Best time to visit · Ljubljana · Slovenia
The best time to visit Ljubljana
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Žiga, Public domain
Quick answer
The best times to visit Ljubljana are May, June and September, when terraces are open, days are warm and day trips to Bled and Bohinj are at their most rewarding. July and August are the busiest months but rarely too hot. December is worth a trip for the riverside Christmas market and lights, while January and February are cold, foggy and quiet.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August, October and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 27°C (81°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 4°C (39°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Ljubljana has a temperate continental climate with warm summers, cold winters with frequent fog in the basin, and plenty of rain spread through the year, with heavier showers and thunderstorms in late spring and autumn.
March–May
Spring
Blossom in Tivoli, terraces reopening and the Friday food market returning, with frequent showers and mild temperatures.
June–August
Summer
Warm, long days with the Ljubljana Festival in Križanke and outdoor concerts; the busiest season for hotels and for day trips to Bled.
September–November
Autumn
Settled September weather and autumn colour in October, turning grey and wet by November, when prices fall.
December–February
Winter
Cold and often foggy, with the festive December market and lights; January and February are the quietest and lowest-priced months.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -3°C | 9 | 9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 7°C | -2°C | 8 | 10.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 12°C | 2°C | 9 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 12 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 10°C | 13 | 14.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 25°C | 14°C | 13 | 15.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 27°C | 15°C | 11 | 15.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 27°C | 15°C | 10 | 14.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 22°C | 11°C | 11 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 16°C | 7°C | 11 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 10°C | 3°C | 12 | 9.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 4°C | -2°C | 11 | 8.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Kurentovanje carnival in Ptuj, with shaggy kurent costumes (usually February, before Lent) |
| April | Odprta kuhna Friday food market season usually begins in spring |
| June | Ljubljana Jazz Festival (usually late June or early July); Ana Desetnica street theatre festival (usually early summer) |
| July | Ljubljana Festival — concerts and opera in Križanke and on Congress Square (usually July–August) |
| August | Ljubljana Festival continues (usually until late August) |
| October | Ljubljana Marathon (usually late October) |
| November | St Martin's Day new-wine celebrations (around 11 November); Ljubljana International Film Festival (usually November) |
| December | Festive December — Christmas market and lights along the Ljubljanica (usually late November to early January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Ljubljana?
The best times to visit Ljubljana are May, June and September, when terraces are open, days are warm and day trips to Bled and Bohinj are at their most rewarding. July and August are the busiest months but rarely too hot. December is worth a trip for the riverside Christmas market and lights, while January and February are cold, foggy and quiet.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Ljubljana?
Usually in January–February. Cold and often foggy in the basin, while the surrounding hills can sit in sunshine; museums and cafés are quiet.
+What is the rainiest month in Ljubljana?
May, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Ljubljana get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).