Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe with a surprisingly varied climate with weather varying between the different seasons. The small coastal country is a mountainous nation with a beautiful coastline dotted with picturesque beaches that are perfect and popular during the summer months. Wintertime can be cold in Montenegro with lots of rain, especially in the mountains. The country offers plenty to see and do with mountains, lakes, beaches, and historic sightseeing, the weather stays pleasant through as late as November so it’s perfect to get out and explore many areas most of the year. The Dinaric Mountains, also known as the Dinarides, serve as a natural barrier between the Mediterranean region and the climatic conditions in the east.

The optimal months to visit Montenegro are roughly between April and September when warm weather is in abundance and the sun is shining throughout the country. The coastal region features a typical Mediterranea climate with hot summer months where temperatures can reach up to 86 degrees in the medieval coastal town of Kotor and moderately cold winters with lows in the ’40s and ’50s. The narrow coastline of Montenegro is bordered by steep mountains ranges to the east where the cold brisk Bora winds frequently blow through in the autumn months, as well as the rest of the year.

The inland areas like Cetinje, temperatures average around 72 degrees. Lake Skadar is surrounded by mountains and features its own microclimate, it doesn’t’ get as hot as other regions during the summertime, but still enjoyable and warm enough to swim, hikers can enjoy outdoor activities in the country through November. The Dinaric Mountains soaring to a staggering 6,561 feet above sea level and form a clear climate divide with Mediterranean climates dominating the west and temperate continental climates in the east.

The country’s capital, Podgorica has a reputation for being the wettest city in Europe with rainfall occurring throughout the year even during the drier summer months. The central plains around the capital city are characterized by hot, dry(ish) summer with very cold wet winter where snow is predominant. The average temperatures in January are around 41 and 80 in July, the maximum temperature has reached 104 degrees and the lowest was recorded at 14 degrees.