Montenegro in January: weather, sea and ski resorts

Montenegro in January combines a mild Mediterranean winter on the coast with real snow in the mountains. The seaside is quiet and almost crowd-free, while ski resorts are in full swing. The country suits both relaxed winter breaks by the sea and active ski holidays. This guide explains what weather to expect, where to stay, what to do and how much a January trip is likely to cost.

Key takeaways

On the coast daytime temperatures are usually around 8–13 °C, with 2–6 °C at night; in the mountains it is often below freezing with plenty of snow.
The sea is cold in January, around 14 °C, so most travellers skip swimming and enjoy walks along empty promenades instead.
Best January bases are the mountain towns near Kolašin and Žabljak for skiing, plus the calm coastal towns of Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi.
Winter is low season for accommodation: many hotels offer doubles from roughly 40–50 € per night, with good mid-range places often in the 40–80 € bracket.
A full-day ski pass at major resorts typically costs about 15–25 € for adults – noticeably cheaper than many Alpine destinations.
You fly into Podgorica (Podgorica) or Tivat (Tivat); buses work year-round, while a rental car is useful if you plan to combine several mountain areas.
January is ideal if you do not need beach weather, prefer quiet historic towns and want to combine the sea with snow.

January weather in Montenegro

Coast: Budva, Kotor, Bar

The Adriatic coast (Budva, Kotor, Bar, Ulcinj) has a Mediterranean climate. Expect daytime temperatures around 8–13 °C and 2–6 °C at night. Rainy and overcast days are common, but there are also sunny spells that feel much warmer in the sun.

Sea breeze can make it feel chilly, so a windproof jacket or light down jacket is recommended for coastal walks.

Podgorica and central areas

Podgorica and the inland valleys are a bit cooler than the coast, with typical January daytime values around 6–10 °C and nights often close to freezing. Fog and larger day-night temperature swings are possible.

Mountains: Žabljak, Kolašin, Durmitor

Northern Montenegro is proper winter. Around Kolašin the average January temperature is close to –2 °C and snow cover usually lasts 70–120 days per year. In the Žabljak / Durmitor National Park area it is often even colder and snow remains on higher slopes until April.

January is peak time for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobile trips.

Sea and swimming in January

Average sea temperature near Budva and Kotor in January is about 14 °C – the coldest time of the year.

Classic beach holidays are off the table: only very hardy swimmers or people in wetsuits go into the water. Empty beaches and promenades are perfect for walks, photos and jogging. Many coastal hotels and apartment complexes have indoor pools and SPA areas, which feel great after a windy seaside walk.

Where to stay in January

Coast and Bay of Kotor

Kotor – a compact medieval town; in January it is quiet, so you can explore Kotor Old Town and climb Castle of San Giovanni without crowds.
Tivat – home to Porto Montenegro marina, with modern hotels and a convenient base for exploring the bay.
Herceg Novi – mild micro-climate, long seafront promenade and stairways with great views, good for slow winter walks.

Podgorica and surroundings

Podgorica works mainly as a transport hub: handy for late-night arrivals and as a starting point for routes both to the coast and to the mountains. In January it is not a resort, but cafés, malls and parks are open and lively enough.

Mountain resorts and snow

Kolašin – the main base for Kolasin 1450 Ski Resort and Kolasin 1600 Ski Resort.
Žabljak – gateway to Durmitor National Park, close to Savin Kuk ski area and Black Lake.

For concrete hotel and apartment ideas, use Stay and curated lists like 10 Most Charming Apartments in Montenegro.

What to do in Montenegro in January

Skiing and snowboarding

Main resorts are the combined Kolasin 1450 Ski Resort / Kolasin 1600 Ski Resort area and Savin Kuk near Žabljak. The ski season usually runs from December to April, with January often bringing the best snow conditions.

A full-day ski pass at Savin Kuk costs about 15 € for adults and 9 € for children. In the Kolašin area day passes tend to be in the 20–25 € range, and a joint ticket for both resorts may be available around 25–30 €.

