoara or Craiova.  
• Botanical Gardens in Cluj or Iași are some of the best places to visit in spring.
• Outdoor enthusiast? Go to Poiana Narciselor (Daffodil Meadow) in Brasov county in May to intoxicate with the perfume of daffodils and other seasonal flowers.
• Giardini di Zoe are in full bloom in revival season. Close to the Corvin Castle, the gardens make an excellent stop to observe the tantalizing pink crowns of trees.
• Ochiul Beiului Lake and Beușnita Waterfall in Banat are best to approach in spring for the azure-turquoise color and bigger waterflow.
• If you appreciate Romanian outdoor art, head to Târgu Jiu to admire some of the works of Brâncuși, the greatest Romanian sculptor. Here you’ll see the Endless Column, The Table of the Silence and the Gate of the Kiss in parks.
• Roam around the Transylvanian cities and citadels: Sibiu, Sighișoara, Râșnov, Brașov. You can opt for a bike tour.
• April is one of the best and least crowded months to add the Danube Delta to your list. In May, the water lilies are in bloom and the banks of the Danube overflow with spring vegetation.
• One of the most popular religious celebrations in the country, Easter is best celebrated in the countryside.

Advantages of visiting in spring

Spring is a season filled with benefits. You can visit all of Romania, and besides the regular trip, there are some perks a spring visit has:

• Admire blossoming nature in the cities (especially) and countryside.
• Spring is a shoulder season perfect for visiting.
• The weather is usually pleasant.
• It is not too crowded.
• If you are a fan of nature, this is the time to go to waterfalls, as their waterflow is bigger after the melting of the snow.

Disadvantages of visiting in spring

• Not all activities are back in full swing.
• Transfagarasan highway is still not open.

Is summer the best time to visit Romania?

If you don’t mind hot weather and the crowds, the answer is yes. This is the season when all activities are booming. Summer in Romania is usually hot and dry in the plain, while in the mountainous or hilly areas, you can expect showers and thunderstorms. And warm temperatures.

If you plan a visit to Transylvanian landmarks in summer, check out: Sighisoara – Transylvanian medieval gem
Viscri – the authentic Saxon village
Visit Sibiu – top 10 attractions (+bonus)

In Transylvania, the weather is generally quite warm, cooler in basins and hills and hot in the cities. However, Transylvania is still relatively protected from the heatwaves that flood Banat, Oltenia and Muntenia areas. Here, in the cities (Timisoara, Craiova), the weather can reach crazy temperatures, such as several days around 39-40°C (104°F!).  If you dread the heat, you can hide (and hike) in the Carpathians, be it Făgăraș, Piatra Craiului or Retezat mountains, the scenery is breathtaking! Maramureș and Bucovina are slightly colder than the other regions and good for a visit, while western and southern Romania (Bucharest included) are usually very hot and dry.

Here is a list of summer activities:

What are the best things to do in summer in Romania?

• Go to the mountains and explore amazing scenery and wildlife!
• It is known that Romania hosts the biggest population of brown bears in Europe. To see the majestic bear, go to Libearty Bear Sanctuary, a place with rescued bears where animals live in their natural habitat, and you can closely observe them.
• This is the idea time to swim in the Black Sea, test resorts such as Mamaia, Neptun (classic) or Vama Veche and 2 Mai for the more bohemians.
• Enjoy the Danube Delta and its vast population of birds.
• Looking for natural resorts? Try Ursu Lake in Sovata, close to the Praid Salt Mine. Being an area rich in salt, you float on the lake.
• Be part of Via Transilvanica! It is a long-distance trail that connects diverse regions and communities, allowing you to discover authentic and natural Transylvania and Romania. It’s designed for hiking, cycling and horse riding. 
• Transfăgărășan is usually open from July to October-November, weather permitting. Check the official site!
• If you find yourself loitering around the country by car, it would be nice and less common (less crowded too) to drive to Transalpina, Transsemenic or Transrarău! All these are highways that cross some of Romania’s mountains!
• You can enjoy the fortified villages of Saxon Transylvania all year round, but summer is best to take the bike and pedal back in time through forests, meadows and pretty Saxon villages (Viscri, Crit, Mesendorf or Bunesti). You can go on your own or be part of an organized Transylvania by bike tour.
• Sighișoara is one of the most colorful and romantic spots! Plan (ahead) a visit for the last weekend in July when the small UNESCO heritage town recreates medieval times during the festival!
• More inclined to driving? Rev the engines and start the journey along Rucăr Bran Pass and make a detour to Bran Castle, the famous Dracula landmark! Make sure to book ahead!
• Bicaz Gorges are a natural wonder. The Natural Park features immense limestone rocks towering over 1,000 ft. above the narrow Cheile Bicazului pass and the Red Lake (Lacul Rosu).
• In the cities find shelter in a cozy café, museum, or dive in an aquapark/swimming pool. Or, immerse yourself in a museum or exhibition with air conditioning!
• Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prominent film festivals in Eastern Europe. It usually takes place in Cluj-Napoca (extended to Sibiu and Oradea) in June. The festival highlights new artistic movies and engulfs the audience in the latest Romanian cinematographic creations.

