Intro:
February in Montenegro is late winter: the coast is cool and often rainy, while the mountains are in full ski season. There are few tourists, prices are lower and you get old towns and viewpoints almost to yourself. It’s not a beach month, but it’s great for skiing, road trips and slow city walks.
Below you’ll find a detailed guide to the weather, sea, ski resorts, prices and the best things to do in Montenegro in February.
Key takeaways
- No real beach season – daytime temperatures on the coast hover around 8–12 °C and sea temperature is about 13–14 °C, so swimming is for hardy people only.
- Proper winter in the mountains – around Kolašin and Žabljak February usually brings reliable snow and some of the best skiing of the season.
- Low crowds and softer prices – easier to find accommodation deals in Budva, Kotor or Bar, and flight prices are often lower than in summer.
- Some hotels and restaurants are closed on the coast, especially in small resorts – most winter life is in bigger towns.
- Expect plenty of rain on the coast, while the mountains get snow – bring waterproof layers. ruary) and the Winter Carnival with parades and masquerade parties.
- Great month for a scouting trip – you can explore roads, canyons and cities without heat or summer traffic jams.
February weather in Montenegro
Montenegro has very different winter climates on the coast and in the mountains.
Adriatic coast (Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Bar)
- Daytime: around 8–12 °C.
- Night: roughly 3–6 °C.
- Rain is frequent, and it can feel chilly and damp, especially with wind.
- Snow on the coast is rare but heavy showers are common.
Mountains (Kolašin, Žabljak, Durmitor)
- In valleys: around –3…0 °C.
- On the slopes it’s colder, with a solid snowpack.
- Around Kolašin there are on average 16 snowy days in February and over 40 cm of fresh snow in a typical month.
Bottom line:
Choose the coast if you want mild winter, empty promenades and café time. Choose the mountains if you want proper winter, skiing and snowshoeing.
The sea in February
February is the coldest time for the Adriatic:
- Sea temperature near Budva and Bar is usually around 13–14 °C.
- Beaches are empty, sunbeds and beach bars are packed away or closed.
- On sunny days it’s lovely to walk along Mogren or Jaz beaches, or the promenade in Herceg Novi – just in trainers and a jacket instead of flip-flops.
Swimming is only realistic for cold-water enthusiasts, but coastal walks and photography are great: empty old towns, moody skies and dramatic views over the Bay of Kotor.
What to do in Montenegro in February
1. Hit the ski resorts: Kolašin and Žabljak
February is one of the best months for skiing in Montenegro:
- Around Kolašin you have ski areas Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 with up to 45 km of slopes, modern lifts and a decent choice of hotels and apartments.
- Around Žabljak people ski at Savin Kuk and explore Durmitor National Park, often with snowy landscapes and partly frozen Black Lake.
Lift passes and gear rental are noticeably cheaper than in big Alpine resorts, and slopes are quieter. For more details on where to ski and how to get there, check Ski Resorts in Montenegro: Where to Go and How to Get There.
2. Enjoy crowd-free old towns
Winter transforms Montenegro’s coastal towns:
- Kotor – almost empty UNESCO Old Town, cats, small local cafés and quiet stone streets. On clear days you can hike up the fortress trail above the city if it isn’t icy.
- Budva – stroll through Budva Old Town, take photos at the ballerina statue and walk the sea walls with barely any people around.
- Herceg Novi – long waterfront and a maze of stairs up the hill with views over the entrance to the bay.
- From Perast you can take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island if the weather is calm enough.
Shops and restaurants don’t operate at full summer capacity, but the places that stay open feel more local and less touristy.
3. Festivals and winter carnival in Kotor
February in Kotor means:
- St Tryphon’s Day (3 February) – celebrating the city’s patron saint with ceremonies and processions.
- Winter Carnival – parades, masquerade balls, concerts and visitors from all over the region
If you are around at that time, it’s one of the liveliest winter experiences in Montenegro.
4. Road trips and day tours
February is ideal for scenic drives:
- Coastal loop: Bar – Budva – Kotor – Herceg Novi.
- The old serpentine road climbing above Kotor towards Lovćen (check for ice).
- Trip to the Tara River Canyon and Đurđevića Tara bridge, with stop-offs at viewpoints.
- Day trip to Ostrog Monastery or the central highlands.
If you’re planning extensive driving, read Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know and Do You Need a Car in Montenegro? Pros and Cons of Renting a Vehicle for rental and driving tips.
Prices in February (updated: November 2025)
Currency is euro. Recent data puts 1 € at roughly 1.16 USD (rates move daily but this is a good ballpark).
According to cost-of-living data for Montenegro:
- Average monthly budget for a single local-style resident – about 600 € (without flights or big extras).
- Family of four – around 2 100–2 200 € per month.
For a 7–10 day trip in February, your actual budget depends on whether you focus on skiing or the coast, but these numbers give a realistic range:
Eating out:
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant – 6–15 € (7–17 USD) per person.
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range place – 30–90 € (35–105 USD) (drinks extra).
- Fast-food combo meal – 7–10 € (8–12 USD).
