Winter Driving in North Macedonia: Snow Tyres, Chains & Safety Tips

Winter in North Macedonia brings snow to mountain passes, icy conditions in valleys, and shorter daylight hours. With the right preparation, winter driving here is safe and opens up access to ski resorts and stunning snow-covered landscapes.

Winter Tyre Requirements

North Macedonia mandates winter tyres from 15 November to 15 March. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion.

What Counts as a Winter Tyre

Tyres marked with the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol
Minimum tread depth: 4 mm (not the usual 1.6 mm summer minimum)
All-season tyres with M+S marking are acceptable

Rental Car Winter Tyres

All Relax Rent a Car vehicles are fitted with winter tyres during the mandatory period at no extra charge. We switch the fleet in early November and revert in late March.

Snow Chains

When Are Chains Required?

Snow chains are required when the road sign indicates (white sign with chain symbol)
Most commonly required on:
- Strezevo Pass (Bitola–Prilep road)
- Bukovo Pass (Bitola–Ohrid alternative route)
- Mavrovo mountain roads (access to ski areas)
- Popova Šapka access road (Tetovo ski resort)

Using Snow Chains

Fit chains to the drive wheels (front wheels for front-wheel-drive cars)
Maximum speed with chains: 40 km/h
Remove chains when road is clear — driving on dry tarmac damages them
We provide snow chains free with every winter rental — ask at pickup

Road Conditions by Region

Skopje & Lowlands

Snow is intermittent — a few major snowfalls per winter
City roads are ploughed and salted within hours
Main highways (M1, A1, A2) are always passable
Black ice risk on bridge overpasses in early morning

Mountain Passes

Kičevo–Ohrid (A2): Regularly ploughed but can be slow during heavy snowfall. The Bukovo tunnel eliminates the worst section.
Tetovo–Gostivar–Mavrovo: Well-maintained highway but mountain sections require care
Popova Šapka road: Steep, narrow, sometimes closed during heavy snow — check conditions before departure

Ohrid & Lake Region

Milder winter climate than Skopje
Snow is rare at lake level but common in surrounding hills
Road from Struga to Ohrid is well-maintained year-round

Essential Winter Driving Tips

Start early — winter daylight is short (sunset around 16:30)
Clear all snow from the car — including roof, lights, and mirrors (it is a legal requirement)
Keep fuel above half — in case of delays or diversions
Headlights on at all times — mandatory year-round in Macedonia
Increase following distance — at least double the normal gap
Brake gently — avoid sudden braking on snow or ice
Carry warm clothing — in case you need to wait for road clearance

What to Keep in the Car for Winter Driving

Beyond the legally required equipment (warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit — all included with your rental), pack these for mountain winter trips:

Ice scraper and de-icer spray — for windscreens and door locks
Extra warm layer — temperatures at Mavrovo or Popova Šapka can reach -15°C
Snacks and water — delays in mountain traffic can last 1–2 hours
Portable phone charger — cold kills battery capacity fast
Paper map — mobile signal is patchy above 1,000 m on some routes
Shovel — compact plastic ones are cheap and invaluable if you park off-road in deep snow

We also recommend informing someone of your planned route and estimated arrival when heading into mountain terrain in winter.

Winter Parking in Skopje

Parking in Skopje city centre in winter requires extra consideration:

Snow emergency rules: During heavy snowfall, some streets are designated emergency snow-removal zones. Parking on them during a declared snow emergency results in towing.
Underground garages: The City Park underground garage and the Ramstore mall garage are heated and the safest option during blizzards
Heated parking fee: Covered parking in Skopje costs approximately 50–80 MKD (€0.80–1.30) per hour — worth it to avoid clearing snow every few hours
Ski resort parking: Popova Šapka and Mavrovo ski centres have designated parking areas, typically free but limited in peak season

Checking Road Conditions

Macedonian Road Safety Authority: Call 196 for current road status
Google Maps: Shows real-time traffic and road closures
Our team: Call +389 71 392 488 — we know which roads are open

Winter Road Closures

Some minor mountain roads close during heavy snow:

Secondary roads to Galičica National Park (Ohrid–Bitola mountain route)
Access roads to some ski resorts during blizzards
Mountain village roads above 1,500 m elevation

Main highways and the motorway network never close — they are ploughed 24/7.

Best Winter Rental Vehicle

For winter driving in North Macedonia, we recommend:

SUV: Dacia Duster 4x4 — best ground clearance and 4WD for mountain roads
7-seat: Peugeot Rifter — diesel torque handles hills well
Economy: Hyundai i10 Automatic — light and nimble, good with winter tyres on city roads

All vehicles include winter tyres, snow chains, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own snow chains? No. All vehicles rented between 15 November and 15 March include snow chains at no extra cost. They are stored in the boot. Ask us to show you how to fit them if you have not done it before.

Is it safe to drive to Ohrid in winter? Yes. The A2 motorway to Ohrid is ploughed continuously during snowfall. The section from Kičevo to Ohrid uses a modern dual-carriageway tunnel that avoids the most exposed mountain stretches. Drive at reduced speed and you will arrive safely.

What is the minimum temperature for winter tyres in Macedonia? Winter tyres are legally required 15 November to 15 March regardless of temperature. In practice, temperatures drop below 7°C (when summer tyres lose grip) from late October in mountain areas.

Can I ski at Popova Shapka with a rental car? Yes. The access road to Popova Shapka (above Tetovo) requires snow chains or 4WD in heavy snowfall. We recommend the Dacia Duster 4x4 for guaranteed access. Check the road status by calling 196 before departure.

Does a rental car cover breakdown in winter conditions? Yes. All Relax Rent a Car rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance throughout North Macedonia. If you get stuck in snow or experience a mechanical issue, call our direct number — not a call centre. We respond to winter incidents quickly and, where possible, bring a replacement vehicle to your location.

Book a winter vehicle → | Read our driving guide →