Spring (April–June) is the best time to visit most of the country. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, the coast is uncrowded, and wildflowers cover the hillsides. Prices are lower than in summer.
Summer (July–August) brings the full beach season on the Riviera. Temperatures in the interior can hit 38°C and higher. The coast fills up with Albanian vacationers and visitors from Italy and Greece, prices rise, and Saranda in particular gets very busy. Still a good time to go if you want the full Mediterranean beach experience — just avoid the highest heat of mid-afternoon and book accommodation in advance.
Autumn (September–October) rivals spring as the ideal visiting window. The sea is still warm, the crowds thin out after mid-August, and the light in the mountains is spectacular. This is when we'd go.
Winter (November–March) is quiet and cold. Many coastal guesthouses close. Mountain roads can become impassable. Tirana and the larger cities remain lively, but it is not an obvious time to visit unless you're drawn specifically to the cities or want a very off-season experience.