Best time to visit Romania depends on what you’re after: snow-dusted castles, quiet mountain trails, sunflower fields, or fall colors in the forest. The good news? Romania is a year-round destination — and if you time your trip right, you can avoid crowds and high prices.
As someone who lives here, I’ve experienced every season across the country. This guide breaks down each time of year by weather, prices, and what you can expect in different regions.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting CheapWanderlust!
Spring (April to May) — Green, Quiet, and Underrated
Spring is one of the most overlooked but rewarding times to visit Romania.
- Weather: Mild days (15–22°C), especially in May. Occasional showers.
- Crowds: Minimal, especially outside of Easter week
- Prices: Still low; many hotels and guesthouses are in off-season mode
- Best for: Hikes in Apuseni or Piatra Craiului, blooming countryside, quiet cities
If you want to see places like Sibiu or Sighișoara without tour buses, this is a sweet spot. Booking.com usually has deep spring discounts on hotels.
Summer (June to August) — Festivals and Peak Season
Romania gets lively in summer, especially in July and August. But it comes with a price.
- Weather: Warm to hot (25–32°C), especially in southern Romania
- Crowds: High in tourist hotspots and national parks
- Prices: Peak rates for hotels and transport
- Best for: Music festivals, Transfăgărășan Highway, beach towns like Vama Veche
If you’re visiting in summer, book accommodation early. Wise helps you avoid ATM fees when everyone’s trying to get lei at once.
Fall (September to October) — Romania’s Golden Secret
Ask any local: early fall is magic. Think golden hills, grape harvests, and cozy towns.
- Weather: Still pleasant (15–25°C), crisp mornings
- Crowds: Thinning out, especially by mid-September
- Prices: Dropping again, especially for rural stays
- Best for: Apuseni hikes, Transylvania road trips, fall markets, autumn colors
This is the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and low prices. Rural guesthouses in villages like Rimetea or Viscri are perfect here. Check our Where to Stay in Romania for Cheap guide for ideas.
Winter (November to March) — Snow, Christmas Markets, and Ski Deals
Winter can be long, but if you lean into it, Romania is a fairy tale.
- Weather: Cold (0 to -10°C), snow in mountains and sometimes towns
- Crowds: Sparse, except around Christmas
- Prices: Very low in most places
- Best for: Brașov in the snow, ski trips in Poiana Brașov, Christmas markets, thermal spas
For cheap ski trips, January and February are ideal. GetYourGuide and Viator offer snowshoeing and winter tours if you’re not into skiing.
Also check out our post on Bucharest on a Budget — it’s surprisingly fun (and cheap) in winter, and if you’re planning to travel between cities or rural areas, see our How to Get Around Romania on a Budget guide for transport tips.
For remote workers or digital nomads visiting during the quiet winter months, using a VPN is a smart move for security. I use NordVPN to keep my connection safe on public Wi-Fi, especially in cafes or Airbnbs.
We receive a fee when you get a subscription from NordVPN using this link. We do not represent NordVPN. This is not a recommendation to buy VPN services.
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Weather | Costs | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | Snowy & cold | Very low | Low | Skiing, thermal spas |
| March | Warming up | Low | Low | Quiet cities |
| April-May | Mild & green | Low | Low-Med | Hiking, sightseeing |
| June-Aug | Warm to hot | High | High | Festivals, beaches |
| Sept-Oct | Crisp, golden | Low-Med | Low | Autumn colors, road trips |
| Nov-Dec | Cold/snowy | Low | Low/Med | Xmas markets, castles |
Final Verdict: When Should You Go?
If your priority is saving money while still enjoying good weather, go in May or late September. You’ll find lower rates, great walking weather, and scenic towns without tour groups.
But Romania is great in any season — just come prepared and plan around what you want to see. Use tools like Omio to find seasonal train and bus routes, and Revolut for easy payments.
Photo suggestions for this post:
- Spring: Wildflower trail in Apuseni or Saxon village in bloom
- Summer: Outdoor cafe in Sibiu or Vama Veche beach shot
- Fall: Rimetea village with yellow leaves or vineyard scene
- Winter: Brașov’s Christmas market or snowy Bran Castle