Montenegro in November – weather, sea and is it worth going?

November in Montenegro is no longer the warm shoulder season, but not quite winter either.
Days are shorter, rain is more frequent, the sea is cooling down and tourist numbers drop sharply.
It is a good month for slow coastal life, city walks, road-trips and excursions without summer crowds.

Key Takeaways

• On the coast daytime temperatures are around +13…+18 °C and nights around +8…+10 °C – mild but damp.
• Sea temperature in Kotor Bay and near Budva is about +18 °C – fine for a quick dip but chilly for long swims.
• November is one of the rainiest months, with Budva seeing 300+ mm of rain and roughly 14 rainy days.
• Prices for accommodation and car rental drop; economy cars start from roughly 10–20 € per day if booked in advance.
• Best bases in November are Budva Riviera and Kotor Bay – mild climate and year-round infrastructure.
• Sea season is basically over, but it is a great time for sightseeing, food, wine and calm walks.
• A rental car is still the most convenient way to explore, but mountain roads can see snow and fog.

Weather in Montenegro in November

General overview

• Across the country you can expect about +12…+15 °C during the day and +5…+7 °C at night, with 4–5 hours of sunshine.
• Rainfall increases sharply compared with October – it is peak wet season, especially along the coast.

Coast – Budva, Bečići, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi

• In Budva the average November daytime temperature is around +15 °C, with lows near +10 °C.
• Humidity is high, skies are often overcast, but you can still get long dry and sunny spells with +17…+19 °C.
• When southerly winds blow, rain can become very intense for several hours.

Podgorica and central regions

• Podgorica averages about +15 °C by day and +6 °C at night in November.
• Rainfall is heavy – roughly 230–380 mm across the month.
• You get slightly more sun than in the north, but weather remains changeable.

North and the mountains – Žabljak, Kolašin, Durmitor

• In the mountains temperatures are much lower: nights often around freezing, and lasting snow is possible towards the end of the month.
• Some high passes and viewpoints may close due to snow and ice.

Sea temperature

• In Kotor Bay the average November water temperature is about +18…+19 °C (range roughly +16…+20 °C).
• Along the coast overall sea temperature is around +17 °C.
• It is OK for a refreshing swim if you are used to cooler water, but most people will find it chilly.

Is Montenegro worth visiting in November?

Pros

• Very few tourists – Budva and Kotor Old Towns feel calm and authentic.
• Lower prices on accommodation, car rental and many tours.
• No heat – perfect for sightseeing, road-trips and exploring the coast and wine regions.
• Easier parking and more availability almost everywhere.

Cons

• High chance of heavy rain, sometimes for several days in a row.
• Sea is already cool, most beach infrastructure is packed away.
• Some seasonal cafés, clubs, boat tours and water activities are closed.
• Mountain weather can deteriorate fast – snow, fog and slippery roads.

Who will enjoy November:

• Remote workers and long-stay visitors who want a softer climate by the sea.
• City-walk and photography lovers who prefer quiet streets.
• Road-trippers who want to cover a lot of ground without summer chaos.
• Travellers who do not need a full-on beach holiday.

Things to do in Montenegro in November

On the coast

• Budva and Bečići – stroll the Old Town, fortress walls and seafront promenades, enjoy cafés with a sea view.
• Kotor and Perast – climb the fortress, wander the alleyways, visit small churches and museums, explore the bay.
• Herceg Novi – fortresses, long seaside walks, spa and wellness options around Igalo.

Excursions and nature

• Cetinje and Lovćen – old royal capital, monastery, views over Kotor Bay (check conditions – the pass can see snow).
• Skadar Lake – autumn landscapes, wine tastings in the nearby villages, boat trips in good weather.
• Mrtvica and Tara canyons – best as scenic drives with viewpoints; serious hiking is very weather-dependent in late autumn.

Urban life and food

• Long café sessions with Montenegrin comfort food (soups, grilled meats, fresh fish).
• Wine tours in the Podgorica and Cetinje region.
• Spa days in Budva/Bečići hotels – perfect rainy-day backup plan.

What to pack – checklist

• Light warm jacket and a waterproof shell.
• Comfortable shoes that can handle rain and slippery pavements.
• Umbrella or compact rain poncho.
• Warm evening layers: jumper/fleece, and hat and gloves for mountain trips.
• Universal power adapter, power bank, eSIM for mobile data.
• Travel insurance that covers mountain roads and outdoor activities.

