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Decided to visit Slovenia? That’s awesome!
But when exactly is the best time to visit Slovenia? Doing some research before packing your bags will help you avoid bad weather conditions, sleepy or overcrowded streets, and overpriced accommodation.
After all, knowing when to expect the best weather and the lowest prices and being aware of the high and low seasons will certainly make your trip much more enjoyable.
And that’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article. Hopefully, our tips will help you decide when to visit Slovenia and enjoy its beauty.
The Best Time to Visit Slovenia
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If you want to make the most of your time in Slovenia, you should consider going anytime from May to October.
Late spring is when Slovenia awakens from its winter sleep, and the first warm sun allows for outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and biking. Some people are even “brave enough” to swim in the local rivers, like Soča.
In May, the temperature gets as high as 73°F. That said, the nights are still quite chilly. During summer, the Adriatic Coast is lively and dynamic, and the temperatures reach over 80°F.
Because this is the ideal time to visit Slovenia, it’s also when you may see higher prices on accommodation, flights, car rentals, and other activities. The water is perfect for taking a swim, there are (almost) no rainy days, which Slovenia is so (in)famous for, and the whole country is “buzzing” with energy.
Also, summer is when the forest trails are the greenest — this is a useful piece of information for all of you nature lovers out there. In September, the whole season seems to be nearing its end.
It gets less crowded and temperatures start to drop (they can get as low as 57°F), which is why prices drop too. This beginning of autumn and the end of the summer is perfect in the sense that the shore is much more peaceful, but the warm days are still hanging on.
Whichever month you choose between May and October, you won’t regret it!
Cheapest Time to Visit Slovenia
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The most affordable time to visit Slovenia is in spring, during the April–May period, and then in autumn, during the September–October period.
You can visit many of the must-see attractions, such as the Predjama Castle, for a lower price, and the same applies to accommodation and flight costs.
April and May is when everybody prepares for the upcoming summer season, so the prices aren’t as high as during the peak season.
The same goes for September and October — it’s the end of the summer season and the beginning of the school year, so even families in Slovenia put a stop to their weekend trips within the country.
During this limbo period, the country prepares for its winter tourists starting from November/December onward. The weather is also ideal for travelers who don’t like extreme temperatures.
For instance, if you go in April or May, you’ll manage to skip not only the summer crowds but potentially hotter days. And going in September or October means more or less stable weather, as winter is yet to begin — the temperatures still allow people to enjoy themselves and do many activities.
In May, there’s the Vinska vigred Wine Festival in Metlika and the Druga Godba International World Music Festival in Ljubljana.
In October, you can run the Ljubljana Marathon or go to Maribor and attend the oldest Vine Grape Harvest. This is also the best time to be in nature, as all mountains and hills are colored in yellowish, reddish, and orange hues. Perfect for an Insta-worthy photo!
Just because this is the cheapest time to visit Slovenia doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing going on or you don’t get to spend your money on anything. It simply means that everything is much more down-to-earth and less chaotic because it’s not the official tourist season.
All in all, these two periods are great for travelers who want to experience Slovenia and attend some interesting events without getting caught up in large crowds or paying higher prices for attractions, accommodation, and flights.
Least Busy Time to Visit Slovenia
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The least busy time to visit Slovenia is during the shoulder season, which in Slovenia happens in the months of April and November.
In April, the temperatures range from 46°F to 65°F; in November, they’re between 44°F and 58°F.
In general, these two months allow travelers to experience an uncrowded Ljubljana, fewer queues when visiting Slovenian attractions, more accommodation choices, and cheaper flights.
Apart from the buzz surrounding Easter in April, these two months typically see very few tourists and events. That said, in April, there’s the International Elvis Festival in Portorož and the St. George’s Day Folklore Festival in Črnomelj.
On November 11, a key event that takes place is St. Martin’s Day, and as a result, there are numerous celebrations across the county.
The celebrations don’t just take place on the day — St. Martin’s Day is usually celebrated for a whole week (or two!) after that. To truly celebrate it, however, you need to visit winemakers and vineyards, and of course, try different wines, as this month is all about wine appreciation.
There are also some dishes typical for the holiday, such as roast goose and stewed red cabbage, worth trying out.
Most restaurants even provide guests with St. Martin’s Day menus, so experiencing that is another must if you decide to go in November. Finally, if you want to see Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, this is the period to do so.
In summer, both get extremely crowded (especially during weekends), and in winter, it can get really cold, so you won’t be able to enjoy them if you aren’t fond of large crowds or cold weather.
Worst Time to Visit Slovenia
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The worst time to visit Slovenia (at least the way we see it) is from December to March. It’s cold, it’s rainy, and most tour operators decide to take the season off.
Moreover, there aren’t that many tourists in general. In December, the temperature can get as low as 36°F (the highest is 51°F). In March, the minimum temperature increases to 39°F, and the highest to 57°F.
There are very few sunny days; in Ljubljana, for instance, there may be none during the whole of March. Also, certain attractions in smaller towns may have limited working hours, while some may be closed during the entire season.
That said, going to Slovenia in winter has its perks for people who wish to enjoy the snowy landscape, visit the slopes, or go to a wellness and spa center.
And even if you don’t ski or if spa centers aren’t your thing, you can always attend the Christmas market in Ljubljana (which is quite lively and charming, by the way).
Alternatively, you can move toward the coast where the winter temperatures are much more bearable.
