Everyone says that June and September are the best months in Montenegro. That's true — but they are not the same at all. There's a 4°C difference in sea temperature, different winds, different light in the mountains, and different prices.
If you're choosing between these two months, this guide is for you. And if you're still considering July or August, there's a section about that too.
"After fifteen seasons, I still can't choose a favorite month. In June, the bay smells different — like flowers on the hills. In September, the light changes — the sun sits lower. It's simply two different versions of summer." — Captain Alexey
Water Temperature
June: 22°C at the beginning of the month, around 24°C by the end. Swimming is comfortable throughout June, although the first half still feels refreshing.
September: around 24°C at the beginning, cooling to 22°C by the end of the month. Almost the mirror image of June. The sea stays warm well into the second half of September.
In July and August, the water reaches 26–27°C — almost like a warm bath, and warm enough for small children.
Air Temperature
June: 25–28°C during the day, 17–19°C at night. If your charter starts around 9 AM, you'll usually want a light jacket — mornings on the water can still feel fresh.
September: 26–29°C during the day, 18–20°C at night. Slightly warmer than June. The first half still feels like full summer, while the second half begins to hint at autumn.
In July and August, temperatures often reach 30–34°C during the day. Without shade on deck, the midday sun becomes intense, and everyone ends up in the water.
Crowds
June: there are tourists, but Kotor is not overcrowded yet. In Perast, you can still sit down at a waterfront restaurant without a reservation. At the Blue Cave around noon, there are usually only 3–5 boats at a time, with a short 10-minute wait.
September: similar to June, but after the 20th the coast becomes noticeably quieter. Cruise ships still arrive in Kotor, but evenings feel calmer.
July and August: peak season. The Blue Cave can have a 20–30 minute queue of boats, Kotor becomes crowded, and restaurants often won't accept walk-ins. Anchorage spots fill up early in the day.
Prices
June: standard season pricing. An 8-hour charter starts from €3,000.
September: standard pricing until mid-September, with occasional 10% discounts in the second half of the month.
May and October: usually 10–15% lower prices. The bays are quiet and peaceful, but the sea is already — or still — cooler for long swimming stops.
July and August: prices are typically 10–15% higher between July 15 and August 15. The best dates are often booked out a month in advance.
If budget matters most, October offers one of the best price-to-experience ratios. If personal comfort matters more, the second half of June and the first half of September are usually ideal.
Wind
The Bay of Kotor is protected by mountains, so the sea stays relatively calm throughout most of the season.
June: one of the calmest and most stable months. Mistral winds appear occasionally, usually for half a day once every week or two.
September: storms become slightly more frequent, especially in the second half of the month. The eastern Bura wind can feel cold and unpleasant, but it usually passes within 2–3 days.
If guaranteed calm weather is important for your trip, June is usually the safer option. In September, there can occasionally be days when strong wind limits the route.
Daylight and Sunsets
June: sunset is around 20:30. Long evenings and a golden hour that lasts from roughly 19:00 to 20:00.
September: sunset shifts from around 18:30 at the beginning of the month to about 17:45 by the end. Days are shorter, but the sunset light becomes deeper and more golden because the sun sits lower.
Both months work beautifully for 12-hour sunset charters. In June, sunsets happen later, so it's possible to have dinner onboard after returning. In September, darkness falls much faster after sunset.
What Blooms
June: wild herbs cover the hillsides, and the scent of lavender and thyme drifts down toward the water. Around Morinj, you can often smell it clearly while anchored. In Perast, pomegranate trees begin to bloom.
September: fig season arrives. Markets in Tivat fill with sweet grapes, ripe figs, and the warm earthy scent of late summer instead of flowers.
It's a small detail, but if you care about atmosphere, June feels like late spring while September feels like the beginning of a Mediterranean autumn.
What Happens on Bad Weather Days
It's rare — but it happens.
In June: if a storm arrives, we usually switch to a shorter route inside the bay. Most weather changes pass within a day.
In September: the Bura wind can last for 2–3 days. If your charter date falls on a strong wind day, we normally offer to reschedule to the next available day.
In July and August: the weather is generally stable, though occasional evening thunderstorms can appear. If conditions become unsafe, we simply don't go out.
What People Usually Don't Mention
In June, the bay genuinely smells like flowers from the hills. It's not marketing — lavender and thyme really do reach the water in the mornings.
September brings a rare combination: warm sea during the day, but cool fresh mornings where you suddenly want hot tea on deck.
And one more thing: September changes dramatically between the first and second half of the month. Early September still feels like full summer. By the end of the month, the atmosphere becomes noticeably more autumnal, even though the sea remains warm.
If We Had to Recommend Specific Dates
June 5–25 — the most stable period of the season. Warm water, fewer tourists, blooming hills.
September 5–15 — for slightly warmer water and quieter bays.
From late May or late September onward — the best prices and nearly empty coastline, though the water becomes cooler for long swims.
We usually don't recommend mid-July to mid-August for guests looking for peace and quiet. That period is better suited for active summer holidays and the warmest possible sea.
