Romania in Winter: Is It Worth It?
Yes, Romania is worth visiting in winter if you like snow, Christmas markets, castles without the summer crowds and skiing in the Carpathians. It is cold, the days are short and some things close (such as bear hides and the high mountain roads), so plan with that in mind. For an overview of the country, start with our Discover Romania guide.
Below you will find what the weather is like, the best things to do from December to February, what is closed and how to get around.
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Key facts
- Winter in Romania runs roughly from December to February; temperatures are often below freezing, especially in the mountains.
- Christmas markets open from late November to early January in cities such as Sibiu, Brașov and Bucharest.
- You can ski in Poiana Brașov and the Prahova Valley, usually from December to March depending on the snow.
- Bear hides are closed while bears hibernate, and high mountain roads such as the Transfăgărășan are closed in winter.
- Days are short: in December the sun sets around 4:30 to 5 pm, so plan visits for the morning.
What Is the Weather Like in Romania in Winter?
Winters are cold and continental. In the cities it is often around freezing during the day and colder at night, while Transylvania and the mountains are colder still and usually covered in snow. Conditions vary a lot from one year to the next, so check the forecast a few days before you travel.
- Bucharest: cold, grey days around freezing, with occasional snow.
- Transylvania (Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara): colder, frosty nights and frequent snow, which makes the old towns look like a postcard.
- Mountains (Poiana Brașov, Sinaia): snow cover and temperatures well below freezing at altitude.
- Black Sea coast: cold and windy; most beach resorts close until spring.
The Best Things to Do in Romania in Winter
Winter is the season for city breaks, castles and snow. These are the plans that work best from December to February:
Christmas markets
From late November to early January, the main squares fill with wooden stalls, mulled wine, sweets and carols. The best known are in Sibiu (Grand Square) and Brașov (Council Square), and Bucharest has its own. Dates and locations change every year, so check them before you go. Our guide to Christmas markets in Romania compares them.
Castles without the crowds
Bran, Peleș and Râșnov are far quieter than in summer, and with snow they look their best. Check opening days and hours before your visit, as they can be shorter in winter. Our guide to Transylvania’s castles explains how to visit them.
Skiing in the Carpathians
Poiana Brașov, just above Brașov, is the best-known ski resort in Romania, and Sinaia also has slopes. Lessons are available for beginners, and you can combine skiing with an afternoon in Brașov’s old town. More in our guide to skiing in Romania.
Winter traditions
Around Christmas and New Year, carol singers go from house to house and many villages keep old customs. In Moldavia, in the east of the country, masked dancers dressed as bears perform the traditional bear dance to see out the old year.
Tours That Work in Winter
Ski lessons in Poiana Brașov, a day trip to Sinaia and Brașov with Peleș Castle and a small-group tour to Sighișoara and Viscri from Brașov. Check the dates of each tour for your trip.
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Viator
Ski or Snowboard Lessons on the Slopes of Poiana Brașov
Ski or snowboard lessons with an instructor at Poiana Brașov, Romania’s best-known ski resort, just above Brașov: a great winter plan.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Sinaia and Brașov in One Day
A day trip from Bucharest to the mountain resort of Sinaia, home of Peleș Castle, and the medieval old town of Brașov.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Small-Group Tour of Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea from Brașov
A small-group day trip from Brașov to the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the Saxon village of Viscri and Rupea Fortress: UNESCO heritage in one day.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
What Is Closed or Different in Winter
A few things change in the cold months, and it helps to know them before booking:
- Bear watching: bears hibernate and the hides close. See our guide to the best time to see bears to plan a spring or summer trip.
- Mountain roads: the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina close in winter because of snow.
- Opening hours: some museums and castles open fewer hours or days.
- Black Sea and Danube Delta: low season, with most beach resorts and many boat trips not running.
Getting Around Romania in Winter
Trains between Bucharest, Brașov and Sibiu run all year and are a comfortable way to travel without driving on snowy roads. If you rent a car, winter tyres are required when roads are covered in snow or ice, and mountain passes can close at short notice: check road conditions and always follow the instructions of the local authorities.
If you prefer not to drive, organised day trips from Bucharest to Bran, Peleș and Brașov run in winter too. Check the dates of each tour when you book.
What to Pack for Romania in Winter
Pack as you would for a cold mountain trip, even if you mostly visit cities:
- A warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, plus thermal layers for Transylvania and the mountains.
- Waterproof boots with good grip for snowy and icy streets in the old towns.
- A small backpack for layers: indoor museums and cafés are well heated.
Romania in Winter: FAQ
Is Romania worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you enjoy snow, Christmas markets and castles without crowds. It is cold and some things close, such as bear hides and the high mountain roads, but cities, castles and ski resorts are open.
How cold is Romania in winter?
It is often around or below freezing, colder at night and much colder in the mountains. Conditions vary from year to year, so check the forecast before you travel.
Can you see bears in Romania in winter?
Not at the hides: bears hibernate and bear-watching tours stop until spring. Wildlife tracking hikes in the snow are the winter alternative.
When are the Christmas markets in Romania?
Usually from late November to early January. The best known are in Sibiu and Brașov, and Bucharest has its own. Exact dates change every year.
Where can you ski in Romania?
The best-known resort is Poiana Brașov, just above Brașov. Sinaia and other resorts in the Prahova Valley also have slopes. The season usually runs from December to March, depending on the snow.
Is the Transfăgărășan open in winter?
No. The Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina close in winter because of snow and usually reopen in summer. Check the official status before planning a drive.
