Albania experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas enjoy milder temperatures due to the influence of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, while inland regions may have more pronounced temperature variations. Summers are generally warm, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters are cooler and wetter, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing along the coast. Inland areas, especially in the mountainous regions, can experience colder winters with occasional snowfall. Overall, Albania's climate is diverse, offering a mix of coastal warmth and inland variations influenced by the country's topography. Here are a few months for reference:

January : Coastal areas: Mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Inland and mountainous areas: Colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing and the possibility of snowfall.
April : Coastal areas become milder, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Inland areas experience a significant increase in temperature, with spring in full swing.
June : Summer begins, with warm and dry weather. Coastal areas experience temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Inland areas can be warmer.
July : Peak of summer. Coastal temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Inland areas can be hot, with temperatures surpassing 30°C (86°F).
August : Similar to July, with high temperatures and dry weather. It's the warmest month of the year.
September : The beginning of autumn. Coastal temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Inland areas experience milder temperatures.
December : Winter starts, with coastal areas experiencing temperatures between 5°C and 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Inland and mountainous areas may see temperatures drop below freezing, and snowfall is possible.

In Albania, the practice of tipping is not considered obligatory, yet it is widely appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service. When dining in restaurants, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a sign of appreciation for the attentive service provided. While there is no strict rule regarding the percentage of the tip, it is generally suggested to tip around 5 to 10 percent of the total bill. This additional gratuity is seen as a way to acknowledge the efforts of the restaurant staff and express satisfaction with the dining experience.

Travelers arriving in the Republic of Albania from another country are not required to pay import duties on the items in their personal luggage. To qualify for exemption, the goods must be of a type and quantity indicating non-commercial use, such as those intended for personal use or as gifts. Customs duties relief applies to goods, excluding tobacco and alcohol, based on their value in ALL (Albanian Lek).
The exemption limits are as follows:
Road Travelers : 300 EUR per traveler.
Air or Sea Travelers : 430 EUR per traveler.
Travelers under the age of 15 : 150 EUR.

Passengers entering or leaving Albania must declare goods exceeding the specified limits or intended for commercial purposes. Customs authorities may request the traveler to display all carried goods. Non-commercial goods exceeding the tax-free limit in travelers' luggage require a Customs declaration.

Driving Side : In Albania, vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits : Speed limits can vary depending on the type of road. For example, in urban areas, the speed limit is typically 40 km/h (25 mph), and on highways, the speed limit is usually higher, often up to 110 km/h (68 mph).
Seat Belts : Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.
Child Seats: Children under a certain age or height are required to use appropriate child seats.
Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device is prohibited.
Alcohol: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.01%.
Traffic Lights and Signs: Drivers are expected to follow traffic lights and road signs diligently.
Overtaking: Overtaking is allowed on many roads, but it should be done with caution and following the rules.
Insurance: Car insurance is mandatory in Albania. Your travel concierge will ensure that you have it if you are driving.
Parking: Parking regulations may vary depending on the city or municipality. There are usually designated parking areas, and parking on sidewalks or in no-parking zones is prohibited. We recommend parking in paid parking lots or garages.

Car rentals are widely used in Albania (especially in the summer) and are a convenient way to explore the country at your own pace. The rental industry is not as developed as in other European countries and cars will usually be older models (5-7 years old) often times not very reliable so this is something to look out for. Your travel concierge will usually cover rental arrangements so this is something that you do not need to worry too much about.