Heraclea Lyncestis Ἡράκλεια Λυγκηστίς
Bitola, North Macedonia
Heraclea Lyncestis is an archaeological site situated in the Bitola Municipality of North Macedonia. It ranks as the 7th most looked-up sight in the country on English Wikipedia and is recognized as a Heritage Site in North Macedonia.
Planning a visit
The site sits at an elevation of 617 meters. Summer months from June through August offer the warmest weather for a visit, with daily highs reaching 28 °C and lower rainfall compared to other seasons. Spring and early autumn, specifically May and September, provide moderate temperatures suitable for exploring the grounds. Winter months are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping near or below freezing, and rainfall is consistent throughout the year.
The nearest airport is Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, located 54 km away. The site is 110 km from the capital, Skopje. A trip here can be combined with visits to the Church of Saint Sophia or the Church of St. John at Kaneo, both located approximately 47 km away. Admission to the site is 100 den, with an additional 300 den required for a photography permit.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 28 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 5 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
| Average low, °C | -3 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Rainfall, mm | 56 | 51 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 38 | 38 | 36 | 51 | 79 | 79 | 82 |
| Rainy days | 10 | 8 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