Finally, many believe this should be the cheapest period to visit Slovenia, as nothing special seems to be happening then. However, due to the popularity of spa and wellness centers, as well as winter activities, don’t expect to find affordable accommodation.
Things to Consider
We already told you all there is to know about the best time to visit Slovenia, but to truly plan your trip like a pro, here are some extra tips worth taking into account:
- Pack wisely. If you plan to spend a lot of time in nature, hiking, riding a bike, and so on, wear light, comfortable clothes and even more comfortable shoes. Also, if you’re going in spring/summer, don’t forget to bring your swimwear, as there are many beautiful lakes and rivers, and more importantly, access to the Adriatic sea. Outfits for rainy days are also more than needed, so dress in layers.
- Pick the season based on the activities you want to engage in. For example, summers can get quite hot in Ljubljana, however, if you decide to spend the summer in the mountains hiking or simply exploring, be ready for cooler temperatures. On the other hand, certain attractions or mountain passes are closed during winter months, but if you want to go skiing or enjoy a European Christmas market, winter is the right time to visit this country.
- Stay safe. While Slovenia is indeed a safe country, many travelers are tempted to go off the beaten path, especially while trekking at higher elevations. That’s why it’s important to go hiking as part of a group or at least with another person. We also suggest letting others know when you’re going hiking and double-checking the weather conditions before engaging in such activities. If you do encounter a problem, you should dial 112 and get in touch with the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia (GRZS).
- Check for discounted tourist card deals. For instance, the Ljubljana Card costs between 36€ and 49€, depending on how many days you want to use it for. The card gives you free access to more than 20 attractions, a guided city tour, a boat cruise, a four-hour bicycle ride, and a funicular ride to the castle, in addition to enjoying free public transport. You can do the same for Maribor and Bled.
- Cycle and walk. Slovenia is a pedestrian- and bike-friendly country, so there’s a nicely developed cycling culture. Just visit Ljubljana, and you’ll witness cyclists having more “rights” than pedestrians or cars and a plethora of people getting around on foot. People there are truly an active bunch.
These tips won’t only help you organize your trip better but will also give you peace of mind during your stay in Slovenia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the most beautiful part of Slovenia?
Everything about Slovenia is beautiful. Picking one city, one lake, or one area would be doing injustice to the country.
However, for the sake of answering the question and helping you pick what to see there, here’s our detailed list:
- Ljubljana
- Maribor
- Kranj
- Piran
- Kranjska Gora
- Predjama Castle
- Postojna Cave
- Portoroz
- Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj
- Triglav National Park
- Boka Waterfall
- and Soča River Valley
Is Slovenia cheap to visit?
The answer largely depends on when you’re planning to visit and how expensive your country of origin is.
For instance, visiting in summer during the high season for Slovenian tourism means higher prices, which is why flights are also more expensive. Our pro tip would be to keep an eye on the airports in neighboring countries and search for cheap(er) flights.
However, Slovenia isn’t considered an expensive country by some common European standards. For example, eating out in Slovenia’s neighboring countries, Italy and Austria, is much more expensive. Groceries seem to cost less than in the USA.
Overall, here’s what your daily costs in Slovenia would look like:
- Bed in a hostel: €15-25
- Bed in a hotel: €40-60
- Coffee: €2
- Beer: €3
- A restaurant meal for two: €35.
How many days in Slovenia is enough?
We believe three days is the absolute minimum to see the most important attractions and places and generally experience the country. However, if possible, we recommend staying for at least four days — the more you can stay, the better.
Ultimately, the number of days will dictate what you can do and see.
A few must-see attractions are Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj (at least one of “the lakes”), Predjama Castle, the Triglav National Park, and of course, a walk in Ljubljana.
Is October a good month to visit Slovenia?
October can be a beautiful month to visit Slovenia because there are fewer visitors and reduced prices. Moreover, this is when you can witness the changing foliage across the entire country.
That said, this is also when the temperatures fall, there’s heavy rainfall, and the days become shorter.
Which is better: Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj?
Lake Bled is a great option for travelers who want nicely developed infrastructure, restaurant choices, and shopping places. It’s much busier and more dynamic than Lake Bohinj, and there are also many churches and castles for those interested in visiting them.
On the other hand, Lake Bohinj isn’t as crowded or as dynamic as Bled, which makes it perfect for travelers who want peace and tranquility
There are magnificent views of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park, and you can always find a free spot to rest, even in peak times. All in all, both are absolutely worth visiting if you can fit them into your Slovenia itinerary.
Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!
The best time to visit Slovenia depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the trip, but overall, most travelers prefer going there anytime between May and October.
This is so because it’s the peak season, the days are warmer, and there’s a lot going on in the country — from seaside activities to city events.
If you want to visit Slovenia on a budget, we recommend going there during the spring April-May period or the September-October period. These two periods are when travelers can score nice flight deals and find affordable accommodation.
The least busy time to go to Slovenia is definitely in April or November. These two months are great for travelers who want to stay away from large queues or crowds in general.
And what about the worst time to visit Ljubljana? Unsurprisingly, it’s the winter period — from December to March. It’s when the days are short, the sun’s hidden, and snow dominates the country.
However, this period is perfect for those who look forward to engaging in winter activities or simply enjoying the Christmas Market in the capital city.
Finally, considering Slovenia’s diverse climate, you’re more than likely to enjoy your time there regardless of when you decide to visit. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Slovenia today!