Montenegro, Europe

Kotor in August

The busiest month, with Boka Night lighting up the bay. Book accommodation early and climb the fortress at first light.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), warmest sea

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro — KotorPhoto: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Kotor. The busiest month, with Boka Night lighting up the bay. Book accommodation early and climb the fortress at first light.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), warmest sea
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Kotor

August is Kotor's busiest month. Highs are near 88F (31C), the air is hot and humid, and the sea reaches its warmest temperature of the year. Boka Night lights up the bay with a parade of decorated boats and fireworks. Cruise ships, summer holidaymakers, and day-trippers all arrive at once, so prices and crowds peak and good rooms book up early.

It suits families on school holidays and beach lovers who can handle crowds and heat. Travelers who want quieter streets with nearly the same water should choose September. If August is your window, book accommodation early, climb the fortress at first light, and spend the midday hours in the water.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Kotor this month.

Boka Night

Decorated boats parade through the bay off Kotor, followed by fireworks. It is the summer's biggest night in town, so claim a waterfront spot early.

The warmest sea of the year

August water is warm enough for long, lazy swims from the pebble beaches around the bay.

The old town after dark

Once the ships leave and the heat breaks, the squares turn lively and pleasant for a late dinner.

What to pack for August

High-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat
Swimsuit and water shoes for pebble beaches
Light, breathable clothes
A large refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Book your room months ahead for August, and stay outside the old town in Dobrota or Prcanj for quieter nights.

Book Kotor for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kotor
Opens a hotel search for Kotor in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Kotor
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Kotor
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kotor for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Boka Night (Bokeljska Noc)

August

Decorated boats parade through the bay off Kotor, followed by fireworks. The summer's biggest night in town.

Things to do in Kotor

Full guide

Kotor Old Town

Wander the squares, the Cathedral of St Tryphon, and the maritime museum. Early morning and evening are the calm hours.

Tickets and tours →

The fortress walls and San Giovanni

Roughly 1,350 steps to the top. Start at dawn in summer; there is an entry fee in season and little shade.

Tickets and tours →

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Short boat rides from Perast's waterfront go out to the island church. Stay for dinner once the day-trippers leave.

Tickets and tours →

Ladder of Kotor trail

An old switchback mule track climbing from the town toward Njegusi, joining the fortress path. Best in spring and fall.

Tickets and tours →

Lovcen National Park and the Njegos Mausoleum

A mountaintop mausoleum reached by 461 steps with views over much of Montenegro. The drive up via the serpentine road is an event in itself.

Tickets and tours →

Boat trip on the bay

Small boats run to Perast, the Blue Cave, and the open coast in summer. Weather permitting in the shoulder months.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the Port of Kotor's published cruise schedule and plan your old-town days for no-ship or single-ship days.
Climb the fortress at first light. It is cooler, empty, and the morning sun lights the bay.
Stay in Perast, Dobrota, or Prcanj rather than inside the old town, and visit Kotor early and late.
Do Lovcen and the serpentine road on big cruise days, when the old town is at its busiest.

Know before you go

Kotor's old town is lived in year-round; cafes, restaurants, and churches stay open in winter, though some hotels and shops close.
Boat excursions, beach clubs, and many seasonal restaurants around the bay operate mainly from about April through October.
The fortress walls can be climbed year-round. There is a paid entry in the main season, and steps become slippery in rain.
The high road over Lovcen can be affected by snow and ice in winter.

Kotor in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Kotor?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Kotor. The busiest month, with Boka Night lighting up the bay. Book accommodation early and climb the fortress at first light.

What is the weather like in Kotor in August?

Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), warmest sea.

Is Kotor crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Kotor; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Kotor in August?

Boka Night (Bokeljska Noc) (august).