Best time to travel to the Republic of Macedonia

Location

Climate

There Republic of Macedoniaalso known as North Macedonia, is a country on the Balkan Peninsula in southern Europe.

Tourist seasons in North Macedonia

Northern Macedonia has very marked seasons, with a moderate continental climate. Temperatures vary considerably between summer and winter, influencing the tourist activities and cultural events available depending on the time of year.

High season: summer and cultural festivals

There high season in Northern Macedonia generally runs from June to September. This period is marked by warm, sunny weather, with average temperatures reaching 30°C in July. It's during this period that tourists flock to the historic sites, national parks and beaches of Lake Ohrid. Summer is also synonymous with numerous cultural events and festivals in North Macedonia. Among the most important are :

• Ohrid Summer Festival Ohrid: this classical music festival takes place every year in July and August in the town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Galichnik Wedding Festival Galichnik: a traditional folk event celebrating old-fashioned weddings in the mountain village of Galichnik in July.
• Skopje Jazz Festival a not-to-be-missed event for jazz fans, held every October in the capital of Northern Macedonia.

Low season: winter and winter sports

There low season The tourist season in Northern Macedonia runs from November to March, with cold temperatures and sometimes heavy snowfalls. However, this period also offers opportunities for winter sports in the country's ski resorts, such as Mavrovo or Popova Sapka. January is the coldest month in North Macedonia, with average temperatures hovering around 0°C. Despite this, some interesting cultural events take place during this period:

• Orthodox New Year January 14th: celebrated on January 14th, this event is marked by fireworks, concerts and festivities all over the country.
• Vevchani Carnival A traditional carnival held every year on January 13 and 14 in the village of Vevchani, with masks, costumes and folk parades.

Public holidays and major cultural events in spring and autumn

Spring and autumn are transitional periods in North Macedonia, offering milder temperatures and fewer crowds at tourist sites. These shoulder seasons are also punctuated by public holidays and interesting cultural events.

Spring and religious celebrations

From March to May, North Macedonia celebrates several religious festivals, including :

• Orthodox Easter This festival, often different from the Western date, is celebrated with processions, masses and family meals.
• Hıdırellez A Muslim festival celebrated on May 6 to mark the beginning of summer according to the Turkish calendar.

Nature and hiking enthusiasts will also find plenty to do during this period, thanks to the country's many trails and national parks, such as Pelister, Mavrovo and Galichica.

Autumn and film festivals

Autumn is an ideal time to visit North Macedonia if you prefer cooler temperatures and changing landscape colors. From September to November, the country hosts several internationally renowned film festivals, including :

• Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers Film Festival A festival dedicated to the direction of photography, held every September in the town of Bitola.
• Cinedays Skopje European Film Festival The European Film Festival: an event focusing on contemporary European film productions, usually held in November.

Immigration statistics for the Republic of Macedonia

According to data provided by the Statistical Agency of the Republic of Macedonia, the number of immigrants to the country has risen significantly in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of immigrants rose by almost 50%. Here are some key immigration figures for the Republic of Macedonia:

• In 2020, around 30,000 immigrants were living in the Republic of Macedonia, an increase of 5% compared to 2019.
• Nearly 70% of immigrants come from Europe, mainly Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria.
• Other immigrants come mainly from North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Reasons for migration to the Republic of Macedonia

Several factors explain this increase in the number of immigrants to the Republic of Macedonia:

• Economic opportunities, particularly in industry, construction and information technology.
• A higher quality of life than neighboring countries, thanks to a lower cost of living and a preserved natural environment.
• A rich cultural and historical heritage, attracting lovers of history and architecture.

Most popular visas in the Republic of Macedonia

There are several types of visa for entering and staying in the Republic of Macedonia. The most popular are tourist, business and work visas.

Tourist visa

Tourist visas are the most commonly requested type of visa in the Republic of Macedonia. It allows foreign travelers to visit the country for up to 90 days. To obtain this visa, certain conditions must be met, such as possessing a valid passport and providing proof of accommodation.

Business Visa

The business visa is intended for people wishing to visit the Republic of Macedonia for professional reasons, such as attending a conference, meeting business partners or prospecting for new business opportunities. This visa is generally valid for between 30 and 90 days.

Work visa

A work visa is granted to foreigners wishing to work in the Republic of Macedonia. To obtain this visa, applicants must have a job offer from a local employer and provide documents proving their professional qualifications.

International tourism figures for the Republic of Macedonia

In addition to immigration, the Republic of Macedonia is also attracting a growing number of international tourists. According to data from the Statistical Agency of the Republic of Macedonia, the number of foreign tourists increased by almost 20% between 2010 and 2020. Here are some key facts about international tourism in the Republic of Macedonia:

• In 2020, over 1.2 million international tourists visited the Republic of Macedonia.
• The main countries of origin for tourists are Serbiathe Greecethe Bulgaria, l'Albania and the Türkiye.
• The capital, Skopje, and the Lake Ohrid region are the most popular destinations for international tourists.

Cultural and nature tourism in the Republic of Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia offers a wide range of tourist attractions, which attract many visitors every year:

• Historical and archaeological sites, such as the Skopje fortress, the ancient site of Stobi or the Church of St. Panteleimon in Ohrid.
• Exceptional natural landscapes, such as Mavrovo National Park, Vodno Mountain and Matka Canyon.
• Cultural events and festivals, such as the Skopje Summer Festival, the Manaki Brothers International Film Festival and the Ohrid Summer Festival.