Advantages of visiting in summer

Summer comes with benefits in terms of visiting.

• Everything is open.
• Good water temperature for swimming in the sea and outdoor pools.
• You have more opportunities than in any of the seasons.

Disadvantages of visiting in summer

• Summer is more crowded than other seasons. But crowds in Romania are not so big as in top touristy countries.
• Unfortunately, prices can really increase in the hot season.
• Bucharest can be torrid in summer.
• Expect sultry weather in the big cities.

Is autumn the best time to visit Romania?

Fall is a cavalcade of colors in Romania. Another shoulder season and possibly the best time to visit Romania, autumn is a great time to explore the country for the spectacular fall foliage. But not only. You can do all the things mentioned above, besides, in autumn you can have a great fresh wine (called must) and taste wonderful Romanian dishes. Probably the most picturesque season, autumn is friendly in all regions of the country.

For more details check out: Best 2-day Itinerary for Maramures region (with map)
The Taste of Transylvania – A Gastronomic experience

September and October can be warm with pleasant temperatures, while November is more hostile with a higher amount of precipitation. Transylvania is hunted for the magnificent landscape dotted with autumn colors hiding behind fortresses or fortified churches. Maramures and Bucovina’s highlights reside in nature’s traditional haystacks, traditions and autumn sun playing hide-and-seek. Southern and western Romania enjoy large amounts of sun, while fall matches perfectly the capital.

What are the best things to do in autumn in Romania?

Visit, explore and enjoy autumn!

• Bran Castle is often associated with the Dracula legend, so it hosts special events and parties around Halloween, creating a spooky and festive atmosphere.
• Many towns and villages in Transylvania celebrate the harvest season with festivals. These events showcase traditional Romanian foods, local wines, and crafts. It’s a great opportunity to taste regional specialties and experience authentic Romanian culture.
• The entire range of the Carpathians is a work of art. Why not connect a hike in Apuseni (western part of Carpathians) to a trip to Oradea, Cluj or Maramures?
• Take an organized photo tour to capture the colors of foliage or organize one yourself. October is the best time to enjoy amazing parts of the country: Rimetea village, Transylvanian Saxon villages, or the mountains.
• Transalpina highway is usually open from June to the beginning of November, weather permitting, so give it a try. You can start the highway that connects Oltenia to Transylvania (148 km) in Novaci and get to Sebeș Alba. Pay a visit to Ograda Bunicilor in Baia de Fier, traditional accommodation, while from Sebeș you have a large palette opening on Transylvania.
• Transfăgărășan is usually open until the end of October, so you can complete the trip to Romania with the iconic hairpins and concrete ribbon highway.
• The Danube Delta, UNESCO world heritage site, is a paradise for birdwatchers, as many species migrate through the area in October. You can take serene boat rides through the delta looking for birds and wildlife.
• Major cities and their surroundings look lovely dressed in brown, yellow and red.

Advantages of visiting in autumn

• It is shoulder season and probably the best time to visit;
• Pleasant weather;
• Fewer crowds;
• Amazing foliage colors.

Disadvantages of visiting in autumn

• Probably more rain than in summer.

Conclusion

Romania is that type of country whose weather is approachable and inviting in all seasons. However, I personally believe January and November are the least visitable months with the least activities and more prone to bad weather.

In winter, the best options are winter sports and Christmas markets. Add extra value to your journey delving into Christmas and traditions in one of the most authentic areas. Spring and autumn are amazing shoulder seasons, perfect for visiting. Nature is at its peak in both cases and gives cities a special glow. Fortresses, remote villages, mountains or the Delta can all be admired in these seasons. Summer, the vacationing season par excellence, keeps the good vibe with most activities, but also, highest temperatures.