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

BY SARAH PAVLOVIC

The weather in Montenegro in December is generally cool with more rainfall, especially along the coast. In the north, we expect the first snowfall if it hasn’t already arrived.

With milder temperatures than elsewhere in Europe and a laid-back atmosphere, Montenegro is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a quiet place to spend the holidays.

Christmas decorations in Kotor Old Town

On this page, you will find out about the typical weather conditions you can expect on both the coast and inland in Montenegro during this month.

I’ve put together some handy packing lists for each region so you’ll know exactly what you need to bring - including the one thing you shouldn’t pack!

You’ll also find lots of great ideas for things to do this month in Montenegro, rain or shine.

Read on to discover everything you need to know for a trip to Montenegro in December!

Typical Weather in Montenegro in December

Coastal Areas

Average High in December: 13°C (55°F)
Average Low in December: 7°C (45°F)
Average Monthly Rainfall: 179 mm (7 inches)
Average Sea Temperature in December: 15°C (59°F)

In December, we feel the onset of winter on Montenegro's coast, although the Mediterranean climate means it is still warmer than many other places in Europe. Temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) at night to 13°C (55°F) during the day.

There is more rain in December, so you will need to plan for some indoor activities as well as outdoor ones.

On dry days I recommend exploring the historic old towns like Kotor, Perast, Budva, and Bar. Of those, Kotor is a must-see and you can book a walking tour or do a self-guided walking tour of the city to see the highlights and get to know the history of the town.

Budva Old Town in December

This is also a great time to walk through beautiful Sveti Stefan, hike to San Giovanni Fortress, and take day trips around Montenegro.

Most group tours don’t run in December, but some, like the Blue Cave boat tours and hop-on hop-off bus , run if there is a cruise ship in port in Kotor.

Nearby, Kotor Aquarium (Akvarium Boka) is a great wet day activity. It is small but has beautiful displays of local sea animals and touch pools. I also recommend the Maritime Museum and St Tryphon Cathedral, both in Kotor Old Town.

Montenegro’s towns are decorated for the holiday season and you will find small Christmas markets in each towards the end of the month.

Most of Montenegro’s population celebrates the Orthodox Christmas on 7th January, so December 25th is not a public holiday and life generally carries on as normal on that day.

The holidays are not very commercial either, so you won’t find a lot of holiday shopping going on. The atmosphere is very quiet and peaceful.

If you plan to be here for Christmas and would like to celebrate, I recommend checking the events calendars at Porto Montenegro in Tivat and Portonovi in Herceg Novi. These high-end marinas tend to put on upscale functions and Christmas events.

Podgorica

Average High in December: 12°C (54°F)
Average Low in December: 3°C (37°F)
Average Monthly Rainfall: 225 mm (8.9 inches)

In December, Podgorica has chilly and damp weather as winter sets in. Daytime temperatures are around 12°C (54°F), while at night, they drop to around 3°C (37°F).

This month you can expect less sunshine and more rain, so it’s a good idea to plan some rainy day activities.

On dry days I recommend taking a Podgorica walking tour or a more inclusive tour that includes attractions near Podgorica. You can also see the waterfalls on the Cijevna River, try the adventure park in Gorica, go go carting, and visit the wild animal sanctuary. Click here to find out more about things to do in Podgorica.

If you have a rental car you can visit several popular destinations near Podgorica. Biogradska Gora National Park, Ostrog Monastery, Lake Skadar National Park, and Žabljak Crnojevića are great destinations that you can visit in a few hours.

Podgorica is home to Montenegro’s largest winery (and Europe’s largest unbroken vineyard). You can book a wine-tasting tour of the winery which is held in a former secret underground hangar! This is a great wet-day activity to try.

Other good wet-day activities include the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a huge Serbian Orthodox church, visiting the national museums in Cetinje and Lipa Cave.

Northern Region

Average High in December: 5°C (41°F)
Average Low in December: -3°C (27°F)
Average Monthly Precipitation: 184 mm (7.2 inches)

In December, Montenegro's northern region is very cold. Temperatures range from -3°C (27°F) at night to just 5°C (41°F) during the day.