Prices in November (Updated: November 2025)

All amounts are approximate and depend on exact dates, city and how early you book.

Accommodation

• Budva / Bečići, 3* hotels – average around 45–65 € per night, with cheapest offers from roughly 25–30 € per night.
• Kotor, 3* hotel – average rate about 90 € per night, roughly 8 % cheaper than the yearly average.
• Apartments and guesthouses can be cheaper if you stay longer.

In the Accommodation section, we’ve collected the best selections of hotels, apartments and unique stays.

Car rental

• In winter (including November) economy cars typically cost about 10–40 € per day, depending on rental length and insurance.
• Aggregators like Localrent sometimes show promo deals from 5–7 € per day for small cars, but those are outliers rather than a realistic average.

Read more about renting a car in Montenegro in our dedicated guide.

Transfers and taxis

• Taxi/transfer Tivat – Budva: usually around 45–55 € per car one way; services like Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi advertise fixed fares near 45 €.

You can read more about the most convenient ways to get from the airport to your accommodation in our transport guide.

Public transport

• Bus Podgorica – Budva: tickets from about 6–8 €, journey time around 1.5 hours.

You’ll find more details about public transport in Montenegro in our full article.

Food

• In Budva and Kotor a typical main course in a mid-range restaurant is about 5–10 €, local wine 3–5 € per glass, beer 2–3 €.

Tips for visiting in November

• Plan wet-weather back-ups – museums, cafés, wine tastings, spa days.
• Check heating when booking accommodation – ask about AC in heating mode and radiators.
• Book your car in advance to lock in good insurance conditions and avoid large deposits.
• Monitor mountain road conditions if heading to Durmitor, Žabljak or the Lovćen pass.
• Carry some cash in euros – small local cafés and markets may be cash-only.
• Use eSIM and VPN for stable and secure internet, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Common mistakes in November Montenegro

• Expecting a classic beach holiday with hot water and full beach service.
• Booking apartments without asking about heating – nights can feel chilly.
• Going to high mountains without proper warm clothing and checking the forecast.
• Underestimating rain – many hiking routes become muddy or even dangerous.
• Forgetting about short daylight hours – start day-trips early.

FAQ – Montenegro in November

1. Can you swim in the sea in November?
Yes, but the water is cool – around +17…+19 °C – and wind makes it feel colder once you get out.
Beach facilities are mostly packed away, so treat swimming as a bonus rather than the main goal.

2. Where is the best place to stay – Budva, Kotor or Podgorica?
For a relaxed coastal stay, Budva Riviera (Budva, Bečići, Rafailovići) and Kotor Bay work best.
They combine a mild climate with enough open restaurants and shops.
Podgorica is convenient for business trips and exploring central Montenegro.

3. Are restaurants and shops open off-season?
In Old Towns of Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi and larger resorts most year-round places stay open.
Seasonal beach bars and a portion of purely summer venues will be closed, especially on smaller beaches.

4. What about transport in November?
Intercity buses run year-round, though schedules can be slightly reduced compared with summer.
Coastal roads are generally fine, but heavy rain can cause minor landslides and falling rocks.
In the mountains keep an eye on snow and ice warnings.

5. Is there snow and can you ski in November?
Snow on the coast is extremely rare.
In the mountains around Žabljak and Kolašin snow is possible, but a stable ski season usually starts later, closer to December, depending on the year.

6. Do I really need a car or are buses enough?
Buses cover main routes, but a rental car gives much more flexibility and saves time if you plan to explore widely.
With lower off-season prices, driving often becomes the most efficient option.

Recommended Services

eSIM: Find the best eSIM plan for any trip – fast and affordable.

VPN for public Wi-Fi: Compare reliable VPN providers for secure connections while traveling.

Tours: Choose a tour on our site or via world-class partners – GetYourGuide / Viator.

Transfers: Reliable rides across Montenegro at great prices – KiwiTaxi / Welcome Pickups.

Accommodation: Explore our curated picks or book directly with our partner – Trip.com.

Car rental: Local companies and no credit card required – Localrent.

Scooters & motorbikes: Rent bikes and scooters online – BikesBooking.

Boats & yachts: Rent boats and yachts for coastal trips – Searadar.

Summary

November in Montenegro means mild but wet weather, cooler sea and almost no crowds.
The beach season is over, yet it is a pleasant time for slow coastal life, day-trips and food and wine.
If you are fine with taking an umbrella and do not need hot-water swimming, November can be a comfortable and budget-friendly month to discover the country.