Europe
North Macedonia
Europe
North Macedonia
Overview
North Macedonia, a landlocked Balkan nation, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Explore the capital, Skopje, with its blend of Ottoman and modern architecture. Wander the cobblestone streets of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Hike through Mavrovo National Park's pristine forests and mountains. Immerse yourself in local culture at traditional markets and taverns. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Macedonian cuisine, including savory pastries and rich red wines. With warm hospitality and affordable prices, North Macedonia provides an authentic Balkan adventure off the beaten path.
Best time to visit. Visit North Macedonia from May to September for warm weather and outdoor activities. June to August are peak months, ideal for lake swimming and festivals. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery for hiking and sightseeing.
Cities
We don't have any cities for North Macedonia yet. Use the link below to request a city guide.
Country stats
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F - 28°F | 38°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 4:45 pm | 9 days 1.4 in | 7 days 5.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 46°F - 31°F | 43°F - 27°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 5:30 pm | 8 days 1.5 in | 5 days 3.5 in | 7 mph |
| March | 55°F - 37°F | 53°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 6:15 pm | 9 days 1.8 in | 2 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 64°F - 45°F | 63°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:00 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 73°F - 53°F | 73°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 7:45 pm | 10 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 82°F - 60°F | 83°F - 60°F | Sunny | 4:30 am | 8:15 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 87°F - 64°F | 89°F - 64°F | Sunny | 4:45 am | 8:15 pm | 6 days 1.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 86°F - 63°F | 88°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:15 am | 7:45 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 78°F - 56°F | 78°F - 55°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 6:45 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 66°F - 47°F | 65°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:45 pm | 8 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 54°F - 39°F | 52°F - 36°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 4:45 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 1 days 0.5 in | 7 mph |
| December | 44°F - 31°F | 41°F - 27°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 4:30 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 4 days 3.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 | Religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus according to the Julian calendar. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. | ||
| Easter | Varies (March-April) | Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with church services and family meals. | Interesting cultural experience, plan ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | International Workers' Day honoring laborers with parades and events. | Some closures, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| St. Cyril and Methodius Day | May 24 | Celebrates Slavic culture and literacy, honoring the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet. | Cultural events, minor disruptions. | ||
| Republic Day | August 2 | Commemorates the 1903 Ilinden Uprising and WWII anti-fascist assembly. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Independence Day | September 8 | Celebrates North Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. | Festive atmosphere, plan for closures. | ||
| Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle | October 23 | Honors the start of the anti-Ottoman uprising in 1893. | Minor impact, some patriotic events. | ||
| St. Clement of Ohrid Day | December 8 | Celebrates the patron saint of education and Slavic culture. | Cultural events, minimal disruption. |
1 | Greet locals with 'Zdravo' for hello. Learn a few basic phrases in Macedonian. Most young people speak English, but older generations may not, especially in rural areas. |
2 | Remove shoes before entering someone's home. It's polite to bring a small gift like flowers or chocolates when visiting a Macedonian household. |
3 | Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches. Women should cover their shoulders and knees. Men should avoid wearing shorts. Some churches provide wraps for visitors. |
4 | Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up to the nearest 10 denars. |
5 | Smoking is common in North Macedonia. Many restaurants and cafes allow smoking indoors. If you're sensitive to smoke, look for non-smoking areas or outdoor seating. |
6 | Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in rural areas. Be respectful and keep intimate gestures private. |
7 | Bargaining is not common in shops but can be practiced in markets. Start at about 70% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Be polite and smile during the process. |
8 | Macedonians are known for their hospitality. If invited for a meal, it's polite to bring a small gift. Expect to be offered food and drinks multiple times. Refusing can be seen as rude. |
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