Things to Do in Montenegro in May

May Weather in Montenegro

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures ideal for Durmitor and Biogradska Gora - not the scorching 35°C (95°F) heat of summer that makes mountain trails unbearable
Adriatic Sea reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F) making it swimmable for locals and hardy visitors, while tourist crowds haven't arrived yet
Wildflowers peak across Montenegro's national parks - mountain meadows explode with color, particularly stunning along the Tara River canyon
Restaurant terraces and kafanas open for outdoor dining after winter closure, with perfect 20°C (68°F) evening temperatures

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - sunny mornings can turn to afternoon thunderstorms within 2 hours
Some coastal accommodations and restaurants still operate on reduced winter hours until June, particularly in smaller towns like Ulcinj
Mountain roads to remote areas may still have occasional closures due to late snow at elevations above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Best Activities in May

Durmitor National Park Hiking and Rafting

May offers the perfect window for Durmitor - daytime temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) at elevation make hiking comfortable, while snowmelt creates ideal rafting conditions on the Tara River. The famous Bobotov Kuk trail (2,523m/8,278ft) becomes accessible, and wildflowers carpet the Zabljak plateau.

Booking Tip: Book rafting tours 5-7 days ahead as water levels depend on snowmelt. Hiking requires no booking but check weather forecasts. Full-day combinations typically cost €40-70 per person. Look for operators offering both activities.

Bay of Kotor Cycling and Coastal Exploration

May's moderate temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) make cycling the 87km (54-mile) bay perimeter feasible before summer heat. The famous Ladder of Kotor to San Giovanni Fortress becomes pleasant rather than punishing. Coastal winds are gentle, and you'll have photo spots to yourself.

Booking Tip: Rent quality mountain bikes for €15-25 per day. E-bikes cost €25-40 daily. Book accommodations in Kotor or Perast 2-3 weeks ahead as May marks the start of tourist season. See current cycling tour options below.

Skadar Lake Birdwatching and Boat Tours

May is peak migration season with over 270 bird species including dalmatian pelicans, herons, and cormorants. Water levels are perfect for navigating hidden channels, and temperatures (20-25°C/68-77°F) make 4-hour boat trips comfortable. Traditional fishing villages like Virpazar come alive.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours with local fishermen-guides 3-5 days ahead, typically €20-35 per person for 3-4 hours. Early morning tours (7-11am) offer best wildlife viewing. Afternoon tours better for wine tasting in Godinje village.

Budva Riviera Beach Activities and Nightlife

Beach clubs and summer venues reopen in May with shoulder-season pricing. Sea temperature reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F) - refreshing for swimming. Sveti Stefan and Milocer beaches are accessible without summer crowds. Evening temperatures perfect for outdoor dining and club terraces.

Booking Tip: Accommodation prices jump 40-60% from April, so book 4-6 weeks ahead. Beach club day passes cost €10-25 versus €50+ in peak summer. Check current beach and nightlife packages in booking options below.

Cetinje and Lovcen National Park Cultural Tours

May weather makes the winding 25km (15.5-mile) drive to Lovcen's Njegos Mausoleum pleasant rather than treacherous. The 461-step climb to the mausoleum at 1,657m (5,436ft) is comfortable in 12-15°C (54-59°F) mountain air. Cetinje's museums and galleries operate full schedules.

Booking Tip: Self-driving is recommended as organized tours are limited. Car rental costs €25-45 daily in May. The serpentine road requires confident driving but offers spectacular views. Allow full day for both destinations.

Kolašin Mountain Resort Activities

Late spring in Kolašin offers excellent conditions for Biogradska Gora National Park hiking with comfortable 16-20°C (61-68°F) temperatures. The pristine glacial lake is accessible, and surrounding peaks offer clear views. Mountain biking trails open after winter, and wellness resorts operate at pre-season rates.

Booking Tip: Mountain hotels offer May packages at 30-50% less than peak season rates. Book directly with resorts for best deals. Guided hiking costs €25-40 per person. Mountain bike rentals €20-30 daily. See current mountain activity options below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Mediterranean Flower Festival

Held annually in coastal towns featuring displays of indigenous Montenegrin flora, traditional garden tours, and local plant markets. Perfect timing as wildflowers peak across the country.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), requiring easy adjustment

Waterproof hiking boots for mountain trails and unpaved paths - many hiking routes remain muddy from snowmelt

Light rain jacket with hood - May thunderstorms develop quickly and can be intense for 30-60 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 is deceptively strong at altitude and reflected off water

Quick-dry hiking pants and moisture-wicking base layers for mountain activities

Warm fleece or wool sweater for evenings and mountain elevations above 1,000m (3,281ft)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in Kotor, Budva, and Cetinje

Swimwear for brave souls - Adriatic reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F) and many locals start swimming

Small daypack for hiking with water bottle - mountain weather can change rapidly requiring extra layers

Power bank and waterproof phone case for outdoor activities and photography in variable weather

Insider Knowledge

Locals call May 'shoulder month' - restaurants switch from winter to summer menus, often featuring wild asparagus and spring lamb that's only available this time of year

Book accommodations by early April as May marks when seasonal properties reopen with limited inventory, causing prices to jump suddenly

Mountain weather can change from sunshine to snow above 1,800m (5,906ft) within hours - check Durmitor conditions each morning even if coastal weather looks perfect

Many beach restaurants and clubs operate 'soft opening' schedules in May - call ahead or check social media rather than relying on posted hours from summer season

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all coastal amenities are fully operational - many beach clubs, water sports centers, and seaside restaurants still run limited schedules until June

Underestimating mountain weather variability - packing only for the 22°C (72°F) forecast without layers for altitude and sudden changes

Booking accommodations at the last minute - May inventory is limited as many properties just reopened, and popular locations fill quickly with early-season demand