Romania has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, including mild springs and autumns, sunny summers, and chilly winters. Expats moving to Romania will be able to practice their skiing in winter, with snow typically falling from December through to March throughout the country. Winter temperatures average 26°F (-3°C), with the potential for heavy winds that can make the cold rather unpleasant.
Spring, from the end of March to June, has cool mornings and nights. This gives way to warm summers, during which expats may experience some rain. Generally, they can look forward to summers spent in the sun, enjoying the Romanian countryside, especially as daily temperatures range between 77°F (25°C) and 86°F (30°C). Autumn begins at the end of September, bringing both cool and dry weather.
Romania’s climate varies considerably across its regions, shaped by the Carpathian Mountains that divide the country. The mountainous areas experience cooler temperatures year-round, with snow at higher elevations lasting from December through April and temperatures plummeting well below -4°F (-20°C).
The Black Sea coastal region benefits from maritime influences that moderate both summer heat and winter cold. Western and central Romania typically see milder winters and more rainfall.
The eastern and southern lowlands can be particularly sweltering during peak summer, with temperatures frequently soaring above 100°F (38°C) in July and August. These areas also tend to be drier, with less precipitation than the mountainous western regions.