Retezat National Park, Romania: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Retezat National Park, Romania? If you're planning to go to Retezat National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Retezat National Park, Romania

Based on the climate and weather in Retezat National Park, Romania, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Retezat National Park, Romania

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Retezat National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Retezat National Park, Romania by month

January

January in Retezat National Park is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 10 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you go to Retezat National Park in February, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you are traveling to Retezat National Park in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in this region is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

In May, Retezat National Park is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Retezat National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Retezat National Park in June, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July for Retezat National Park is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August for Retezat National Park is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October here is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you are traveling to Retezat National Park in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Romania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Retezat National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

If you go to Bucura Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Retezat National Park, Romania

Retezat National Park is one of Romania's most beautiful parks and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Located in the western part of the country, the park covers an area of over 380 square kilometers and features a stunning landscape of mountains, forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Retezat National Park that you should not miss.

1. Lake Bucura

Lake Bucura is the largest and most beautiful lake in Retezat National Park. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and wildflowers, which make for a beautiful and serene landscape. Visitors can hike around the lake and take in the stunning views or swim in its crystal-clear water.

2. Pietrele Lake

Pietrele Lake is located on the south side of Retezat National Park and is a popular destination for those who love extreme sports. It offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The lake is surrounded by steep cliffs, making it an ideal place to climb and explore.

3. Pecineagu Lake

Pecineagu Lake is located on the northeast side of the park and is another popular tourist attraction. It is known for its clear blue waters and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the park.

4. Bucura Peak

Bucura Peak is the highest peak in Retezat National Park, with an elevation of 2,509 meters. Hiking to the peak offers a rewarding experience, as visitors can enjoy stunning views of the park, including Lake Bucura and other natural wonders.

5. Costila Peak

Costila Peak is another popular peak in Retezat National Park, with an elevation of 2,521 meters. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Hiking to Costila Peak is a challenging but rewarding experience, and visitors are advised to be physically fit and prepare accordingly.

6. Cascada Bigar

Cascada Bigar is a stunning waterfall located on the east side of the park. It is known for its unique horseshoe shape and the lush green foliage that surrounds it. Cascada Bigar is a must-visit attraction for any nature lover, and visitors can take a short hike to get up close to the waterfall.

In conclusion, Retezat National Park offers a diverse range of attractions for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From hiking and rock climbing to swimming and exploring, visitors to this park will have plenty to see and do. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Retezat National Park is the perfect destination for you.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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