Best time to travel to Romania

Location

Climate

Low and high season periods

As in most European countries, the tourist season in Romania can be divided into two main periods:

• Low season : November to March, corresponding to winter and early spring. Temperatures are generally low and rainfall frequent, especially in mountainous regions. Days are short and nights long, making some activities less accessible. However, this period also offers certain advantages, such as more affordable prices and fewer crowds at tourist sites.
• High season : from April to October, with a peak in July and August. During this period, the climate is more pleasant, making it easier to explore Romania's different regions. Expect more tourists and higher prices for accommodation and activities.

So it's essential to choose the right period for your trip, based on your preferences and the activities you plan to do there.

The climate in Romania: regional variations

Romania enjoys a moderate continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. However, there are significant regional variations:

• The plains: located in the south and east of the country, experience very hot summers (up to 35°C) and harsh winters with temperatures as low as -20°C. Rainfall is relatively low, especially in summer.
• Mountains: in particular the Carpathian Mountains, which cover a large part of Romania. The climate is cooler and more humid, with average summer temperatures of around 15-20°C and winter temperatures of between -5 and -10°C. Snow is abundant during the cold season, making it ideal for a variety of winter sports.
• Coastline : bordering the Black Sea, it enjoys a milder, more temperate climate, with pleasant summers (around 25°C) and mild winters (rarely below 0°C). Rainfall is more frequent in autumn and winter.

The best times to visit the different regions of Romania :

• Coastline : The bathing season runs from June to September, with water temperatures around 22-24°C. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and swim in the Black Sea.
• Mountains: If you're looking to hike or climb, choose the months from June to September, when weather conditions are generally favorable. For winter sports, choose the period from December to March.
• Cities : Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant seasons for exploring the country's main cities, avoiding the heat of summer and the rigors of winter.

Major cultural events and public holidays in Romania

Romania is rich in traditions and cultural events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the not-to-be-missed events:

• Transylvania International Film Festival: held every year in May or June in Cluj-Napoca, brings together film buffs from all over the world to discover Romanian and international films.
• George Enescu Festival: dedicated to classical music, is held every two years in September in Bucharest and features internationally renowned artists.
• Moldova Wine Festival : held in October in Iași, this event celebrates the region's winegrowing heritage with tastings, concerts and entertainment for young and old.

In addition, several public holidays are celebrated in Romania, such as Union Day (January 24), the National holiday (December 1) and Christmas (December 25 and 26). On these dates, public services and some shops may be closed, but this can also be an opportunity to attend local festivities and discover Romanian traditions.

Here are some practical tips to help you plan your trip to Romania:

• Don't forget to check the weather conditions before you leave, especially if you're planning a trip to the mountains or the coast, where the weather can change rapidly.
• Think about book your accommodation and activities in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. This will enable you to benefit from better rates and guarantee the availability of the services you require.
• Find out more about cultural events and public holidays during your stay in Romania to adapt your program accordingly.

Immigration statistics in Romania

According to National Statistics OfficeRomania's foreign population has grown steadily in recent years. In 2020, there were almost 240,000 foreigners resident in the country, i.e. around 1.2% of the total population. The main nationalities represented among these immigrants are :

• Moldavians,
• the Italians,
• the Spaniards,
• the Turks,
• and the Chinese.

Reasons for immigration to Romania

Romania's appeal to immigrants can be attributed to a number of factors. These include :

• seeking professional opportunities in a country undergoing rapid economic growth,
• relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries,
• the quality of studies offered by Romanian universities,
• and the favorable business climate with numerous foreign investments.

Most popular visas in Romania

There are several types of visa for entering and staying in Romania, depending on the purpose of the trip. The most popular are :

Short-stay visa (type C)

This visa allows foreigners to stay in Romania for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is mainly requested for the following reasons:

• tourism,
• family or private visits,
• business,
• participation in cultural, sporting or scientific events,
• official missions,
• transit.

Long-stay visa (type D)

The long-stay visa authorizes foreigners to stay in Romania for between 91 days and one year. Among the most popular categories are :

• work visa,
• visa for studies,
• visas for family reunification,
• visa for commercial activities,
• visa for scientific research.

Key figures for international tourism in Romania

Romania attracts increasing numbers of tourists every year. According to latest statisticsMore than 2.8 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2019.

Tourist origin

The main countries of origin of foreign tourists in Romania are :

• l'Germany,
• the France,
• l'Italy,
• the United Kingdom,
• and UNITED STATES.

Tourist's favorite destinations in Romania

Romania offers a wide variety of landscapes and tourist sites that appeal to visitors. Among the most popular destinations are :

• Bucharest, the multi-faceted capital,
• the Maramureș region, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed wooden churches,
• the Carpathian mountains, ideal for hikers and skiers,
• the Danube delta, a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers,
• Transylvania, with its medieval castles, including Bran, often associated with Dracula.

Economic impact of tourism in Romania

The tourism sector plays an important role in the Romanian economy, accounting for around 5% of GDP in 2019. Revenues generated by foreign tourists exceeded 1.4 billion euros in the same year.

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