When is the best time to visit Slovenia?

Jump to: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

January

• Ice skating in the heart of the city

Ice skating in the heart of the city is a popular winter activity for all generations. Ice rinks, where a festive winter atmosphere prevails even in January, can be found in Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj and many other towns across Slovenia.

• Relaxing in Slovenian spas and health resorts

Slovenia boasts an abundance of water and natural beauty. When it's cold outside, you can relax your body and mind in the warm embrace of thermal water. Popular destinations include Terme Olimia, Terme Čatež, Terme Rogaška Slatina, Thermana Laško or Terme 3000 – Moravske Toplice.

•  Fun in the snow

Slovenia is an Alpine country. High mountains and snowy peaks are perfect for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. You can try out ski resorts such as Krvavec, Mariborsko Pohorje, Kranjska Gora, Vogel and Rogla. For even more snow fun, visit Črna na Koroškem at the end of January to see the snow castles of King Matjaž.

February

•  A romantic getaway

With "love" in its name, it’s no surprise that Slovenia is full of romantic spots. Popular places to visit include Bled Island and its wishing bell, the Svečinske gorice vineyards, where the wine route is shaped like a heart, and the Island of Love in Ižakovci. Alternatively, you can celebrate love in a broader sense at Luv Ljubljana, a festival of love, art and wandering.

• A celebration of culture

In February, Slovenians celebrate Slovenian culture. Join them at one of the many events and visit cultural institutions such as the National Gallery and the Modern Gallery, Plečnik House, the Slovenian Philharmonic, the Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, and Cukrarna.

• Frozen waterfalls

February in Slovenia often conjures up a real winter fairy tale. Low temperatures transform waterfalls in Alpine valleys into natural ice sculptures. Discover frozen waterfalls such as Palenk, Peričnik, Zapotok, Lucifer, Orglice and Boka.

• Traditional carnivals

In February, Slovenia is filled with a cheerful carnival atmosphere, which chases away winter and heralds the arrival of spring. Carnival parades take place in many Slovenian towns: kurenti reign supreme in Ptuj, typical carnival characters parade through Cerknica, and a dragon awakens in Ljubljana.

March

• Watching winter sport events

In March, the world's best ski jumpers gather in Planica for the Ski Jumping World Cup finals, creating an unforgettable atmosphere together with crowds of fans. In Kranjska Gora, the fastest alpine skiers compete in the traditional Vitranc Cup. Who will you be rooting for?

• Catching the first rays of sunshine at the Slovenian seaside

Spring slowly awakens in Slovenia at the beginning of March, when temperatures on the Slovenian coast are already pleasantly mild. You can stroll through the narrow streets of Piran, enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Portorož, climb the cliff in Strunjan or find peace and quiet in the Sečovlje Salt Pans.

• Strolling in the sun-kissed hills

The first days of spring are perfect for visiting Goriška Brda, the Vipava Valley and the Karst. Here, among the vineyards and orchards, nature is awakening, with apricot and peach blossoms already in bloom. While exploring the picturesque landscape, you can also visit renowned winemakers and Michelin-starred chefs.

April

• A medieval spectacle

A very special event takes place in Škofja Loka during Easter, which only happens every six years. The old town centre is transformed into the backdrop for the Škofja Loka Passion Play, performed by actors dressed in medieval and biblical costumes.

• A chocolate experience

Are you a chocolate lover? Then you must not miss the Radovljica Chocolate Festival, the largest chocolate event in Slovenia. If you are in the Podčetrtek area, you can visit the Festival of Wine and Chocolate or the Olimlje chocolate shop, where handmade chocolate products have been produced for many years.

• A walk among colourful flowers

At Volčji Potok Arboretum, you can admire more than 3,500 plant species from all over the world. A stroll along the well-maintained paths offers a pleasant way to relax in April and May, while mountain lovers can visit Golica, where the slopes are covered with white fields of daffodils.

• A culinary market 

Slovenia boasts excellent chefs and a wide range of culinary events. The arrival of spring heralds the start of Open Kitchen, a gourmet market in the centre of Ljubljana, which brings the city to life every sunny Friday until the end of October.

May

• Music from around the world

Every year, the Druga godba international festival presents artists from at least four continents. It is one of the most highly regarded music events in the region, captivating audiences with its unique concept and presentation of lesser-known musical content.

• Visiting museums

Although any time is a good time to visit a museum, May is when International Museum Day is celebrated.Slovenia has numerous museums, so there is certainly something interesting for everyone. How about the Rural Transport Museum in Senožeče, the Shell Museum in Piran, the Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica or the School Museum in Ljubljana?

• Flower viewing

Slovenia boasts an exceptional wealth of flora. Flowering meadows, colourful window boxes and mountain flowers delight visitors from early spring until autumn. In May, Bohinj hosts the International Alpine Flower Festival. You can smell the flower of all flowers, the rose, at the Festival of Roses in Nova Gorica.

• Attractive sports on the Soča River

Adrenaline junkies can take a thrilling ride down the emerald Soča River in a raft or kayak. In spring, when the snow in the high mountains melts, the river's water level is ideal for this unique experience that combines natural beauty and sporting spirit.

