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The Best Time to Visit Montenegro: A Guide to Every Season

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BY SARAH

Knowing the best time to visit Montenegro can transform your trip from good to unforgettable. With Montenegro’s varied climate—Mediterranean on the coast and Alpine in the mountains—choosing the right season will help you make the most of your trip.

Visiting at the wrong time could mean battling peak-season crowds or missing out on some of the best things to do here. I've lived in Montenegro year-round for over 15 years and I definitely have a favourite season - hint, it's not summer!

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly when to visit based on what you want from your trip. You'll find the best times to visit for sunny beach days, outdoor adventures, exploring the national parks. I've also added suggestions for the best things to do during each season and month-by-month weather guides.

The Quick Answer: When to Visit Montenegro

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and plenty to do, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit Montenegro. 

These shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures, ideal for exploring both the coast and the mountains. Plus, you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds and enjoy more affordable accommodation rates.

I think the best time to visit Montenegro is the first half of September. You get perfect weather for the beach and exploring, without the intense heat and crowds of August. The weather in the second half of September is more changeable, but is generally pleasant.

Montenegro’s Climate and Seasons

Montenegro’s Climate Zones

Montenegro has a diverse climate, despite its small size. Along the coast, you’ll experience a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 

In contrast, the mountainous regions, including Durmitor and Kolašin, have an Alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and cooler summers.

This variation means you can ski in the mountains in the morning and relax by the sea in the afternoon during certain times of the year—a unique perk of visiting Montenegro!

Seasonal Breakdown

Here’s a quick snapshot of Montenegro’s seasons:

  • Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot and sunny, ideal for the beaches.
  • Autumn (September–November): Warm early on, with stunning autumn colours later.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy in the mountains, milder on the coast.

When to Visit Montenegro: A Season-by-Season Guide

Spring in Montenegro (March to May)

Spring in Montenegro is pleasantly mild. Average daytime temperatures range from 12°C in March to 20°C by May, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Ivanova Korita in Lovcen National Park, Montenegro in SpringIvanova Korita in Lovcen National Park in May

What’s Great About Spring:

  • Hiking and Nature: With cooler temperatures and clear trails, late spring is perfect for exploring Montenegro’s stunning national parks like Durmitor and Lovćen.
  • Fewer Crowds: Compared to summer, spring sees fewer tourists, so you can enjoy popular spots like Kotor and Budva without the crowds we get in summer.
  • Events: You’ll find spring cultural festivals.

Considerations:

  • Some high-altitude trails and roads may have lingering snow until May.

Read more:

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in Spring

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Summer in Montenegro (June to August)

Towel on beach with sea and floating boat in MontenegroThe best place to spend summer days

Summer is peak season in Montenegro, especially along the coast. The Adriatic has stunning beaches and sea temperatures average 25°C in July and August. Cities like Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi are buzzing, and the beaches are at their busiest.

What’s Great About Summer:

  • Beach Days: Montenegro’s coastline boasts some of Europe’s best beaches, including Jaz Beach and Sveti Stefan.
  • Festivals: The summer calendar is packed with events like outdoor concerts, the Kotor Art Festival and the International Film Festival in Herceg Novi.
  • Watersports: Warm seas make this the best time for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Mountain Getaways: Montenegro’s inland regions are significantly less busy than the coast, making them a great option for a summer getaway. You’ll find lots of things to do like hiking, canyoning, via ferrata, swimming in lakes and authentic culture.
  • Easy to Get Here: With many seasonal routes operating, including low-cost carriers, it’s easy to find flights to Montenegro.

Local's Tip: You might find cheaper flights to Dubrovnik Airport and it's easy to get to Montenegro from Dubrovnik Airport, however, make sure you take crossing the Montenegro-Croatia border into consideration. It gets extremely busy and congested in summer.

Avoid crossing this border into Croatia the second to last weekend in August. This is the busiest weekend and the queues go for miles.

Considerations:

Read more:

Selfie in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro30 degrees on the coast and 15 degrees in Durmitor National Park on the same day

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in Summer

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Autumn in Montenegro (September to November)

Mogren Beach, Budva, MontenegroBudva's popular Mogren Beach in September

Autumn is the best time to visit Montenegro, especially in September and October when the weather is still warm, but the summer crowds have gone.

This season offers a mix of mild coastal temperatures and cooler mountain air, with average highs of 20–25°C in September.

