September: 86 places at their best

Montenegro, Europe

Kotor in October

The first half is a pleasant, cheaper version of September. Rain increases later in the month and beach businesses start closing.

GoodMild, highs near 71F (22C), rain returning
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
KotorPhoto: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

October is a good month to visit Kotor. The first half is a pleasant, cheaper version of September. Rain increases later in the month and beach businesses start closing.

Weather
Mild, highs near 71F (22C), rain returning
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What October is like in Kotor

The first half of October is a pleasant, cheaper version of September. Highs are near 71F (22C), the sea is still swimmable early in the month, and the hills are comfortable for hiking. Rain increases in the second half, and beach businesses and some seasonal restaurants start to close. Crowds and prices drop noticeably.

It suits hikers, couples, and budget travelers who like quiet. Go early in the month if you want swimming and boat trips. Late October is quieter but wetter, with more closures. If you need guaranteed warm water, September is the safer bet.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Kotor this month.

01

Early October swims

The bay holds its summer warmth into early October, so a swim is still a pleasure.

02

Lovcen and the serpentine road

Clear autumn days are ideal for the drive to the Njegos Mausoleum and its 461 steps.

03

Lower prices

Hotels around the bay drop their rates as the summer season winds down.

What to pack for October

  • A light rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes
  • Swimsuit for early-month swims
  • Layers for cooler evenings

Our timing tip

Book the first half of October, before the rain picks up and beach businesses close for the season.

Book Kotor for October.

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Things to do in Kotor

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

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 →

05

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 →

06

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 October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Kotor?

October is a good month to visit Kotor. The first half is a pleasant, cheaper version of September. Rain increases later in the month and beach businesses start closing.

What is the weather like in Kotor in October?

Mild, highs near 71F (22C), rain returning.

Is Kotor crowded in October?

Crowds in Kotor are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

Keep planning Kotor.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Kotor in SeptemberThe month before: Warm, highs near 80F (27C), sea still warmBest
  2. 02Kotor in NovemberThe month after: Mild but very wet, highs near 62F (17C), frequent heavy rainThink twice
  3. 03Kotor in MayThe next best month: Warm, highs near 74F (23C), sea warmingBest

Also at their best in October

Everywhere in October

Where else is good in October?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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