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Weather in Montenegro in May: What to Wear, What to Pack, and More Visiting Tips

BY SARAH

The weather in Montenegro in May offers nearly perfect weather conditions. You can expect sunny days that aren’t too hot and stunning late-spring landscapes.

This page will walk you through what to expect weather-wise, from the warm and sunny coast to the still cool but inviting northern regions.

You'll discover the ideal activities for this time of year, such as beach outings, hiking, and cultural explorations, thanks to the longer days and pleasant temperatures.

You'll also learn about the essential items to pack (and one thing not to pack!) for any weather May throws your way.

Whether you're planning to soak up the sun on the coast, explore the vibrant city life in the capital, or venture into the mountains, with this guide you'll be well-prepared to make the most of Montenegro weather in May.

Typical Weather in Montenegro in May

Coastal Region

Average High in May: 23°C (73°F)
Average Low in May: 14°C (57°F)
Average Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 75 mm (3 inches)
Average Sea Temperature in May: 18°C (64°F)

In May, the Montenegrin coast has almost perfect weather. I think it’s one of the best times to visit Montenegro. Temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the early morning to an ideal 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon.

This month has longer, sunnier days, perfect for sunbathing on the beach and exploring coastal towns like Kotor and Budva.

While the sea is still a bit cool for swimming comfortably, the weather is perfect for all the best things you can do on the coast. I recommend taking a boat trip, hiking to San Giovanni Fortress, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, and taking day trips.

Podgorica

Average High in May: 25°C (77°F)
Average Low in May: 11°C (52°F)
Average Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 50 mm (2 inches)

In May, Podgorica starts to really warm up and you can feel it’s the start of summer. Temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) at night to 25°C (77°F) during the day.

This month has longer days filled with sunshine, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions on a walking tour.

I also recommend taking day trips to nearby attractions. Ostrog Monastery is one of the Balkans' holiest sites and a must-see near Podgorica.

Skadar Lake National Park is blossoming with life and you can take a boat trip on the lake and visit Montenegro’s top wineries.

A little further away, Biogradska Gora National Park is one of Europe’s last primeval forests and the drive through the Morača Canyon is beautiful.

Northern Region

Average High in May: 20°C (68°F)
Average Low in May: 6°C (43°F)
Average Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 100 mm (3.9 inches)

In May, Montenegro's northern region begins to warm up and thaw out. Temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) at night to 20°C (68°F) during the day.

The mountainous areas of north Montenegro can still be covered in snow right through to early May, so it’s still colder here than on the coast.

The weather is generally pleasant and it’s the perfect time to visit the national parks to see some of Montenegro's stunning scenery.

I recommend visiting Durmitor National Park and the Black Lake for their dramatic scenery.

Lovćen National Park is an ideal day trip destination if you’re staying on the coast and offers history and culture.

Lovćen National Park in May

What to Pack for May in Montenegro

Coastal Region

In May, the Montenegrin coast offers warm and sunny weather, perfect for light and comfortable clothing.

During the day, temperatures are pleasant, so pack short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and skirts. You’ll also need light sweaters, a jacket, and jeans for cooler weather and evenings.

I recommend bringing swimwear, as the weather is ideal for sunbathing even if the water is too cold for you.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must because you’ll do a lot of walking in Montenegro. Top attractions like Kotor, Perast, Budva, and Sveti Stefan are pedestrian towns that you’ll explore on foot. I also recommend packing some more dressy shoes and clothing for going out in the evening.

Sunglasses are a must-have accessory if you want to fit in with the stylish locals sipping coffee on the coast. An umbrella or a light raincoat is a good idea because we get occasional showers in May.

Packing List:

Short-sleeved tops
Shorts and skirts
Jeans or trousers
Light sweater or jacket for evenings
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Dressy clothing for evenings out
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Umbrella or light raincoat
Plug converter - We have this power strip converter for our North American guests. I love that can handle several devices at once. It’s ideal for families bringing multiple devices!
Travel insurance - this is a must when traveling to Montenegro. Not only will it cover things like lost luggage and flight delays, but more importantly, any medical issues that you might have.
Montenegro’s public health system is rather poor, so I always recommend going private if you have any issues while you’re here and travel insurance will cover that.
Having medical evacuation cover is essential in Montenegro because if you have any serious issues you may need to be transported to another country.
I like Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance (you can buy it just for a trip) because it’s the best value and most comprehensive cover I’ve found so far.

What Not to Pack:

Hair straightener/curling irons - In Europe, the voltage is 220, while in the US and Canada, it’s 110.

Most electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and electric shavers are dual voltage by default, so you can use them with a simple plug converter.

Unfortunately, hair straighteners and curlers use very high wattage and do not usually come with a dual-voltage setting, which means they won’t work in Europe.

Or rather, you’ll fry your appliance and short-circuit your hotel room!

If you can’t use your own hair appliances, your best option is to bring a dual-wattage straightener that will work in Europe and North America.

Inland Regions

In May, Montenegro's inland regions offer mild and pleasant weather, but with cooler temperatures than the coast, especially in the evenings and at higher altitudes.

You’ll need layers to be comfortable during the varying temperatures throughout the day. You’ll also need long-sleeved shirts and a medium-weight jacket for when it gets cooler.

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for this region, which can be uneven and rocky. No need for dressy clothes here, casual attire is expected everywhere.

If you're venturing into the mountains, bring a warmer sweater or fleece even if it’s sunny and warm when you leave. The weather can change suddenly and I recommend always carrying a raincoat for unexpected showers.

Packing List:

Long-sleeved layers
Medium-weight jacket
Warmer sweater or fleece for mountain areas
Jeans or trousers
Comfortable, sturdy footwear
Hat
Sunglasses
Scarf
Raincoat

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in May

Lake Skadar National Park: In my opinion, spring is the best time to visit Lake Skadar. There is so much to do here and the lake is alive with all kinds of babies! Find out more about the best things to do at Lake Skadar.
Kotor boat trip: May’s sunshine makes it ideal for a boat trip from Kotor. You’ll find trips from 2 hours to all day and you can visit attractions like Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave. Find the best Kotor boat trips here.
Lovćen National Park: This is one of the best places to get a taste of Montenegro’s history, culture, and cuisine. You can visit museums and historic palaces, cultural attractions, and try traditional specialties. Find out more about Lovćen National Park here.
Hit the beach: Although the water temperature might be on the cool side, May sun is ideal for the beach. I love Sveti Stefan’s beaches, but I also recommend Kotor beaches and Herceg Novi beaches. Discover the best beaches here.
Black Lake: Take a trip to majestic Durmitor National Park and take a walk around the Black Lake. The scenery is stunning here and in spring it’s budding with new life. Read more about the Black lake here.
Independence Day: Montenegro’s Independence Day falls on May 21st. You can expect fireworks and loud celebrations around the country, although a significant portion of the country doesn’t celebrate this day for political reasons.

Be aware that stores (including supermarkets) and many businesses will be closed on both May 21st and 22nd.