What’s Great About Autumn:

  • Swimming and Sunbathing: The Adriatic is still warm enough for swimming until the end of October. You’ll enjoy much less crowded beaches and often won't have even to pay to use them.
  • No Crowds: Autumn offers relaxed, uncrowded beaches and towns.
  • Cheaper Prices: You can take advantage of cheaper prices on accommodation, car rental and air fares.
  • Stunning Scenery: In October, you’ll find vibrant autumn colours, especially in the national parks and mountains.
Piva River, Montenegro in autumnPiva River in October

Considerations:

  • The weather can be unpredictable from mid-September onwards.
  • Rain increases in late autumn, particularly in November.
  • Some tours and activities are limited.

Read more:

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in Autumn

  • Kotor Old Town: Kotor is a must-see year round.
  • Our Lady of the Rocks: Must-see 500 year old island in the Bay of Kotor.
  • Blue Cave: Enjoy one of Montenegro's top attractions without summer crowds.
  • Boat Tours: Boat tours still run, especially in early autumn.
  • Beaches: You'll have plenty of space on Montenegro's best beaches in autumn.
  • Durmitor National Park: Durmitor's changing colours are stunning throughout autumn.
  • Lovcen National Park: National park with stunning vistas, cultural monuments and national cuisine.
  • Skadar Lake National Park: Also offers beautiful autumn colours and a chance to experience harvest season in Montenegro's top wine-producing region.

Winter in Montenegro (December to February)

Winter in Montenegro transforms the mountains into a snowy wonderland. Ski resorts like Kolašin and Žabljak become busy, while coastal towns are quiet and sleepy.

What’s Great About Winter:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Kolašin 1450/1600 is Montenegro’s most popular ski resort. Savin Kuk in Žabljak is a smaller, but also popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. Montenegro has several other small fields, like Hajla and Vučje.
  • Festive Celebrations: Christmas and New Year offer Christmas lights, small Christmas markets and New Year celebrations.
  • Affordable Prices: Winter is Montenegro’s low season, so you’ll find great deals on accommodation and flights.
  • Off-Season Perks: While winter may be quieter on the coast, it’s a great time to enjoy the country without the crowds. You’ll also get the bonus of a more authentic experience as there are only locals around.
  • Beach Days: Believe it or not, we still get beach weather well into November.
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro in NovemberSveti Stefan in November

Considerations:

  • Coastal areas can feel quiet, with many tourist businesses closed for the season.
  • Mountain roads can be icy and challenging.
  • Montenegro is popular with regional visitors around New Year, so accommodation prices rise again at this time of year.
  • There are fewer flights to Montenegro.

Read more:

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in Winter

  • Kotor Old Town: Kotor is a must-see year round.
  • Budva Old Town: The old town is quiet and offers beautiful views.
  • Skiing: Montenegro's top ski resorts of Kolasin 1450/1600 and Savin Kuk are busy from December.
  • Durmitor National Park: Durmitor becomes a snowy winter wonderland in winter.
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The Best Time for Specific Activities

Beach Holidays

For the ultimate beach experience, visit in July or August, when the Adriatic is at its warmest. If you prefer fewer crowds, September is just as good for the beach. 

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking. Popular trails are less crowded, and the weather is mild enough to tackle Montenegro’s famous peaks, like Bobotov Kuk.

Cultural and Food Festivals

Summer offers the busiest calendar of cultural events, but you’ll find small festivals year round. Herceg Novi’s Mimosa Festival in spring draws visitors from around the region.

Skiing

Kopaonik Ski Resort, Serbia

Visit between December and March for the best snow conditions in Montenegro’s ski resorts.

We also love Kopaonik Ski Resort in Serbia. This world-class ski field has dozens of trails, a range of accommodation including 5*, reasonable prices, and excellent facilities. I think it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets!

Budget Travel Tips

  • Cheapest Times to Visit: Late autumn (November) and early spring (March) are the cheapest periods. You’ll find discounted flights, accommodation, and tours, however they will be limited.
  • Early Bookings: If travelling in summer, book your accommodation and transport several months in advance to get the best deals.
  • Deals: Look for current deals on my Montenegro deals page and sign up for my deals newsletter to save money on multi-day tours and activities.

Final Thoughts

You'll find great things to do in Montenegro year-round. Summer offers guaranteed beach weather, while winter offers sleepy towns and snowy landscapes. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy Montenegro’s stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

Ready to explore Montenegro? Get a copy of my free Montenegro quick start guide to discover why this hidden gem in the Balkans is one of Europe’s most versatile and rewarding travel destinations!

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