Things to Do in Montenegro in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Montenegro
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring wildflowers transform the mountains - Durmitor and Lovćen national parks hit peak bloom in May, with entire meadows turning purple and yellow. The hiking trails are actually walkable without snow, and you'll have them mostly to yourself since European summer holidays haven't started yet.
- Kotor Bay water temperature reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F) by late May, which is genuinely swimmable if you're not too precious about warm water. Locals start swimming around Orthodox Easter, and beaches are empty compared to the July-August madness when you're fighting for towel space.
- Restaurant shoulder season pricing is still in effect - you'll pay 20-30% less than peak summer rates, and reservation pressure is minimal. That waterfront table in Perast or Budva? Just walk up. In July, you'd need to book three days ahead and pay double.
- The Adriatic coast gets 8-9 hours of sunshine daily in May, but without the brutal 35°C (95°F) heat that makes midday exploration miserable in summer. You can actually walk the Kotor fortress walls at 2pm without risking heatstroke, though I'd still go morning or late afternoon for the light.
Considerations
- May rainfall averages 178 mm (7.0 inches) across 10 days - this is actually Montenegro's second-wettest month after November. When it rains here, it properly rains, not the gentle drizzle you might expect. Afternoon thunderstorms can shut down coastal boat trips and make mountain roads temporarily sketchy.
- Water temperature is borderline - 18°C (64°F) feels refreshing to locals who've been swimming since April, but most international visitors find it uncomfortably cold for more than a quick dip. If you're planning a beach-focused trip, you'll be disappointed. The Adriatic needs until mid-June to hit comfortable swimming temps around 22°C (72°F).
- Mountain roads to Durmitor and the north can still have occasional snow patches or closures in early May, particularly after wet springs. The Sedlo pass sometimes doesn't fully clear until mid-month. If you're renting a car for mountain exploration, check current conditions - some years are fine, others you'll hit unexpected roadblocks.
Best Activities in May
Bay of Kotor Kayaking and Boat Tours
May is genuinely ideal for exploring Kotor Bay by water - the bay is glass-calm most mornings before the afternoon breeze picks up around 2pm, and you'll paddle past medieval towns without dodging cruise ship tenders. Water clarity is excellent before the summer plankton bloom, and the surrounding mountains still have snow caps for dramatic photos. The 10 rainy days means you've got roughly 20 days of good conditions, and tours run regardless unless there's a proper storm. Morning departures give you the best light and calmest water.
Durmitor National Park Hiking
Late May is the sweet spot for Durmitor - the park transitions from ski season to hiking season, wildflowers carpet the Crno Jezero area, and the famous Black Lake loop is snow-free and stunning. You'll need to stick to lower elevation trails (under 1,800 m / 5,900 ft) since higher routes still have snow, but trails like Crno Jezero to Zminje Jezero are perfect. Temperatures at 1,450 m (4,757 ft) elevation range 10-18°C (50-64°F) during the day - ideal hiking weather. The 70% humidity is less noticeable at altitude.
Budva and Sveti Stefan Coastal Walks
The coastal path from Budva Old Town to Sveti Stefan (roughly 6 km / 3.7 miles) is spectacular in May - temperatures are comfortable for the 90-minute walk, the Mediterranean vegetation is blooming, and you're not competing with peak-season crowds for photo spots. The path hugs dramatic cliffs and passes several beaches that are nearly empty. Start early morning or late afternoon when the light is best and temperatures are cooler. The UV index of 8 means you'll need sun protection despite the moderate temps.
Lovćen National Park and Njegoš Mausoleum Visits
May is perfect for tackling the 461 steps up to Njegoš Mausoleum at 1,657 m (5,436 ft) - you'll actually enjoy the climb in 12-15°C (54-59°F) temperatures rather than suffering through summer heat. The panoramic views from the top stretch across the entire country on clear days, and May's variable weather means you might catch dramatic cloud formations rolling through the mountains. The serpentine road up from Kotor is one of Montenegro's most scenic drives, with 25 hairpin turns and spring wildflowers lining the route.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Island Tours
Perast is magical in May - this tiny baroque town on Kotor Bay feels like a film set, and the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island takes just 5 minutes across mirror-calm water (in morning conditions). The island church and museum are genuinely interesting, and you'll have space to appreciate them without the cruise ship crowds that descend June-September. The surrounding bay views are pristine, and waterfront cafes have tables available without reservation. May weather means about 2 in 3 days will be clear and perfect for this.
Skadar Lake Birdwatching and Boat Exploration
May is peak birdwatching season at Skadar Lake - migratory species are passing through, and the resident Dalmatian pelican colony is active. The lake's water lilies start blooming late May, creating those postcard scenes of flowers floating across the water. Boat tours navigate the lake's channels and visit floating restaurants where you can try local carp dishes. The 70% humidity is actually lower than summer levels, and morning mist over the water creates atmospheric conditions. Expect temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F) at lake level.
May Events & Festivals
Mimosa Festival in Herceg Novi
This runs late January through early March, so you'll miss it in May - but worth noting if you're flexible on timing. May doesn't have major national festivals, which is actually part of its appeal for avoiding crowds.