For a detailed overview of slopes and logistics, see Ski Resorts in Montenegro: Where to Go and How to Get There.

Sightseeing without crowds

Winter is perfect for sightseeing in places that are packed in summer:

Kotor Old Town and the climb up to Castle of San Giovanni;
Budva Old Town with Budva Citadel;
Herceg Novi Old Town with Forte Mare Fortress and Kanli Kula Fortress.

Many tour agencies operate all year; winter tours can be booked via Tours in Montenegro or inspired by Popular Itineraries in Montenegro: What to See in 1 to 7 Days?.

Nature and national parks

In January some of Montenegro’s landscapes look especially dramatic:

snowy Durmitor National Park with views of Tara Canyon and Black Lake;
Biogradska Gora National Park near Kolašin;
Lake Skadar, usually without snow but with misty, quiet winter scenery and almost no tourist boats.

High-altitude trails can be closed for avalanche risk, so stick to official winter routes and consider local guides.

Winter holidays, food and SPA

Christmas and New Year (both Catholic and Orthodox) bring markets and concerts, especially in Kotor, Podgorica and Budva. In January it is worth trying hearty winter dishes – lamb baked under a metal “sač” lid, stews, čorba soups, local wine and rakija.

Coastal and mountain hotels usually keep their SPA and indoor pool facilities open – a good plan for rainy or snowy days.

Getting there and getting around in winter

Flights

In winter some charter flights disappear, but regular and low-cost routes to Podgorica and Tivat remain from various European cities. In low season, one-way fares often start from roughly 40–120 € if booked early or during promotions.

Public transport

Buses run all year across Montenegro. Along the coast services are frequent: for example, the Budva–Kotor journey takes about 35–45 minutes and costs around 3–5 €.

For practical details on bus companies, tickets and luggage rules, see How to Use Buses in Montenegro: Routes, Tickets, and Timetables.

Taxis and transfers

Taxi fares are relatively low by European standards: typical base fare is 0.5–1.5 € plus about 0.6 € per kilometre, depending on the town and operator.

For late-night arrivals and mountain travel, pre-booked private transfers are often more convenient, especially with ski gear.

More on taxis and apps can be found in Taxi Apps in Montenegro: Do Uber and Bolt Work Here? and Taxis in Montenegro: How to Avoid Overpaying and What You Need to Know.

Car rental

A car in winter gives flexibility if you want to combine the coast with several ski areas, but mountain driving requires care:

expect snow and ice on serpentines;
choose a car with proper winter tyres and ask about snow chains.

For terms, insurance and tips, check Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know; booking is easy via Localrent and the Transport in Montenegro section.

Prices in January (updated: November 2025)

All figures are approximate and depend on location and exact dates.

Flights

Off-season low-cost flights to Podgorica or Tivat often start from about 40–120 € one way from major European cities if booked in advance.

Accommodation

Budget apartments and small guesthouses on the coast or in the mountains – from 25–40 € per night.
Decent mid-range studios and 3* hotels – roughly 40–80 € per night in January.
4* hotels and good mountain lodges – around 70–120 €, with luxury and 5* options from 150–250 € even in low season.

Food

Lunch in a simple restaurant – 8–12 € for a main dish, with soups and salads usually 3–5 €.
Dinner for two in a nice mid-range place with mains and drinks – about 30–40 €.
Coffee or tea – from 1.5 €; beer – about 2–3 €.

Transport

Intercity bus (e.g. Budva–Kotor) – around 3–5 €.
City taxi rides of up to 5–7 km – typically 5–10 €.

Ski costs

One-day ski pass at Savin Kuk – about 15 € for adults and 9 € for children.
Kolašin 1450/1600 – roughly 20–25 € per day, with a joint pass for both resorts sometimes available around 25–30 €.
Equipment rental – around 10–15 € per day for a full set (skis or board, boots, poles).