- Local draft beer (0.5 l) – 1.5–4 € (2–5 USD).
- Cappuccino – around 1.3–3.5 € (2–4 USD).
Groceries (if you cook at home):
- Milk 1 l – 1–1.6 €.
- Bread 0.5 kg – 0.7–1.5 €.
- Chicken fillet 1 kg – 4–10 €.
- Local cheese 1 kg – 5.5–14 €.
Transport:
- One-way ticket on local transport – 1–2 € (1–2 USD).
- Taxi start 0.5–2 €, 1 km – 0.6–1.4 €.
- Petrol – around 1.4–1.6 € per litre.
Accommodation:
- Long-term rent for a 1-bedroom flat in city centre – 440–800 € per month.
- In February you can often find studios and apartments on the coast from 25–40 € per night, and in ski areas expect around 40–70 € per night for decent apartments close to the lifts.
Travel insurance:
EKTA travel insurance for 7 days worldwide (useful for trips to Montenegro):
- EKTA START – about 7 USD (≈6 €).
- EKTA GOLD (quiet rest) – roughly 12 USD (≈11 €).
- EKTA GOLD (sports) – around 37 USD (≈32 €).
- EKTA MAX+ (quiet rest) – approx. 42 USD (≈36 €).
- EKTA MAX+ (sports) – around 125 USD (≈108 €).
What to pack for February
Think “proper winter”, not early spring:
- Waterproof or windproof jacket plus a warm mid-layer.
- Hat, scarf and gloves – especially if you go to Kolašin or Žabljak.
- Comfortable waterproof shoes or boots (coastal pavements can be wet and slippery).
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – snow glare in the mountains is strong.
- Thermal base layer for skiing or long walks.
- Travel insurance and a small first-aid kit – winter roads and sports add some risk.
Pros and cons of visiting Montenegro in February
Pros
- Low-season feel on the coast – fewer people and better accommodation deals.
- Peak of winter in the mountains – good skiing and snow landscapes.
- Festivals and carnival atmosphere in Kotor.
- No heat, no big traffic jams, easier parking.
- Great for exploring and planning where to return in summer.
Cons
- Frequent rain and cloudy skies on the coast.
- Limited choice of open hotels and restaurants in small resorts.
- Many summer-only activities (boat trips, beach bars) are unavailable.
- Shorter daylight hours.
- Possible ice and temporary road closures in the mountains after heavy snowfalls.
FAQ about Montenegro in February
Can you swim in the sea in February?
Technically yes, but sea temperature around 13–14 °C and cool air make it uncomfortable for most people. It’s much more of a walking and photo month than a swimming one.
Are restaurants and hotels open in winter?
In major towns like Kotor, Budva and Podgorica many places stay open year-round, though with shorter hours and lower capacity than in summer. Small beach villages can feel very quiet with a lot of shutters down.
Is it worth coming without a car?
If you plan to stay in one town and book organised tours, you can manage without a car – see Public Transport in Montenegro: Is It Convenient to Travel Without a Car? and How to Use Buses in Montenegro: Routes, Tickets, and Timetables. For skiing or more flexible exploring, renting a car is significantly more convenient – Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know explains the details.
Which ski resort is best in February?
Kolašin (1450 and 1600) has the most developed infrastructure and a good mix of beginner–intermediate slopes. Žabljak and Durmitor feel wilder and more scenic, with great views and snowshoeing options.
Do I need travel insurance and a VPN in winter?
Yes – insurance is always a good idea, and even more so with winter sports and mountain roads. For insurance options see Insurance for Montenegro. A VPN helps keep your connection secure on public Wi-Fi and access familiar services – more in What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One? and How to Use a VPN While Traveling: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Is February a good time to test an eSIM for Montenegro?
Absolutely. With fewer crowds you can focus on routes and connectivity. Good eSIM options for Montenegro are covered in Best eSIMs for Traveling in Montenegro and Albania in 2025 and Best eSIMs for Traveling in Montenegro and Croatia in 2025.
Recommended Services
- eSIM → Compare plans and choose an eSIM – eSIM Montenegro / Airalo / Ubigi / Yesim / Saily / GoMoWorld / Amigo eSIM / Voye / iRoamly / Drimsim / Esim4travel
- VPN → VPN for Montenegro / NordVPN / Surfshark / Proton VPN
- Tours → Find and book tours – Tours in Montenegro / Get Your Guide / Viator / Where to Book a Tour in Montenegro?
- Transfers → Kiwitaxi / Welcome Pickups
- Car rental → Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know / Localrent
- Bikes → BikesBooking
- Boats → Searadar
- Hotels → Accommodation in Montenegro / Trip.com / 10 Most Charming Apartments in Montenegro
- Insurance → Insurance for Montenegro / EKTA
Summary: is Montenegro in February worth it?
If your dream is hot sea and beach bars, February is the wrong month. But if you like skiing, quiet old towns, moody coastal walks and lower prices, February in Montenegro can be a great idea – especially combined with a few days on the slopes and a day or two at the Kotor Winter Carnival.
You may well find yourself planning a summer return trip before your winter one is even over.