Things to Do in Montenegro in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Montenegro
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodations run 30-40% cheaper than peak summer months, and you can still book quality places in Kotor or Budva just 1-2 weeks out instead of the 2-3 months needed for July-August
- The Bay of Kotor looks absolutely stunning in April when the surrounding mountains are still green from spring rains, wildflowers are blooming along hiking trails, and the water reflects that perfect blue without the summer haze
- You'll actually have space to yourself at major sites - Kotor's Old Town walls and Sveti Stefan are walkable without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and you can take photos at Perast without 50 people in the background
- Local life is visible in April since it's before the full tourist season kicks in - markets in Budva and Kotor are serving locals, restaurants haven't switched to tourist-only menus yet, and you'll hear more Serbian and Montenegrin than English on the streets
Considerations
- The Adriatic is cold in April, typically 15-17°C (59-63°F), which means swimming is uncomfortable for most people - locals don't swim yet, and beach clubs haven't opened their seasonal operations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable with those 10 rainy days spread randomly throughout the month - you might get three perfect days followed by two days of steady rain, which makes planning day trips to Durmitor or Lovćen tricky
- Some coastal restaurants and tour operators are still in off-season mode or just reopening, meaning reduced hours, limited menus, and certain boat tours to Blue Cave or around the bay running only on weekends or not at all until May
Best Activities in April
Bay of Kotor scenic drives and coastal town exploration
April is actually ideal for driving the bay's winding coastal roads because temperatures sit in that comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) range, perfect for stopping frequently without overheating. The spring light makes the bay's blue-green water pop against the limestone mountains, and you can park easily in Perast, Risan, and smaller villages that become impossible in summer. The occasional rain clears the air, giving you those crystal-clear mountain views. Locals are out in cafes but tourists haven't arrived in force, so you get an authentic sense of Montenegrin coastal life.
Kotor Old Town wall hiking
The 1,350 steps up to San Giovanni Fortress are significantly more pleasant in April's 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures compared to July's 30°C+ (86°F+) heat. You'll work up a sweat regardless, but you won't be gasping in humidity. The 70% humidity means you should start early - by 9-10am before any afternoon clouds roll in - to get clear views across the bay. The walls are less crowded, so you can actually stop at viewpoints without blocking traffic. Worth noting that rain makes the stones slippery, so skip this on wet days.
Lovćen National Park mountain hiking
April is one of the few months when Lovćen's high-altitude trails are accessible but not yet hot. The Njegoš Mausoleum sits at 1,657 m (5,436 ft), and temperatures up there run 5-8°C (41-46°F) cooler than the coast, meaning you need layers but won't be sweating through shirts. Snow typically clears by mid-April, though check locally if you're going early in the month. The mountain meadows are green and wildflowers are starting, giving you that Alpine feeling without the summer dryness. That said, clouds and fog are common with April's variable weather, so the famous panoramic views aren't guaranteed.
Budva Old Town and Riviera coastal walks
Budva in April gives you the infrastructure of a major resort town without the beach crowds. The medieval Old Town is fully accessible, restaurants are open with outdoor seating that's actually comfortable in 16-18°C (61-64°F) weather, and the coastal promenade from Budva to Bečići (2 km / 1.2 miles) is perfect for evening walks. You can explore Mogren Beach and the smaller coves without fighting for space. The town hasn't switched to full tourist mode yet, so prices at cafes are slightly more reasonable and you'll see Montenegrin families out for weekend walks.
Skadar Lake birdwatching and boat tours
April is peak migration season at Skadar Lake, making it the best month for birdwatching - you'll see Dalmatian pelicans, herons, cormorants, and dozens of other species that locals actually get excited about. The lake sits at lower elevation so temperatures are warmer than the mountains (18-20°C / 64-68°F), and water levels are high from spring rains, meaning boat access to smaller channels and lily pad areas. The surrounding mountains are green, creating beautiful reflections. The lake is about 45 minutes from Podgorica or 90 minutes from Kotor, positioning it well for a day trip.
Montenegrin wine tasting in Crmnica region
April marks the beginning of vineyard activity after winter dormancy, and the Crmnica wine region near Skadar Lake is genuinely beautiful when vines are budding and the landscape is green. Montenegro's indigenous Vranac grape produces full-bodied reds that pair well with local cheeses and prosciutto. The region isn't touristy yet - you're visiting working wineries where families have been making wine for generations. Temperatures are perfect for touring outdoor vineyards without overheating, and winemakers have more time to talk before summer rush.
April Events & Festivals
Orthodox Easter celebrations
Orthodox Easter typically falls in April (though it shifts annually based on the Julian calendar - in 2026 it's April 19). This is a genuinely important religious and cultural event in Montenegro, with midnight services at churches throughout the country, traditional foods like lamb and pogača bread, and family gatherings. In Cetinje and Podgorica, you'll see processions and church services that locals actually attend, not performances for tourists. It's worth experiencing if you're respectful and understand this is a religious observance, not entertainment.