June

• Exploring the Slovenian folklore

Summer is a great time to visit the beautiful Bela krajina region. In June, it hosts Jurjevanje (St George's Day Celebration), the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia, which will delight you with its rich cultural programme.

• Learning about Idrija lace

Idrija is renowned for its expertise in lace-making. You can learn about the skill of designing and making lace artworks at the Idrija Lace Festival, which is also included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

• Hiking

June is the ideal month to visit the Slovenian mountains. The days are long, the temperatures are pleasant, and nature is in full bloom. You can also expect fewer crowds than during the peak summer season.

July

• Attending a first-class tournament

In July, a floating court is set up on the Ljubljanica River, where volleyball teams compete just above the water’s surface. Together with the accompanying programme and colourful lights, the event offers a real feast for the eyes in the evening atmosphere.

• Cycling

Slovenia's varied terrain attracts numerous cycling enthusiasts, who can explore the country by road or on nature trails. The beautiful summer weather is perfect for exploring Slovenia actively.

• Summer festivals

Summer calls for socializing, which is even more enjoyable when accompanied by good music. In July, the streets of Maribor host the festival of all festivals, Lent. Meanwhile, concert evenings take place at Festival Bled, and the Ana Desetnica street theatre fills the streets of Slovenia. The Ljubljana Festival provides top-notch artistic events in the Slovenian capital throughout the summer.

August

• An open-air cinema

Summer nights are perfect for Film Under the Stars, when film stars take centre stage. Enjoy top-quality films in the magical setting of Ljubljana Castle. Films that are not originally in English have English subtitles.

• A picnic in the great outdoors

Beautiful days are great for spending time in nature. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and treat yourself to a picnic with delicious local food and pleasant company. Slovenia offers many wonderful places to relax, such as by a river, the sea, a lake, or even in a city park.

• A jump in the water

August is the peak of the swimming season in Slovenia. On hot summer days, the Slovenian coast, rivers, lakes and swimming pools offer a pleasant way to cool down.

September

• Learn about the tradition of dairy farming

In September, the planšarji bring down their decorated herds of cattle and the tools they need for living and working in the higher-altitude mountain pastures. The traditional Kravji bal (Cow Ball) event has also been held in Ukanc near Bohinj for more than 60 years.

• Visiting local markets

September is a time of abundance, when local markets in towns and villages are bursting with colourful produce. Visit one of the markets, chat with the stallholders and sample the fresh seasonal produce that showcases the authentic flavours of Slovenia.

• An excursion to Lipica

The Lipica Stud Farm, home to Lipizzaner horses, is the central attraction of the Karst region. For centuries, nature and man have been working together here to create an exceptional heritage. The pride of the Lipizzaner horses shines brightest on Lipica Stud Farm Day, when you can admire the horses' superb dressage performances.

October

• Trail or city running

Slovenia offers numerous opportunities for running in beautiful natural surroundings or urban centres. In October, the capital hosts the Ljubljana Marathon, a true celebration of sport, when the city’s streets are taken over by runners from all over the world.

• Visiting nature parks

October brings beautiful autumn colours to Slovenia. How about exploring nature? You can discover stunning mountains, lakes, and waterfalls in the Triglav National Park, an underground world in the Škocjan Caves Regional Park, and rich flora and fauna in the Ljubljana Marshes Landscape Park.

• Olive harvesting

Experience the Slovenian Istria in a whole new way. At the end of October, the olive harvest begins, with the olives being carefully processed to produce high-quality olive oil, also known as "liquid gold". Naturally, you can enjoy a tasting session when you visit the olive groves.

November

• Culinary pampering

If we had to choose the most "delicious" month of the year, it would be November. During this month, the Slovenian capital becomes a venue for a variety of culinary experiences, special menus, workshops and tastings as part of the November Gourmet Ljubljana festival. You can also experience the authentic flavours of Slovenia at the Taste Radol’ca festival in Radovljica. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop in Strunjan, where the Persimmon Festival takes place.

• Celebration of Saint Martin's Day

Slovenia is a wine-growing country, known for its quality wines and rich winemaking tradition. Around Saint Martin's Day, numerous events are held throughout Slovenia to toast the new wine. In Maribor, you can also visit the world’s oldest grapevine, which still bears fruit.

• Visiting castles

When fog covers the landscape, Slovenia transforms into a fairy-tale setting. This is the ideal time to visit one of the many castles and palaces that tell stories from the past. These include Ljubljana Castle, Bled Castle, Predjama Castle, Snežnik Castle, and Rajhenburg Castle.

December

• A stroll in a magical mark

Are you ready for a special festive experience? Every December, two million Christmas lights are arranged in colourful eye-catching patterns at the Mozirski Gaj flower park, conjuring up a true Slovenian Christmas fairy tale.

• Nativity scenes

During the Christmas and New Year period, you can experience the Christmas story in the magnificent underground halls of Postojna Cave, where a live nativity scene is staged. If you are a fan of small figurines, you can visit the Brezje Nativity Museum, which displays nativity scenes from all over the world.

• Visiting Christmas markets

In December, Slovenian towns come alive with festive lights, and the streets are filled with the aroma of mulled wine and hot chocolate. At Christmas markets, you can admire the products of local artisans, listen to live music and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Cover photo: Andrej Tarfila/Slovenia.info