For most people, the first associations with Montenegro are the sun, the sea, and warm weather. This small yet diverse country offers countless activities for tourists of all interests and ages during the summer season. However, few would think of visiting in winter, which is a real shame because winter in Montenegro is really something else.
The coastal region is now peaceful, with temperatures ideal for walks along the beach and enjoying spectacular landscapes. On the other hand, the mountains remain covered in snow for most of the winter, making them ideal for winter sports lovers.
Without further ado, here are some of the best places to visit in Montenegro in winter and things you can do.
1. Spend at Least a Day in Kotor
They say that everyone who visits Kotor inevitably returns.
It is no wonder. Kotor is Montenegro’s most photogenic town. It boasts a rich and tumultuous past, numerous well-preserved medieval buildings that testify to its historical significance, and every corner looks as if it belongs on a postcard.
Although beautiful year-round, Kotor in winter offers you a unique opportunity to explore it in peace, wandering through its every nook while soaking in the spirit of past centuries. Some of the most prestigious Montenegro properties are sold in this town and are always in high demand.
During your stay in Kotor, do not miss a visit to Perast, a magical island where the Kotor and Risan Bays meet.
And if you find yourself in Kotor at the end of February, you can experience the famous Winter Kotor Carnival. Traditionally held twice a year, the winter edition starts two weeks before Great Lent.
Do not be surprised by the large number of cats in the streets, as they too enjoy Kotor’s hospitality and the delicious seafood generously shared by restaurant owners.
Kotor Cat Sleeping / Image Source
2. Visit the Old Town of Budva
Budva is one of the most famous and visited coastal towns in Montenegro during the summer, but it has a special charm in winter. The Old Town, bustling with tourists in summer, becomes a peaceful haven for those who wish to explore its historic streets and remarkable squares at a leisurely pace.
Visit the Citadel, climb its walls, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and Sveti Nikola Island. Be sure to stop by the Budva City Museum, where you can learn more about the rich history of this coastal gem. And do not miss the opportunity to see the city’s landmark: the famous Ballerina.
Budva Ballerina / Image Source
3. Experience Unforgettable Festivities
If you are spending winter in Montenegro you are lucky because you will experience the true Balkan way of celebration. In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve and Christmas (celebrated on 7th January in Montenegro), the atmosphere in coastal towns is lively and cheerful. Grand squares host celebrations with live music performances by some of the biggest regional stars.
Accommodation prices are significantly more affordable in winter than during the summer season.
4. Visit One of Montenegro’s 6 Best Ski Resorts
In addition to its hundreds of beaches, Montenegro also boasts magnificent mountains. There are many ski slopes, but the best include Savin Kuk, Javorovača, Kolašin, Vučje, Štuoc, and Hajla.
The advantage? Despite being well-developed and equipped, many ski resorts in Montenegro are still not as well-known as those in other parts of the Balkans. This means you can enjoy the slopes even during peak season without massive crowds or exorbitant prices. The ski season typically lasts from December to April.
Žabljak is one of the most magical winter destinations you must visit.
The biggest ski resorts are Kolašin 1600 and Kolašin 1450, with 45 km of track length, as well as Savin Kuk, with 4.6 km. These locations are popular among families for winter adventures, offering numerous accommodation options. Ski schools for beginners are available, while more experienced skiers should try night skiing in Žabljak, followed by a must-have warm-up with mulled wine, homemade rakija (the universal Balkan drink), or hot chocolate in a local venue.
5. Explore Durmitor National Park
Just a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Žabljak lies Durmitor, Montenegro’s most beautiful national park.
It has 18 glacial lakes, known as “mountain eyes”, the most famous being Crno Jezero (Black Lake). Located at 1,416 metres above sea level, it is fed by numerous mountain streams, making it cold even in summer. In winter, it is the perfect spot for walks, meditation, and capturing impressive nature photos.
Nearby is Tito’s Cave, where Josip Broz Tito and his partisans hid during World War II in 1943.
Durmitor Mountain / Image Source
6. Visit the Njegoš Mausoleum
Another impressive historical site to visit is the Njegoš Mausoleum, located in Lovćen National Park at an altitude of 1,657 metres. Dedicated to Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a Montenegrin ruler and poet, it is reached by climbing 461 steps. At the top, you will find a fascinating historic site and an unforgettable view.
However, we recommend visiting Lovćen in the second half of winter or on warmer days, as the monument can be closed due to heavy snow and ice. Be sure to check before heading there.
Njegos Mausoleum, Montenegro / Image Source
7. Enjoy Some Great Wine
You may not know this, but Montenegro produces excellent wine. The Mediterranean climate along the coast, combined with hilly regions, allows for the cultivation of various grape varieties, resulting in some outstanding wines.
A winery tour is a fantastic opportunity to experience authentic Montenegrin wine flavours.
8. And Even Better Food
Montenegrin cuisine is a fusion of European and Middle Eastern influences. From the famous Njeguški pršut, a smoked dry-cured ham made from pork haunch dried over beechwood smoke, to a variety of fresh Adriatic seafood.
During winter, the gilt-head bream is particularly delicious on the Montenegrin coast and is known as the queen of winter catch. Do not hesitate to order it in a restaurant. There is also the Wine and Bleak Festival, held in winter in Virpazar, a small fishing village near Skadar Lake.
You will come across this village if you are travelling from Podgorica to the coast.
Meat lovers will appreciate that Montenegro, despite being a coastal country, offers many gourmet lamb and mutton specialities, traditionally prepared under the sač (a metal lid covered with embers) or roasted with potatoes and vegetables.
And then there is kajmak, a full-fat dairy product with an intense flavour that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy it as a starter on freshly baked bread or combined with meat and vegetables.
Even if Montenegrin cuisine does not seem particularly vegan-friendly, rest assured that the range of fresh organic fruits and vegetables is extensive year-round, and all major cities offer numerous delicious and nutritious plant-based options.
9. Witness the Awakening of Nature
By late winter, as the days grow longer, Montenegrin nature awakens. Visiting Skadar Lake, you can witness the first blooms and the return of migratory birds. Durmitor and Biogradska Gora are equally stunning at this time: crisp air, snow-capped peaks, and valleys turning green.
If you love leisurely walks, spring nature will provide the perfect setting to relax and recharge.
10. Explore a Traditional Montenegrin Wellness Experience
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in authentic Montenegrin spa treatments. Near Podgorica, Rimski Izvor in Dinoša has been known for its therapeutic 30°C waters for centuries. In Igalo, the Dr. Simo Milošević Institute is renowned for its healing sea mud treatments.
For a modern experience, luxurious hotels in Tivat offer spa treatments with sea views – a perfect way to relax after a day in the snow or in exploring historic towns.
