New Year in Montenegro: Season 2025–2026
Montenegro is transforming from an exclusively summer resort into a year-round destination. In the 2025 season, winter tourist traffic increased by 20–30%. For an independent traveler, this is an opportunity to get European-level service and Balkan hospitality at reduced prices.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the weather, holiday calendar, and locations for celebration — without unnecessary lyricism.
Holiday calendar and opening hours
Understanding the holiday schedule is critical for planning logistics and grocery shopping. The festive marathon here lasts from mid-December to mid-January.
- December 31: A working day, but shortened. In the evening — mass celebrations, concerts, and fireworks. Not an official day off.
- January 1 and 2: Public holidays (New Year).
- January 6: Badnji Dan (Christmas Eve). Optional day off, preparation for Christmas.
- January 7 and 8: Orthodox Christmas. Optional days off, family time.
- January 14: Old New Year (according to the Julian calendar). Unofficial, but celebrated with traditional festivities.
Why travel in winter: prices and activities
Winter Montenegro attracts pragmatic travelers. The main factors behind the growth in popularity in 2025:
- Budget savings. In the low season, discounts on accommodation, spa services, and dining reach 50%. This also applies to the premium segment, such as Regent and Four Points by Sheraton hotels, as well as complexes in Porto Montenegro.
- No crowds. You can visit the Bay of Kotor, Ostrog Monastery, or Budva Old Town without queues and cruise liners.
- Ski season. Resorts Kolašin 1600 and Žabljak offer ski and snowboard slopes, as well as snowmobile tours.
Atmosphere and locations: where to celebrate
Celebrations here are a mix of Balkan traditions and pan-European standards. Gastro stalls operate on squares with mulled wine, rakija, pršut, and pastries.
The choice of city depends on your goals:
- Budva: Tourist center. Grand concerts on the square in front of the Old Town, fireworks, performances by Balkan stars (Zdravko Čolić, Ceca). Loud and crowded.
- Kotor: A more intimate atmosphere, often rock concerts set against medieval walls. Christmas markets operate.
- Podgorica: Family-oriented format, the country’s main Christmas tree, Christmas bazaar.
- Tivat and Bar: Ice rinks and themed fairs operate (often open until January 20).
Weather: regional specifics
The climate at the end of December – beginning of January is heterogeneous. The country is divided into three climatic zones.
Coast (Budva, Kotor, Bar)
- Temperature: Daytime +8...+10°C, nighttime +3...+5°C.
- Precipitation: Frequent rains (150–200 mm), high humidity. Snow is very rare.
- Clothing: Waterproof shoes, windbreaker, umbrella.
Central region (Podgorica)
- Temperature: Daytime +6...+8°C, nighttime +1...+3°C.
- Conditions: Cool, damp, heavy rains (up to 250 mm).
North and Mountains (Žabljak, Kolašin)
- Temperature: Daytime 0...+5°C, nighttime down to -5°C (in extreme cases down to -10°C).
- Conditions: Snow cover, ideal for winter sports. Risk of avalanches on wild slopes.
- Clothing: Thermal underwear, winter gear, layering.