When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Montenegro: Kinds of Holidays, Montenegro climate, and Weather by Month

Are you planning a trip to Montenegro? If so, when? It doesn’t matter whether it’s winter or summer; this country is good all year round. Do you doubt it? We’ll convince you. 

Table of Contents 

When is the best time to visit Montenegro?

Opening of the beach season in Montenegro

Active holiday on the water

Ski vacation

Montenegro Climate

Weather by month in different regions of Montenegro

Tourist season in Montenegro

When God wishes to bestow a land, he gives it a full measure of wonders and beauties. This is what Montenegro received from the higher powers. Stunning, rich nature, the emerald-blue Adriatic, a variety of beaches, ancient monuments, medieval monasteries and castles, snowy mountains and crystal-clear glacial lakes; it is impossible to enumerate everything that’s here.

At any time of year, the magical country pleases tourists. When is the best time to visit Montenegro? On the first day of vacation, of course! It doesn’t matter if it’s winter, autumn, summer, or spring; you can have an amazing vacation here during any season.

Obviously, the majority of travelers prefer to come in June, the beginning of summer, when the beach season opens. All the more so because at this time of year there is something to suit everyone’s taste — apart from sea bathing, that is. Scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing or wandering the moonlit embankments at night — take your pick!

There is plenty to do here in the winter too. First of all, Montenegro winter includes magnificent modern ski resorts. Just imagine: the mountains, snow, endless blue sky overhead, the light blue ski trail running away under your skids, and the speed is breathtaking.

The off-season delights travelers as well. It is a convenient time when the beach season in Montenegro comes to an end. The weather is still wonderful, the beach still warm, and crowds of tourists have already left. Between swims, you can go sightseeing; this compact country has a fantastic concentration on attractions. Wander the ancient streets of the resort Budova, explore its age-old castles and surrounding caves, and take a ride to the islands of the “Holy Archipelago”. But, most importantly, explore at your own pace; there’s no rush in autumn.

So, no matter what time of year you take a vacation: in July, October or even in February, take off to Montenegro and you will have a blast. Where exactly is there to go during different seasons? This question will be answered below.

When is the Best Time to Visit Montenegro?

Let’s immediately answer the question from the heading — always. Furthermore, it depends on what you expect from your vacation. An Adriatic tan and great pictures from beach night discos? Then go in the summer; the closer to the opening of the beach season in June, the better. There aren’t many people yet, but the sun is warm, and the sea, although invigorating, is already warm enough and, most importantly, very clean. Just what you need to welcome the summer.

You can spend this season leisurely on the beaches of Budva and Tivat in the first half of October. The cozy and honeyed velvet season of autumn is especially good in Montenegro. The water is warm, the beaches are sunny and there is hardly anyone around.

Connoisseurs of steep snow slopes and fun après-ski must visit Kolasin or Zabljak sometime in February or March. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring a reindeer sweater for authenticity and, of course, to not freeze. The latter is unlikely to be a threat though, even during the winter. It’s warm even high up in the mountains.

Early spring and late autumn are good for casual excursions through the ancient castles and monasteries as well as having fun at local festivals.

Now let’s go more in-depth about the types of vacations you can take depending on which season of the year.

Opening of the Beach Season in Montenegro

The most famous among all the beaches in Montenegro overlooking the island of Sveti Stefan.

Sometimes it seems that life in the country comes to a standstill during the winter time. No, it doesn’t stop altogether, but let’s just say it becomes a lot more relaxed and laid-back. But with the onset of summer, life boils up, explodes with a carnival of faces, brightly colored shorts and shirts, children’s laughter and joy. The beaches gradually fill up with the pale bodies of travelers who will very soon become chocolate under the Mediterranean sun. 

May and June 

The Montenegro beach season starts in May, but especially seasoned swimmers go ahead and open it at the end of April. The water is still cool in May — about 18-19 degrees, but by the end of the month it warms up to a quite comfortable 22⁰. There’s no better way to welcome summer. In addition, May and June have no debilitating heat, and most tourists planning a trip here have not even begun packing their suitcases. 

July and August 

The high season peaks in mid-July and continues through most of August. During these months, the water temperature rises to 24-26 degrees Celsius. The water is warmer in the Bay of Kotor and cooler in the open sea, such as off the coasts of Bar, Budva and Petrovac. 