Practical January tips

Pack layers: thermal base layer + sweater + windproof or down jacket work for both coast and mountains.
Waterproof footwear is essential – expect heavy rain on the coast and slush or snow in the mountains.
If staying in the mountains, pick accommodation with parking and ask whether access roads are cleared regularly.
Order an eSIM in advance for reliable navigation, weather checks and messaging; see eSIM Montenegro for options.
For winter nature trips and canyon viewpoints, book tours with established operators – Tours in Montenegro is a good starting point.
A VPN can help with secure banking and access to your usual streaming and online services; see VPN for Montenegro for details.

FAQ about Montenegro in January

Is Montenegro worth visiting in January if I want the sea?
Not for swimming – the sea is cold – but it is great for quiet coastal walks, photo spots and mild winter weather without summer crowds.

Where is the best skiing in Montenegro?
Main options are the Kolasin 1450 Ski Resort / Kolasin 1600 Ski Resort area near Kolašin and Savin Kuk near Žabljak. Both offer slopes for different levels, equipment rental and ski schools.

Do I need a car in January, or are buses enough?
If you only plan to stay on the coast with one or two organised trips to the mountains, buses and private transfers are fine. If you want to explore several ski areas and small villages, a rental car is more convenient.

Are mountain roads dangerous in winter?
Roads are maintained, but ice and snow are common on serpentines. Always drive carefully, use winter tyres and consider postponing mountain drives during heavy snowfall.

Are cafés and tours open in January?
Some seaside venues close for winter, but in all major towns you will still find open restaurants, supermarkets and at least a few tour agencies. In the mountains, infrastructure is geared towards the ski season and works actively.

Is skiing in Montenegro expensive compared to the Alps?
Generally no: ski passes, accommodation and food are typically cheaper than in many Alpine resorts, especially in January outside the New Year holiday period.

Recommended Services

eSIM & mobile data – convenient Montenegro options: Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Mtel, iRoamly, Saily, GoMoWorld, Amigo eSIM, Voye, Drimsim, Esim4travel. See eSIM Montenegro plus articles Best eSIMs for Traveling in Montenegro and Croatia in 2025 and Best eSIMs for Traveling in Montenegro and Albania in 2025 for details.
VPN for security and access – NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark; more in VPN for Montenegro, Why Do You Need a VPN in Montenegro? and How to Use a VPN While Traveling: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Tours & excursions – book day trips and multi-day tours with Get Your Guide or Viator; browse Tours in Montenegro, Active Tours in Montenegro: Hiking, Rafting, and Canyons, Border Routes: Where to Go from Montenegro for a One-Day Trip and Where to Book a Tour in Montenegro? for inspiration.
Airport & intercity transfers – pre-book with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups; see How to Get from Tivat or Podgorica Airport to Your Resort? and Private Transfer or Taxi: What’s the Best Option for Tourists?.
Car rental – use Localrent for local car hire; practical info in Transport in Montenegro, Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know and Do You Need a Car in Montenegro? Pros and Cons of Renting a Vehicle.
Bikes & scooters – for sunny coastal days rent via BikesBooking.
Hotels & apartments – start searching with Trip.com and Stay, plus hotel round-ups Top Luxury Hotels in Montenegro, Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Montenegro and Affordable Seaside Hotels: Budget-Friendly Stays Without Compromise.
Boats & yachts (for winter-spring combo trips) – Searadar via Transport in Montenegro.

Summary

January Montenegro is a smart choice for travellers who are not chasing beach weather but want mild coastal winters, snow in the mountains and generally reasonable prices. The coast works well for quiet city breaks, while the Kolašin and Žabljak areas offer a compact, affordable ski experience. If the goal is to enjoy empty historic towns by the sea and real winter landscapes in the mountains within one trip, January is one of the best months to visit.

Montenegro in January – weather, sea, skiing and prices