Weather in Podgorica

Planning a trip to Podgorica? Here you will find the freshest weather updates, including forecasts and useful charts to help you prepare for any twists of nature.

The climate in Podgorica can be characterised as moderate-continental with a pronounced Mediterranean influence, ensuring the city has hot, mostly dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The four seasons are clearly defined here, offering diverse weather conditions throughout the year.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the warmest and sunniest, with average temperatures comfortably exceeding 20°C (maximum temperatures can reach 28-29°C), and minimal rainfall. Winter, conversely, brings coolness – average January temperatures hover around 3°C, sometimes dropping below freezing – and the majority of annual precipitation, especially in November and December, when the highest number of rainy days is also observed.

Spring and autumn in Podgorica are transitional seasons with pleasant moderate temperatures and changeable weather, ideal for those who prefer to avoid the summer heat or winter chill. Overall, the city offers a classic change of seasons, allowing tourists to choose the most comfortable time to visit depending on their preferences.

The temperature regime in Podgorica is characterised by significant seasonal fluctuations, offering diverse climatic conditions throughout the year. The hottest month is typically August, with an average temperature of about 23.6°C, while daytime highs can reach 28.9°C, and nighttime lows rarely drop below 18.2°C. July is also very warm, with average values only slightly lower than those in August. Conversely, the coldest month is January, when the average temperature is just 3.2°C, and night frosts with temperatures down to -0.5°C are not uncommon, while the daytime maximum usually holds around 6.8°C.

Summer months in Podgorica, from June to August, bring real heat. Average daytime temperatures confidently stay above 25°C, and in July and August often approach the 29°C mark. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures in the range of 16-18°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is quite perceptible and can be around 10°C, providing some relief after the daytime heat. Transitional seasons – spring and autumn – offer more moderate temperatures. For example, in April the average temperature is 11.3°C, and in October – 14.1°C, with notable fluctuations between daytime highs and nighttime lows, which can reach 9-10°C.

Winter in Podgorica, covering the period from December to February, is characterised by cool weather. Average temperatures range from 3.2°C in January to 5.1°C in December. Daytime highs rarely rise above 9°C, and nighttime temperatures often drop close to zero or even lower, especially in January. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but still noticeable, averaging 6-8°C. This means that even if it is relatively mild during the day, nights can be quite cold.

In Podgorica, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The wettest period is traditionally late autumn and winter. The highest precipitation figures fall on November (average 11 mm) and December (10 mm), followed by January with 8 mm. These months also register a significant number of rainy days: in November and January there are about 14, and in December – up to 15 days. This indicates that precipitation during this period can be both prolonged and quite intense.

Summer months, on the contrary, are characterised as the driest season in Podgorica. From June to August, a minimal amount of precipitation falls – only about 2 mm in each of these months. The number of rainy days also decreases significantly: in July and August, there are on average only 8 each, and in June – about 12. This suggests that summer rains, if they occur, are generally rare and short-lived, giving way to predominantly sunny and dry weather.

Spring and autumn months represent transitional periods. It is interesting to note that May, despite a relatively moderate amount of precipitation (5 mm), stands out with the highest number of rainy days in the year – about 17. This may indicate frequent but light rains or drizzle. In the remaining spring months (March, April) and early autumn (September, October), precipitation fluctuates around 5-7 mm, and the number of rainy days varies from 8 (in October) to 13 (in March). Snow, considering the average monthly temperatures, is not a frequent phenomenon in Podgorica itself, and winter precipitation mainly falls as rain.

When planning a trip to Podgorica, it is important to consider the variability of the weather throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering your clothes. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes, which can fluctuate noticeably even within a single day, especially during the off-season. An indispensable item at any time of year will be comfortable shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings. It is also worth thinking about a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella, as precipitation, albeit with varying intensity, is possible all year round, with peaks in November-December and a noticeable number of rainy days in May.

In summer, from June to August, hot and mostly dry weather prevails in Podgorica. Your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream for protection against the active sun. In winter, from December to February, the weather becomes significantly cooler, with average temperatures around +3...+5°C and the possibility of night frosts. During this period, warm items are necessary: sweaters, fleece jackets, an insulated and preferably waterproof jacket (considering the 11-15 rainy days per month), as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Podgorica is the most changeable and requires special attention when choosing clothes. During the day it can be quite warm, especially in May or September, but evenings and mornings can be cool. The ideal solution would be a layered approach: T-shirts that can be complemented by a long-sleeve top, a light sweater or cardigan, jeans or thick trousers, as well as a mid-season jacket. An umbrella or raincoat will be very handy, especially in May with its 17 rainy days and in November, when precipitation reaches its maximum. By carefully studying the forecast immediately before the trip, you can optimally adjust your wardrobe for a comfortable stay in Podgorica.