September and October 

Travelers then begin to disperse as the honey velvet season arrives, which rounds out in early October. In September, the water temperature drops to a pleasant 23 degrees and the sea no longer resembles a bathtub. The days are still warm — up to +25⁰, but the evenings can be chilly, so it’s worth it to bring a sweatshirt for late walks along the embankment. 

If your vacation ends up in the second month of autumn and you are really wanting happiness and a warm sea, then welcome to Ulcinj — the southernmost and hottest resort in the country where you are able to swim for a couple weeks longer than the rest of Montenegro. Even in mid-October the water off the coast of Ulcinj is a comfortable +22⁰. 

Active Holiday on the Water 

You can go rafting down the Tara River; it will surely leave a lasting impression. 

Summertime is not only about the various comfortable pebbles, sand and concrete beaches. It is also filled with a bunch of opportunities to spend time being active. 

Diving 

The main type of water entertainment here is undoubtedly diving. In Budva as well as other resort towns there are many schools that teach scuba diving to all who wish to learn. Even children as young as 8 years old. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity — There is so much to see at the bottom of the Adriatic: sunken ships and airplanes along with luxurious flora and fauna. What is especially interesting is the underwater world off the coast of the “city of a thousand steps”, Herceg Novi. By the way, there really is an incredible amount of stairs that seem to “flow” down the hillside into the sea. 

Paragliding 

You can go paragliding, which is very popular in the town of Budva. In the outskirts of this resort, specifically on Mount Braichi, is the most suitable starting point for beginners. Soaring over the Budva Riviera for 20 minutes is an experience like no other. 

Yacht Cruising 

Another popular water activity is yacht cruising. The marina is the calling card of Tivat, and the town itself has the largest boat and sailing yacht rental center in the region as well as a renowned yacht training school. You are able to rent a small boat that fits 7 people for a week and go exploring the islands. Better yet you could gather a big company of 10-12 people to rent a sailing-motor catamaran with cabins and a skipper, or even a luxury yacht with a crew. It won’t be cheap, but it’s a vacation you won’t forget. 

Windsurfing and Kiting 

Sea, surf, kite. If these words resonate in your heart, a vacation is better spent in Ulcinj. Of course you can surf the waves in any other resort in the country, but they say nowhere here is as windy as in Ulcinj. That is why it is a paradise for windsurfers and kiting enthusiasts. It is also home to some of the best wind and kite surfing schools in the country. 

Ski Vacation 

Ski season in the country starts around the middle of November and ends at the very end of March. But sometimes it ends in April or May, depending on when the first swimmers appear on the beaches of the Bay of Kotor. 

Montenegro is not so much about the sea as it is about the mountains, which occupy most of the country. This is where the flow of tourists has been heading since around November when snow falls in mountainous areas and the temperature drops below 0⁰. However, not much lower in Kolasin and Zabljak, at the country’s main ski resorts, “Arctic” warm clothes will not be needed. Moreover, the conquest of snow slopes on skis and snowboarding is quite an active exercise, so the skier and snowboarder are not in danger of freezing. It is more likely the other way around. 

In saying that, you should still put on a reindeer sweater — it will come in handy for evening walks as an example. You can also wear it in après-ski. 

Just imagine this incredible contrast: snow-covered slopes, riders in bright winter overalls rushing to the chairlifts while a couple hundred kilometers away — sun-drenched beaches and sea waves, in which someone is already splashing cheerfully. Having said that, let’s remember that this is a very compact country. 

Kolasin 

If you are planning a visit here in the winter with children, you should keep in mind that the most developed and safe resort is considered to be Kolasin. There is a well-designed, rich infrastructure, equipment rentals, schools and plenty of instructors. The tracks are varied and laid out on grassy slopes suitable for skiing even if there is not much snowfall. In addition, there is no dangerous rock terrain or cliffs here. The weather at this resort is always wonderful as it is surrounded by four mountain ranges and protected from strong winds. 

Zabljak 

Zabljak is the highest altitude Balkan village. It is located 1465 meters above sea level, at the foot of Durmitor, a fantastically beautiful mountain range and a natural landmark of the country. This resort has 3 ski centers with a lot of cable cars and tracks of different difficulty levels, including those for cross-country skiers. Since all of the tracks are illuminated, you can ski here at night as well. 

Festivals and Excursions 

Regardless of the season here, you will undoubtedly catch some kind of holiday. 

