World Guide

North Macedonia

Country · Europe, Southern Europe

Matka Canyon
Pictured: Matka Canyon · Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Southern Europe, North Macedonia is a landlocked country with a population of about 1.8 million people across 25,713 square kilometers. Its capital is Skopje, and it shares borders with Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. The country features a variety of archaeological sites, religious architecture, and mountain terrain.

Highlights

This guide covers 15 notable sights. In the capital, Skopje, visitors can explore the Old Bazaar, the Skopje Fortress, and the Millennium Cross. Archaeological sites include the ancient settlements of Tauresium, Stobi, and Heraclea Lyncestis, as well as the prehistoric observatory site of Kokino. Religious architecture is prominent, featuring the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid, the Church of St. George in Staro Nagoričane, the Monastery of Saint Naum, the Šarena Mosque in Tetovo, and the Arabati Baba Teḱe. For outdoor exploration, the country features Matka Canyon and Mount Korab, which is the highest point.

Food and drink

Local culinary options include Pastrmajlija, a type of bread pie, the vegetable dish Pindjur, and the alcoholic beverage Mastika.

When to go

The following weather data reflects the climate in the capital, Skopje. Winters are cold, with average daily highs of 6 °C to 8 °C and lows dropping to -3 °C. Spring brings milder conditions, with temperatures rising from 12 °C in March to 23 °C in May. Summers are warm, with daily highs reaching 30 °C in July and August. Autumn sees temperatures cool down to 11 °C by November. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with the highest precipitation in November and December.

Practical notes

The currency is the Macedonian denar. The official languages are Macedonian and Albanian. The country uses 230 V electricity with plug types C and F. Traffic moves on the right side of the road. The time zone is UTC+01:00.

Cities

Food and drink to try in North Macedonia

  • Mastika
  • Pindjur
  • Pastrmajlija

Top sights in North Macedonia

  1. Matka CanyonMatka CanyonSkopje
  2. TauresiumTauresiumSkopje
  3. Monastery of Saint NaumMonastery of Saint NaumOhrid
  4. Mount KorabMount Korab
  5. Skopje FortressSkopje FortressSkopje
  6. Church of St. John at KaneoChurch of St. John at KaneoOhrid
  7. Heraclea LyncestisHeraclea LyncestisBitola
  8. StobiStobiStobi
  9. Old Bazaar, SkopjeOld Bazaar, SkopjeSkopje
  10. Millennium CrossMillennium CrossSkopje
  11. Church of Saint Sophia, OhridChurch of Saint Sophia, OhridOhrid
  12. KokinoKokinoStaro Nagoričane
  1. Arabati Baba Teḱe · Tetovo
  2. Šarena Mosque · Tetovo
  3. Church of St. George, Staro Nagoričane · Staro Nagoričane

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 30 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C681217232730302518116
Average low, °C-3-216111417171382-2
Rainfall, mm373842515453413443596466
Rainy days1291210141066981110

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Skopje (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

Neighbouring countries and territories