Autumn in Montenegro isn’t about cosy sweaters and hot drinks—it’s about discovering a side of the country most visitors miss. With summer crowds gone, the trails, beaches, and hidden spots feel like they’re just for you. The weather is still warm enough for outdoor adventures, and the changing leaves add a whole new layer to Montenegro’s already stunning scenery.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MONTENEGRO IN AUTUMN?

The Montenegro autumn weather varies depending on where you are. The Montenegro coast in autumn still enjoys sunny days with temperatures around 20°C, perfect for a spontaneous swim or beach stroll. However, as you head inland or into the mountains, the crisp air starts to settle in. By late October, Montenegro mountain retreats in autumn come alive, transformed with cooler temperatures and golden hues, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MONTENEGRO DURING FALL

The charm of autumn in Montenegro is that you can experience both historical towns and stunning natural parks at their most peaceful. Here are some of the best places to visit in Montenegro during autumn:

Historical Old Towns

– Budva: Forget about crowded beaches and party scenes – in autumn, you can explore Budva’s Old Town and its narrow streets at a leisurely pace. Walk along the town walls for stunning sea views, or visit the local museums to discover fascinating historical and anthropological insights into the development of this unique region.

– Kotor: Visiting Kotor’s Old Town in fall lets you experience its sights in a calmer setting. Key landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the Maritime Museum offer fascinating insights into the region’s past, while a stroll through Piazza of the Arms introduces you to local cafes and shops. The hike to Kotor Fortress is also easier in the cooler weather, and the autumn colours enhance the panoramic views of Kotor Bay from the top, adding a unique seasonal charm.

– Bar: Autumn is an ideal time to discover the Old Town of Bar, with its historical sites and beautiful surroundings. You can stroll around the Old Olive Tree, one of the world’s oldest olive trees, and take in panoramic views of the mountains.

– Ulcinj: Without the summer rush, you can really take in the charm of this Ottoman-influenced town, with its winding streets and beautiful coastline. Notable landmarks like the historic Citadel, the ancient Balšić Tower, and the unique Slave Market Square offer glimpses into Ulcinj’s rich past. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy the panoramic views over the Adriatic and wander the cobblestone streets, soaking in the quieter beauty of this coastal gem.

Montenegro National Parks in Autumn

Autumn transforms the Montenegro national parks into a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, and oranges.

– Lovćen National Park: Lovćen National Park in autumn offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. A hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum provides breathtaking views over colorful autumn landscapes, making the journey truly memorable. For those seeking more adventure, explore the park’s walking trails, try the bobsleigh track, or take a ride on the panoramic cable car that opens up stunning views of Kotor and Boka Bay in their autumn splendor.

– Durmitor National Park: Durmitor in autumn is a magical destination with landscapes painted in rich seasonal colors. Take a walk around Black Lake, where the vibrant fall hues reflect beautifully on its calm surface. For a panoramic view, head to the Curevac observation deck via a scenic trail where you might even find mushrooms along the way. Durmitor’s unique beauty and crisp autumn air make it perfect for an immersive nature experience this season.

– Biogradska Gora: Biogradska Gora National Park, with Biogradsko Lake as its highlight, is a must-visit destination in autumn. Located at an altitude of about 1,100 meters, this serene lake is surrounded by ancient virgin forests painted in vibrant fall colors. You can take a leisurely stroll on the scenic trail around the lake, which takes less than an hour to complete, or spend time capturing the forest’s beauty. For a more immersive experience, rent a rowboat and explore the lake’s tiny islands—it’s an unforgettable way to connect with Montenegro’s autumn landscape.

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES IN MONTENEGRO

Hiking in Montenegro in Autumn

In autumn, Montenegro’s central and coastal trails offer ideal conditions for longer hikes, as the summer heat can make these routes challenging.

Explore the most popular ones:

– Black Lake Trail – located in Durmitor National Park, this easy loop around the lake offers stunning mountain views, perfect for a relaxing day hike.

– Bobotov Kuk – a challenging trail for experienced hikers leading to Durmitor’s highest peak, with incredible panoramic views at the summit.

– Biogradska Gora Trail – a loop around Biogradsko Lake, surrounded by one of Europe’s last remaining rainforests, perfect for an autumn walk.

– Kotor Fortress Trail – a steep but short hike with impressive views of Kotor Bay and the old town.

– Lipa Cave Trail – a unique adventure in Cetinje, where you can explore one of Montenegro’s most extensive cave systems.

Whether you’re climbing the Kotor Fortress or exploring the remote trails of Durmitor, this is the perfect season for autumn adventure sports in Montenegro.

Wine Tasting in Montenegro in Autumn

Autumn in Montenegro is the perfect season to explore the country’s thriving wine culture. The cooler weather and vibrant landscapes set the scene for immersive wine-tasting experiences in some of the region’s finest wineries.

Start at Lipovac Winery in Nikšić, known for its Vranac and Krstač wines, where tastings often include an assortment of local snacks. Head to Plantaže 13. Jul near Podgorica, one of the largest vineyards in Europe, offering tours that showcase their unique Montenegrin varietals. Vinarija Šunjic in Herceg Novi presents wines with a scenic Adriatic view, while Vučinić Winery in Berane provides an intimate experience with limited-edition wines crafted from high-altitude vineyards.

These wineries offer tours, tastings, and an unforgettable connection to Montenegro’s rich vinicultural heritage – making autumn a delightful season for wine lovers to savor the country’s terroir.