This area usually gets snowfall in December which covers the mountains and forests in a thick layer of snow. Despite the cold, the snowy landscape makes for a magical backdrop for outdoor activities and cozy evenings by the fire.

The best places to visit in the northern region this time of year are Žabljak and Kolašin. Žabljak is the gateway to Durmitor National Park and there is a ski field there called Savin Kuk.

Kolašin is near Biogradska Gora National Park and home to Montenegro’s top ski field Kolašin 1450 and 1600. Both towns offer excellent accommodation and plenty of things to do in winter.

If you plan to visit this region in winter you’ll need a rental car to get around. I recommend reading my guide to driving in Montenegro before you book so that you know what to expect.

What to Pack for December in Montenegro

Coastal Areas

In December, the Montenegrin coast is cool and often rainy. You’ll need a waterproof jacket to keep dry and a warm sweater underneath for the chill.

Since the weather can be unpredictable, I like to layer my clothes, which allows me to adjust to changes throughout the day. This is especially practical when you’re moving from outside to inside often, or are taking a day trip to higher altitudes where it’s much colder.

I like to wear comfortable, waterproof footwear and wear these Sorel boots all winter in Montenegro. I also recommend bringing a hat, gloves, and scarf because it can be especially cold when the bura wind blows down from the snowy mountains. Those days are usually sunny, so pack sunglasses too.

Packing List:

Waterproof jacket
Warm sweaters
Long-sleeve tops
Jeans or trousers
Comfortable, waterproof footwear
Dressy outfit for evening
Sunglasses
Scarf

Plug converter - I like this power strip converter 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.

Mountain Regions

In December, inland Montenegro gets very cold, often with snow, especially in the mountains. You should wear a heavy coat or parka to stay warm against the freezing temperatures.

I like to layer with thermal underwear and a thick sweater or fleece for insulation. You’ll also need waterproof, insulated boots, whether you are walking in the mountain towns or exploring the national parks.

You’ll need a warm hat, gloves, scarf, and sunglasses for sunny days.

Packing List:

Heavy jacket or coat
Thermal underwear
Fleece and sweaters
Jeans or trousers
Sturdy, waterproof boots
Warm hat
Gloves
Scarf
Sunglasses

Top Things to Do in Montenegro in December

Kotor Old Town: Kotor is a must-see any time of year in Montenegro. In December, it is decorated with lights for the holiday season, making it even more beautiful. Read more about Kotor Old Town here.
Christmas lights: You’ll find most towns with lighting displays in December.
Head to any town center, like Kotor or Budva to see the Christmas lights. I love visiting Portonovi (in Herceg Novi) and Porto Montenegro (in Tivat) for the best displays.
Kotor Bay Aquarium: This family-friendly attraction in Kotor is a great activity for rainy days. Inside, you’ll find small but beautifully curated displays of Kotor Bay sea life. The touch pool with rays is a highlight! Find out more here.
Lipa Cave: Lipa Cave is a family-friendly attraction you can visit any time of year. We visited in December and found it was the perfect time to go. Plan your trip to Lipa Cave here.
Cetinje: Cetinje is Montenegro’s old royal capital and where you’ll find the national museums and palaces. You can combine a visit here with Lipa Cave on sunny or rainy days. Find out what to see in Cetinje here.
Lovćen National Park: Lovćen National Park is an ideal day trip for dry winter days. There are many attractions to see here and you can combine it with a visit to Cetinje, where you’ll find the national museum and former palaces. See what to do in Lovćen National Park here.
Black Lake: The Black Lake in Durmitor National Park is stunning any time of year. It’s the perfect place to see Montenegro’s stunning mountain scenery in winter. Read more here.

More Fun Things to Do in December

Hotel Deals

December is the low season in Montenegro, so it’s a great time to find some deals on accommodation. While many places close down over winter, those that stay open offer great rates.

Click the links below to visit Booking.com or Vrbo to find a great deal and read recent guest reviews before you book.

Booking.com: Find great deals all over Montenegro for your upcoming stay!

Vrbo: Find a comfortable vacation rental through Vrbo and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on Vrbo here.