Slovakia Weather, climate and geography

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

Slovakia lies in a moderate zone and possesses a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average daily temperature in Bratislava in winter is -2°C (31°F), rising to 21°C (70°F) in the summer. January is the coldest month, the hottest being July and August. The highest peaks are snow-capped 130 days a year.

Required clothing

Medium- to heavyweights and sturdy footwear for winter; lightweights for summer. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.

Geography

Known in full as the Slovak Republic, Slovakia is a landlocked central European country, bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine. Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, sits in the extreme southwestern corner, close to the Austrian border. This bite-sized country boasts an astounding variety of scenery. From mountains, canyons and caves, to lakes, forests and lowland meadows, Slovakia’s natural beauty makes it an appealing year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Almost half of the country is taken up by the Carpathian Arc, a range of mountains stretching across the north. Within the Arc, smaller ranges include the Lesser Carpathians, White Carpathians, Malá (Lesser) Fatra, Vel'ká (Greater) Fatra, High and Low Tatras and the Slovenské rudohorie Mountains (Slovak Ore Mountains).