Jeep Safari

A jeep safari in Montenegro’s Durmitor or Prokletije National Parks is an ideal way to experience autumn’s vivid landscapes and open, uncrowded trails. With fewer tourists around, the parks’ rugged terrains, dramatic cliffs, and serene lakes feel even more secluded and majestic. Adventurers can enjoy expansive views of the season’s changing colors while visiting hidden spots often unreachable by foot, making it a perfect autumn experience for nature lovers seeking both beauty and solitude.

MONTENEGRO AUTUMN FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS

Autumn is also the time for Montenegro’s autumn festivals, celebrating everything from local food to the harvest. Dan Šaruna in Budva is a standout event, where you can enjoy fresh sardines, local wines, and live music. Throughout the season, you’ll find cultural events in Montenegro in autumn that offer a taste of the country’s rich traditions and culinary delights.

Most popular Autumn festivals in Montenegro:

– Podgorica Marathon – Early October, Podgorica
An annual marathon event featuring local and international runners, offering races for various distances and attracting participants and spectators from the region.

– Kotor Art Festival – Autumn Edition – October, Kotor
Known for celebrating arts and culture, Kotor Art Festival’s autumn edition includes theatre performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions in the scenic Old Town of Kotor.

– Montenegro Film Festival – Winter Edition – November, Herceg Novi
A renowned film festival that highlights Balkan and international cinema. Screenings and discussions are held, providing an insight into contemporary film trends.

– Herceg Novi Theatre Festival – Mid-November, Herceg Novi
A series of theatrical performances by Montenegrin and international troupes, focusing on classical and contemporary plays.

– St. Tryphon’s Day Celebration – December, Kotor
This religious and cultural celebration honors St. Tryphon, Kotor’s patron saint. The event includes parades, local music, and traditional cuisine.

– Christmas Bazaar – Mid-December, Tivat and Podgorica
A festive market featuring local crafts, decorations, food, and holiday performances, providing a cozy atmosphere for Christmas shopping and family gatherings.

– New Year’s Eve Celebrations – December 31, Budva, Podgorica, and Kotor
Major cities host open-air concerts, fireworks, and entertainment, attracting large crowds. Each city has its unique approach to ringing in the new year with local and international music acts.

Autumn and Winter Events in Montenegro (October – December 2024)

September – October 2024

– Budva Sports and Art Film Festival
Dates: September 26 – 29
Location: Budva
Description: A platform for film enthusiasts and professionals to enjoy sports and art-themed films from around the world.

– Catch the Film Festival
Dates: September 27 – 29
Location: Kotor
Description: The international film festival showcases inclusive and accessible films, focusing on disability awareness and social issues.

– Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn Concerts
Dates: September 27 – 28
Location: Kotor
Description: Live concerts marking the seasonal change, with performances by local bands Milky Wave, Leta Stuka, Neonoen, and Bajaga & Instructors.

– Libertarian Festival (MTLFEST)
Dates: October 4 – 6
Location: Bar
Description: International libertarian festival featuring discussions, exhibitions, and performances focused on individual freedoms and civil liberties.

– Medieval Music Festival “Tollite Portas”
Dates: October 5 – 19
Location: Kotor
Description: A celebration of medieval music traditions with performances by international and local artists in historic settings.

– Budva Fish and Wine Festival – Day of Širun
Date: October 5
Location: Budva, Old Town Square
Description: A culinary festival showcasing local fish and wine, where visitors can taste traditional Montenegrin seafood dishes.

– Meridianbet 2024 International Car Racing
Dates: October 5 – 6
Location: Herceg Novi
Description: Car race through mountainous routes. Certain roads will be closed for this thrilling event.

– Neguška Trpeza Festival
Date: October 12
Location: Njeguši
Description: Showcasing traditional Montenegrin products like prosciutto, cheese, and honey from Njeguši village.

– Squid Hunting Festival
Date: October 12
Location: Petrovac
Description: A unique event combining squid hunting with on-site cooking, plus tastings of local wine and beer.

– Municipality Day Celebrations – Herceg Novi
Dates: October 12 – 28
Location: Herceg Novi
Description: Series of events including musical performances, children’s activities, and cultural displays, culminating on October 28.

– International Festival “Days in Budva”
Dates: October 25 – 29
Location: Budva
Description: Cultural festival with concerts, theater, and art exhibitions in Budva.

November 2024

– Wild Pomegranate Days
Date: November 2
Location: Danilovgrad
Description: A festival dedicated to local pomegranate products, featuring tastings, jams, and natural remedies.

December 2024 – New Year’s Events

– New Year’s Eve in Tivat
Dates: December 30 – January 1
Location: Tivat
Description: Celebrate the New Year with Saša Kovačević, Zdravko Čolić, and Jelena Rozga, with a grand musical and cultural celebration in Tivat.

– New Year’s Eve in Herceg Novi
Dates: December 30 – January 2
Location: Herceg Novi
Description: Join performances by Ceca and Voyage on December 31, followed by Crvena Jabuka and Breskvica on January 1, and additional local entertainment.

– New Year’s Celebration in Kotor
Dates: December 30 – January 2
Location: Kotor
Description: Featuring live performances by Dejan Petrović and his Big Band on December 30, Zabranjeno Pušenje on December 31, Dubioza Kolektiv on January 1, and Parni Valjak on January 2.

WHERE TO STAY THIS AUTUMN IN MONTENEGRO

For an unforgettable autumn retreat, Luštica Bay offers something truly special. Stay at the 5-star Chedi Hotel where modern comfort meets Montenegrin charm, or rent a stylish apartment with views of the coast. The location makes it easy to explore the Montenegro coast in autumn while indulging in the region’s best gastronomic experiences. And with special rates during the off-season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy autumn in Montenegro without the summer crowds.