April in Montenegro sits in the sweet spot between winter quiet and summer chaos, with coastal temperatures reaching 17-20 °C and tourist numbers a fraction of what you'll see in June. Mimosa and magnolia trees reach peak bloom along the Bay of Kotor shoreline, turning the promenades of Herceg Novi into yellow-and-pink corridors. For travelers who want to experience the country without crowds or inflated prices, April is one of the best months to visit.
Key facts:
- Coastal air temperature: 15-21 °C during the day, 9-13 °C at night. Mountains are 7-10 degrees cooler.
- Sea temperature: 15-17 °C – too cold for swimming, but coastal walks are pleasant.
- Rainy days: around 10-12 per month, usually brief afternoon showers.
- Mimosa blooming starts in February but continues into April in upper parts of the Bay of Kotor and around Herceg Novi.
- Magnolias fully open in April – parks and waterfronts in Tivat and Kotor are at their best.
- Accommodation prices are 30-50% lower compared to July–August.
- Easter (Orthodox or Catholic) often falls in April – restaurants and markets offer seasonal menus.
April Weather: What to Actually Expect
The coast and the Bay of Kotor are the warmest parts of the country. Daytime is comfortable in a t-shirt, but you'll need a light jacket by evening. Rain happens, but it's not the prolonged type you'd get in November – usually 20-40 minutes, then sun again.
Podgorica and central Montenegro can be slightly warmer during the day (up to 22 °C) but nights are cooler. In the mountains (Zabljak, Kolasin), daytime temperatures sit at 8-14 °C with potential frost at night. Snow still covers the peaks of Durmitor.
| Region | Day °C | Night °C | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coast (Budva, Kotor) | 17-21 | 9-13 | 10-12 |
| Podgorica | 18-22 | 8-12 | 9-11 |
| Mountains (Zabljak) | 8-14 | 0-5 | 12-14 |
Important: April weather is unpredictable. Pack a waterproof jacket and layered clothing – mornings can be 10 °C while midday reaches 20 °C.
Where to See Mimosa and Magnolia Blooms
Herceg Novi is the unofficial mimosa capital of Montenegro. The city holds an annual Mimosa Festival (usually February–March), but in April the bushes continue blooming in upper neighborhoods and along the slopes of Kanli Kula Fortress. Magnolias reach full strength along the entire Bay of Kotor coastline by this time.
Best spots for blooms:
- Herceg Novi: Pet Danica waterfront, botanical garden near Savina Monastery, path to Spanjola Fortress.
- Tivat: promenades around Porto Montenegro and Tivat Saline – magnolias, plane trees and Mediterranean pines.
- Kotor: the climb to Castle of San Giovanni – flowering shrubs along the trail with panoramic bay views.
- Bar: the area around Old Bar Fortress is surrounded by olive groves and flowering gardens.
Things to Do in April
Walking and Hiking
April marks the start of hiking season on the coast and mid-altitude mountains. Trails around Lovcen National Park are open, while high-altitude routes in Durmitor are still partially snow-covered. A good compromise is Lake Skadar: spring brings high water levels, returning pelicans, and boat trips from Virpazar costing 10-15 € per person.
Old Towns Without the Crowds
The main perk of April – you can walk through Kotor Old Town without being swept along by cruise ship passengers. Regular cruise calls don't begin until May. The same applies to Budva Old Town and Perast – April lets you take photos without dozens of people in every frame.
Food Scene
Spring markets bring fresh artichokes, asparagus and young cheese. Coastal restaurants start serving oysters (imported from Croatia's Mali Ston) and fresh catch. Lunch at a non-touristy restaurant runs 10-15 €, dinner for two with wine 40-60 €.
Day Trips
Most tour operators launch spring programs from mid-April. Day trips to Lake Skadar, Cetinje or Tara Canyon (without rafting – water is still too cold) cost 25-50 € per person. Tours can be booked through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Getting Around
Both airports – Tivat and Podgorica – operate year-round, but April flight schedules are reduced compared to summer. For independent exploration, renting a car through Localrent is the most flexible option – April rates start from 20-25 € per day for a compact car, compared to 40-60 € in summer.
Buses run between the coast and mountains but with reduced spring schedules: 3-5 departures daily on main routes. Podgorica to Budva takes about 1.5 hours, ticket price 5-7 €.
| Route | Time | Bus fare | Car rental (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tivat – Budva | 40 min | 4-5 € | 20-25 € |
| Podgorica – Kotor | 2 hrs | 7-9 € | 20-25 € |
| Podgorica – Zabljak | 3 hrs | 10-12 € | 25-30 € |
(Updated: February 2026)
April Prices
April is low season, and this directly affects prices. The biggest savings come from accommodation.
| Category | April | July–August |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (studio, coast) | 25-45 € / night | 60-120 € / night |
| 3-star hotel | 40-70 € / night | 80-150 € / night |
| Lunch at a café | 10-15 € | 10-15 € |
| Dinner for two, restaurant | 40-60 € | 40-70 € |
| Car rental | 20-25 € / day | 40-60 € / day |
| Cappuccino | 1.30-2.50 € | 1.50-3.50 € |
(Updated: February 2026)
Food prices remain roughly stable year-round, but in the off-season fewer places operate with "tourist markup." Accommodation can be booked through Booking or Trip.com – selection is smaller in April, but so are prices.
Tip: If you're planning an Easter trip (Orthodox or Catholic), book accommodation early – prices jump to May levels for the 2-3 holiday days.
What to Pack
The universal April kit: waterproof jacket, non-slip shoes (old town stone streets get slippery after rain), a couple of warm layers and sunglasses. An umbrella is essential. If you're heading to the mountains, add a fleece and proper hiking boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you swim in Montenegro in April? No, the water is too cold for most people at around 15-17 °C. Some hardy visitors wade in, but comfortable swimming begins from late May. Some hotels with heated pools offer an alternative.
2. Is April worth visiting if you want a beach holiday? No, April is not a beach month. However, it's ideal for sightseeing, hiking, exploring old towns and food. Beaches are empty and clean – perfect for walking along the shore.
3. Which town is the best base in April? Kotor or Herceg Novi are the top choices. Kotor is logistically convenient (between two airports), while Herceg Novi is better for a quiet stay surrounded by blooming gardens. Budva is half-empty in April – many establishments remain closed until May.
4. Are restaurants and cafés open in April? Yes, but not all of them. In Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi most restaurants operate year-round. In Budva and Petrovac the selection is noticeably smaller.
5. Do I need travel insurance for Montenegro? Recommended. Medical expenses for foreigners are paid out of pocket. A basic weekly policy starts from $7 through EKTA. If you plan to hike, get active-travel coverage (from $37).
Summary
April in Montenegro is for travelers who value quiet streets, blooming nature and reasonable prices. Swimming is off the table, but for everything else – walking, day trips, food, photography – it's one of the most comfortable months. Mimosa is fading, magnolias are in full bloom, and prices haven't spiked yet.
Read also:
- Popular Itineraries in Montenegro: What to See in 1 to 7 Days
- Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know
- Active Tours in Montenegro: Hiking, Rafting, and Canyons
- The Taste of the Country: Wine and Culinary Tours in Montenegro
- How to Get from Tivat or Podgorica Airport to Your Resort
Sources:
Zavod za hidrometeorologiju i seizmologiju – Montenegro weather data
Visit Montenegro – official tourism portal
Autobuska stanica Podgorica – bus schedules