Montenegro is a wonderful nation. It manages to fall into three climatic zones, so the weather in the inner part of the county and on the coastal one varies, as does the optimal time to unwind at various resorts in Montenegro. In this article, we'll determine the ideal time of the year to visit Montenegro.
The Adriatic Sea washes the nation's shore, giving it a Mediterranean climate. This encompasses Ulcinj, the Budva and Bara Rivieras, and a portion of the Bay of Kotor. In the summer, it is hot and hardly ever rains; when it does, it typically pours with midday thundershowers and lasts for no more than an hour.
Best time for different kinds of activities in Montenegro
The beach season on the Montenegro coast lasts from May to October, however, the water is not yet warm enough for swimming in May, and it starts to rain in the latter part of October. Swimming is not recommended in October; instead, take a nature walk or enjoy some of Montenegro's attractions, such as the fortress in Kotor.
As opposed to the resorts along the Adriatic coast such as Ulcinj, Budva, Becici, Petrovac, and Bar, where the water temperature may not be adequate until mid-June, you may start swimming earlier in the cities around the Bay of Kotor, including Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, and Perast. Some people tend to get chilly in the water, so for them, water will seem frigid even in late June. Nonetheless, at the end of May, even children will mostly enjoy a swim.
Due to the refreshing sea air, coastal cities are less impacted by the heat in the summer. The Bay of Kotor resorts' rest in July and August is made difficult by the heat, which seldom dips below +30 °C during the day and occasionally exceeds +40 °C. It's not as hot at the Adriatic shore. Kotor Bay is also a great fishing spot.
Late May, June, September, and the first part of October are the best times to visit Montenegro. The ideal time to travel to Montenegro is during these months.
It is advised to travel to the Durmitor National Park and the Black Lake in the north of Montenegro in the sweltering months of July and August.
The only thing you can do in Montenegro's beach resorts from November to April is watching the storms. Even though it seldom gets below freezing, it constantly rains. Stormy winds from Bora and Yugo occasionally blow, complicating the navigation and bringing cooler temperatures, while equally cold, dry air masses come. At the end of September, the majority of the coastal tourist attractions close, leaving visitors with few options for entertainment.
In the winter, it frequently snows on the Boca coast. Snow is an uncommon occurrence on Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Budva, Ulcinj, Bar, and other cities experience constant temperatures of +5 °C to +12 °C. By the way, if you intend to learn more about Budva, we recommend that you purchase our Old Town walking tour to see all the noteworthy places in this city.
You also relax on the banks of major rivers in July and August. Both seaside and river beaches are equally popular. If you're in Podgorica, pay a visit to the beaches along the Moraca River, as well as the mouths of the Zeta and Tsievna rivers.
It is possible to visit cultural and historical sites like the Ostrog monastery or Cetinje at any time of year, but some timings are superior to others. For example, you should be aware that it rains heavily from September to April and that visibility on the mountain road between Budva and Cetinje is frequently obscured by clouds, making travel there a difficult and sometimes risky task.
Immersing yourself in nature is better postponed until late April-May or early September. For example, it is very dangerous to go to Lovcen in winter: the road is already narrow itself, and at this time of the year it is also covered with snow. It is not worth the effort.
Winter in Montenegro
In winter comes the tourist season in the nation’s north. Ski resorts like Zabljak and Kolasin may not catch up with the alpine resorts, but from early December you can go skiing. Lovers of winter entertainment will also appreciate Turiak, Durmitor, and Bjelasica.
Spring in Montenegro
The weather in the county is still chilly and rainy in March. The temperature on the seaside fluctuates between +8 °C and +14 °C. It is between +6 °C and +15 °C in Podgorica, which is in the center of the nation. Niksic, which lies in the mountains, has colder temperatures on average.
Although it is still too early to go swimming in April, people start to travel farther into Montenegro as the weather warms up. The Montenegrin shoreline blooms in late March or early April. It is particularly lovely in the wisteria gardens.
In April, the average temperature along the Adriatic Sea coast ranges from +10 °C to +16 °C; in the country's center, it ranges from +9 °C to +19 °C; while in the mountains, the ski season comes to an end.
May marks the start of beach season. Although Budva's beaches are clean, and fully prepared for visitors by late May, the water temperature may still feel colder than in the summer. The first group excursions to Montenegro start in May as well.
Summer in Montenegro
June is one of the greatest months to visit Montenegro for a beach vacation. The water temperature on the Adriatic Sea coast is around +21 °C and +23 °C in the Bay of Kotor resorts. The air temperature is already +18-+25 °C by the shore, +17-+28 °C in the center, and +13-+21 °C in the highlands.
In July, the county's beaches become busy and frequently too hot for a relaxing vacation, but the water temperature increases to near-peak levels. The temperature in Budva and other Adriatic destinations is often about +24°C, while in the bay it may reach +25–+26°C. The air is typically about +28-+32 °C and can reach +35 °C rarely. In the highlands, where you may go trekking in July, the daytime temperature ranges from +24 °C to +26 °C.
August is also an extremely hot month. The water becomes so warm in August that people start to refer to it as fresh milk. The month of August is the best time to travel to Montenegro's north since it is cool, tranquil, and less crowded than the coast.
Montenegro’s Adriatic shores are great indeed, but it would be a mistake to overlook this nation’s lakes. One such lake, Skadar, is a cradle of local wines and the largest lake in the entire Balkans. It’s absolutely worth visiting.
Autumn in Montenegro
Another beach month in Montenegro in September. You won't regret booking your trip for September since the weather cools off, the crowds thin out, and the fruit begins to mature. In the bay, the water is somewhat warmer than the sea, which is still at a pleasant +23 °C. At the shore, the temperature dips to +18–+25 °C, in the country's center to +17–+27 °C, and in the mountains to +22 °C, occasionally falling to +12 °C.
Sometimes October is still regarded as beach season in Montenegro. The sea is roughly +20 °C; yet, although Budva and other towns are quite warm during the day, inhabitants dress in thick vests and jackets during the nights. One cannot forecast October's weather; it may be dry and bright or it may be wet.
The mountains see their first snowfall in November. In November, Montenegro is less appealing to tourists due to the rainy season. The air temperature ranges from +9 °C to +15 °C at the shore, +7 °C to +15 °C inland, and +3 °C to +10 °C in the highlands. The water temperature dips to +17 °C.