Montenegro is a happy country, and happy people always have something to celebrate. That’s why there are so many festivals and various large-scale events.

Spring Festival

The season opens in May with rock music festivals, the Budva Carnival and Lima Regatta, which starts in the town of Plav. In the last month of spring, the country’s Independence Day is celebrated, as well as the Day of St. Basil of Ostrog, who is the most revered saint in Montenegro. At the same time, Podgorica hosts a traditional book fair, while Tivat celebrates Youth Day on May 25th.

Musical Summer

Warm and still unhurried June is the time for jazz and, accordingly, the Made in New York International Jazz Festival at the grand Porto Montenegro. During this time there is also a big jazz along with house, funk and disco festival in Budva, which is the biggest one on the Adriatic Sea. It was at this festival, by the way, that gave a “start in life” to such performers like rock musician and songwriter for Emir Kusturica’s films Goran Bregovic as well as the bands Matia Bazar and Boney M.

At the end of June, Kotor celebrates the Bokel Sea Brotherhood Day as Tivat and Herceg Novi enjoy classical music. In 2023, June also delighted luxury car enthusiasts as Montenegro hosted one of the stages of the Gumboll 3000 — the “millionaires’ race”.

July and August amaze travelers with an abundance of local and international festivals, one of which, KotorArt, lasts for a month and a half. At the height of the beach season there are other interesting events like unique Fascinada, beer festival, regatta, large-scale folk festivals in the surrounding regions of Bar, “Kotor Fiesta”, theater festival, “Fish Night” in Ulcinj and many others. All in all, if you're into the “festival” life and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, then welcome to the summertime.

Sightseeing Autumn

Autumn is a great time for going on excursions and visiting the local attractions. The country has a rich history and therefore there is an amazing amount of these places of interest including: tiny and huge active monasteries, mighty forts, medieval castles, along with palaces and museums for every taste.

The weather during the deep autumn is so-so. Although warm, it is rainy. It is all the more pleasant to shelter from the downpour among the ancient stone walls and listen to a fascinating tour about past affairs. Afterwards, you can settle down in a panoramic cafe, warming your hands with a cup of latte and admiring the incredibly quiet and calm Adriatic Sea that is dressed in silver veils of rain.

Bright Winter and Spring Again

December is a time of eternal values. During this time, the country hosts the Days of Culture in Podgorica, Maslinijada in Bar, Festival of Olives, which is the most important agricultural crop, in Virpazar, and the Wine and Duck Festival. All of this with tastings, of course.

After the New Year celebrations, the country organizes a unique Mimosa Festival, which blooms here in February and pleases with a wonderful fragrance until mid-March. All month long, the streets of Herceg Novi are filled with parades and masquerades, as well as concerts and fun sports competitions.

In March the Camellia Days begin in Stoliv and Kotor. Here is where a fantastic festival of flowers takes place, which ends with the selection of a camellia queen and a ball. During it, floral exhibitions and installations, concerts and many other events dedicated to the delicate and luxurious flower are held. These are great reasons to visit in the early spring and possibly even stay until the summer!

Montenegro Climate

With weather diversity, the country is also very lucky. There are three climate zones in the tiny country by world standards. 

Mediterranean Climate

The coastal areas of the Adriatic have a Mediterranean climate. Its main characteristics are warm, windless and sunny summers, mild, often rainy winters and an early spring. Temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius in the summer and a pleasant 12-15 degrees in the winter. 

The rainy season begins in November, the late fall, and continues through the end of January. The north coast has more frequent winter showers, while the south coast generally has more windy weather at all times of year. It’s no coincidence that Ulcinj, the southernmost resort of the country, is considered the wind capital and a paradise for wind and kite surfers.

Temperate Continental Zone

The center of the country and the rocky plateau are the realm of a temperate continental climate. In general, it is colder here than on the famous rivieras: up to +25 in the summer and just below 0 in the winter. Moreover, it is warmest in the plains and cooler in the mountains. Rain is not uncommon in the summer and snowfall occurs in the winter. 

The rocky plateau separating the country’s coast and inland regions is characterized by large elevation differences, some reaching up to 1,000 meters. This area is marked by high precipitation and heavy fog, which seriously hinder motorists traveling to the museum town of Cetinje and Lake Skadar from Tivat and other coastal settlements. By the way, Cetinje is the absolute record holder of the country in terms of precipitation; they receive up to 200mm of rain monthly. On average, every month for a week and a half to two weeks it rains here. 

