Weather in Montenegro: how should you pack?

Montenegro is a tiny country sandwiched between Croatia and Albania, facing the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, this small and friendly nation is home to a varied topography, so it’s worth knowing the kind of climate to expect if you’re planning a visit. We’ve broken down the three main areas holidaymakers are most likely to choose, and given you a few hints on what to bring to match the weather forecast in each place.

The Zeta and Bjelopavlici Plains make up the central part of Montenegro and it’s here that you will find the stunning Lake Skadar. The weather is hotter in these plains than on the coastline since they are not swept by gentle sea breezes. In summer, temperatures can rise to a staggering 40°C, but this is fairly rare; the average conditions in July will see the mercury hovering around 28-29°C, perfect for sitting by the lake and sipping a refreshing cocktail. If you travel here in winter, bring some jumpers, as January averages around 5°C.

Here is where the weather in Montenegro takes its biggest dip. Mountains rise to a height of 2000m, meaning winters are snowy with temperatures frequently falling below zero. This is a sub-alpine climate, so even in the peak summer months the temperature will only rise to the early 20s, growing cooler in the evenings. However, this is one of the most untouched natural landscapes in Europe and it is incredibly beautiful. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Durmitor National Park and take in the scenery – but don’t forget to pack some warm clothing.

The most visited part of the country, unsurprisingly, has the most temperate climate. Mediterranean summers in places like Becici and Petrovac will see averages of 28-30°C and in winter the temperature tends to stay around the 10°C mark.

This area is famous for having around 2500 hours of sunshine, and as the Adriatic Sea boasts balmy temperatures of 24°C, moving from the shoreline to the water will be as easy as slipping into a warm bath. Therefore, sunscreen and a swimsuit need to be paramount on your packing list if you are planning to head to this part of the country.

If you’re interested in heading to the Balkans and experiencing the weather first hand then contact Saga for some advice, or look at the many different holiday experiences that we offer.

Have you visited Montenegro in the summer or the winter? When do you think is the best time to visit?