Sub-alpine Climate 

The mountains are the coldest and the highlands are dominated by the subalpine climate. Snow falls up to a dozen times per winter and it gets up to 30 cm thick. In the winter the thermometer sometimes drops to -9⁰ and doesn’t rise above +23⁰ in the summer. At the same time, it is quite sunny, making skiing a pleasure. As you go to a ski resort in the winter, you should realize that the higher it is located, the colder it is. The highest mountainous skiing region in the country is Zabljak. 

Now let’s go more in-depth about the monthly weather in different regions of the country. 

Weather by Month in Different Regions of Montenegro 

In general, the country has a comfortable climate.

The country has a mild climate. The winters are warm enough, not  -40⁰, and the summers, although hot, are not a stupefying +45⁰ in the shade. 

January 

It is during the month of January when it’s the coldest. It rains on the coast with temperatures up to 12⁰ during the day and 6⁰ at night. When setting off to the Adriatic coast in January, it makes sense to bring a coat, a warm jacket and an umbrella. 

In the mountains, however, it’s sunny, snowy and frosty. It’s the best time to go skiing in Kolasin as it's not too cold there during the second month of winter (+2⁰ to -4⁰), but there is a lot of snow covering up to half a meter thick. If you want real frost and more snow, it makes sense to go to Zabljak, where it is -7⁰ to -9⁰ during the day and -15⁰ at night. 

February 

During this month, the coastal areas get warmer, up to +13⁰, and rain no longer falls almost every day, signaling the end of the rainy season. However, when going to the Mimosa Festival, it still makes sense to wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella. There is still soft snow in the mountains, a slight frost that stings your cheeks, it’s just below 0⁰ and the ski resorts are proactive and fun. 

March 

March is beautiful here. The rain has ended, the air on the Adriatic has warmed up to +17-20⁰ in some places, nature is blossoming and pleasing with bright colors. It’s a great time for walks and excursions to ancient castles and monasteries. 

It is also getting warmer up in the mountains. As there is still a lot of snow, there is a possibility of avalanches. Many skiers have already left, so it is cheaper to vacation in Kolasin and Zabljak in spring than in winter. 

April 

The second spring month in the coastal areas of the country is like summer. The water in the sea is still about +16⁰, making it still too cold to swim, but very pleasant to walk. The weather is mostly sunny, there are days when the thermometer reaches +22⁰. In the mountains it is cooler, a maximum +10⁰. You can still ski there, but it’s better to devote April to sightseeing and outdoor activities. Moreover, from the middle of the month excursion routes open, allowing you to go wandering on protected forest and mountain trails, cycling in national parks, and rafting. 

May and June 

During the late spring and early summer, coastal areas experience warm, quiet, dry and sunny weather. The daytime in May gets up to +25⁰ and in June up to +27-29⁰. The water warms up to 20-22⁰, marking the beginning of the beach season. It is the warmest in Budva, which is considered one of the sunniest cities in the country. There is no influx of tourists yet, the sea is clean even on sandy beaches. You can sunbathe and swim as well as taking advantage of the absence of the masses of vacationers, walk around the ancient fortresses, admire the waterfalls and lakes, explore the mysterious caves without elbowing other travelers. 

By the way, the temperature in the caves is lower than outside. If your plans include a visit to Lipska Cave, Megar or the legendary Crvena stijena, where a Paleolithic site was found, pack some warm clothes in your suitcase. 

Early summer in the mountains is cool, up to +14⁰ in the daytime. But it is very beautiful: the real spring Alps — picturesque mountain peaks against the background of bottomless blue sky, green meadows with bright colors, clear air. You can go mountain climbing, horseback riding, conquer mountain trails by bike, rafting on the Tara River, or just walk around. 

July and August 

These are the hottest summer months. A huge number of tourists come to the Adriatic resorts. The water in the sea warms up to +26⁰ and the air up to 28⁰ and above. In July there are 29 sunny days on average, so you won’t need an umbrella unless you’re heading to the mountains, where it is about 22-25⁰ during the day and it rains up to 5 days a month. However, a summer vacation in the mountains is a great idea for those who can’t stand the intense heat. Healing air, many natural attractions, silence — a real paradise. Such a vacation will cost less than in Budva or Becici.

September 

In September it is still warm during the day on the coast, about +26⁰. At night it can be quite cool, up to 13⁰. The water gradually cools down, but it is still very comfortable for swimming. It rains more often, with an average of 6-8 “wet” days and there are far fewer tourists and lower prices. In particular for fruits, which are abundant in local stores in the autumn. In addition, September is a great time not only for swimming, but also for excursions to national parks, yachting, fishing as well as visiting exhibitions and cultural events. 

October 

Autumn and the rainy season is coming to the Balkans as the thermometer drops to +18⁰ and below. If in the beginning of the month the water is not lower than 20⁰ while you’re swimming, then the second half of the month is better to devote to excursions, examining natural and man-made sights, museums, monasteries and forts. 

November 

In November, the weather is fickle and capricious across the country. The sun peeks out in the first half of the day, and then a downpour can hit just after lunchtime. Therefore, if your vacation is in November, it is better to have sets of clothes for all types of weather conditions. 

One sees less and less sunny days as the thermometer is +14-15⁰ during the daytime and the sea water is cold, not allowing you to swim in it. It seems dreary, but “dreary” doesn’t describe Montenegro, regardless of the time of year. 

In the last month of fall, you can excite yourself to explore the sights, take courses of therapeutic procedures in balneological sanatoriums in Igalo, or head to the ski resorts. November is when the first snow falls and the new season starts. In Kolasin, for example, the thermometer has already dropped to +1⁰ and in Zabljak to -3⁰ . You don’t need to bring your own equipment; there are plenty of rental shops in the resorts. You don’t need to know how to ski either, as the instructors will teach you. 

By the way, if you want to prolong, if not summer, then at least the weatherful days of fall you should go to southern Ulcinj. Here it gets up to +18⁰ in the daytime, quiet and sunny. However, you can’t hide from autumn completely as in the last days of the month the city is also covered by a shroud of endless rain. 

December 

December is truly “wet” in the county’s seaside towns, and snowy in the mountains. Downpours flood the coast, while in Kolasin and Zabljak riders excite themselves on the slopes. You can join them or go on a pilgrimage tour to holy sites as there are many here. In the coastal areas of the country the temperature during the day stays around 8-10⁰ and in the mountains from +2 to -7⁰. 

Tourist Season in Montenegro 

You can vacation here all year round. 

As you can see, the tourist season here is not limited to the three summer months. 

Winter

It’s the time for snow activities. Thus, about 150-200 thousand travelers come to the country in winter, most of them going to ski resorts. Most of them head to Kolasin, which is the largest and most developed resort in the country. 

Spring

A time of blossoming nature with lots of festivals and celebrations. During the first spring months the tourist traffic is quite small, as only about 50 thousand tourists come with most of them heading to the coast. Almost a third of the country’s spring visitors choose Budva for their vacation, which is an especially good area this time of year. At the end of May you are already able to take a beach vacation as the water is warm and there are still not many tourists.

Summer

Summer is, of course, the beach season. The days are hot, sunny and dry, so don’t forget your hat, clothes made of natural fabrics and sunscreen. Beside sunbathing and swimming there are many other activities including sailing, diving, paragliding, kiting and windsurfing. There are amusement and water parks, discos on the embankments, nude sunbathing on Ada Bojana and cocktails as expensive as a Boeing wing on fashionable Sveti Stefan.

Autumn

In the fall, the beaches are quieter, the sea is calm, clean and warm. It’s the perfect time for a vacation with the kids. Just don’t forget that not all resorts are suitable for this: for example, Herceg Novi is difficult to navigate with a stroller. It is also worth considering the features of the shore. The best option for a vacation with the kids during this season is Budva or Ulcinj.

If you get tired of lounging under the gentle and no longer burning rays of the autumn sun, you can go on a tour. Ancient monasteries, fortresses and palaces await travelers to tell the story of a great and primordial state.

Let’s Summarize

Small Montenegro has become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit every year. Mild, warm climate, rich cultural life, beach recreation, ski resorts, an incredible concentration of attractions, fantastically beautiful nature — here any traveler will find everything he needs, which resonates in his heart.

In whichever season your vacation falls on, spend it here. Whatever you fill your suitcase with — swimsuits or ski overalls — make sure to put good cheer and the ability to be childishly surprised on top of it. The latter will be especially useful to you.