Things to Do in Kotor in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Kotor
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 25-35% compared to peak summer months - you'll find boutique hotels in the Old Town at €80-120 per night instead of €150-200
- Mild temperatures between 10-18°C (50-64°F) make the Ladder of Kotor hike genuinely enjoyable instead of the sweaty ordeal it becomes in July-August - you can actually climb the 1,350 steps without feeling like you're melting
- Cruise ship arrivals are just beginning to ramp up - you'll see maybe 2-3 ships per week instead of the 4-5 daily arrivals in summer, meaning the Old Town walls and St Tryphon Cathedral are actually navigable
- Spring wildflowers are blooming throughout the Bay of Kotor region, and the surrounding mountains still have snow caps creating dramatic photo opportunities - the contrast between green hillsides and white peaks is genuinely stunning this month
Considerations
- Water temperature hovers around 14-16°C (57-61°F) - realistically too cold for swimming unless you're particularly hardy or wearing a wetsuit, which rules out the beach lounging experience many visitors expect
- Those 10 rainy days mean you'll likely hit at least 2-3 showers during a typical week-long visit - the rain tends to come in quick bursts but can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly boat tours which get cancelled in rough conditions
- Some seasonal restaurants and beach clubs around Perast and Tivat haven't fully opened yet - they're typically waiting for consistent warm weather in May, so your dining options are somewhat limited compared to high season
Best Activities in April
Bay of Kotor Boat Tours
April offers calm morning waters before afternoon breezes pick up, making it ideal for exploring Our Lady of the Rocks island and the quieter villages like Perast. The 70% humidity actually works in your favor on the water where there's constant airflow. You'll avoid the packed tour boats of summer - right now you're looking at groups of 8-12 people instead of 30-40. The light in April has this particular clarity that makes the limestone cliffs and terracotta roofs pop in photos.
Ladder of Kotor Fortification Hike
This is genuinely the best month for this climb. The 1,350 stone steps up to St John's Fortress gain 260 m (853 ft) of elevation, and in April's 10-18°C (50-64°F) temperatures you can actually enjoy it. Summer heat makes this brutal - locals won't even attempt it June through August. Start early morning around 7-8am when temperatures are coolest and you'll have the fortress mostly to yourself. The UV index of 8 means sun protection is critical once you're above tree cover.
Lovćen National Park Day Trips
The park sits at 1,749 m (5,738 ft) elevation where April means lingering snow patches and crisp mountain air - completely different microclimate from coastal Kotor just 30 km (18.6 miles) away. The Njegoš Mausoleum offers panoramic views across Montenegro when visibility is good, which April typically delivers. Roads are fully clear by now but you're ahead of the summer tour bus crowds. Pack layers - temperature drops significantly with elevation gain.
Old Town Walking Tours and Historical Exploration
April's variable weather actually makes the Old Town's covered passages and indoor attractions more appealing. The Maritime Museum, St Tryphon Cathedral, and narrow medieval streets are protected from rain. That 70% humidity means stone buildings stay pleasantly cool during midday. You'll navigate the town without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that make summer visits claustrophobic - right now you can actually stop to photograph the cats without blocking foot traffic.
Perast and Island Church Visits
The 20-minute drive north to Perast puts you in one of the Bay's most photogenic villages when it's still relatively quiet. Our Lady of the Rocks island church is accessible by short boat taxi rides that run continuously. April means you're not waiting in lines or jostling for photos. The baroque architecture photographs beautifully in April's softer light. Water's too cold for swimming but perfect for leisurely boat rides.
Wine Tasting in Montenegrin Vineyards
April marks the beginning of growing season when vineyards around Crkvice and the Skadar Lake region are lush and green. The cooler temperatures make vineyard visits comfortable, and you're ahead of the summer wine tour crowds. Vranac and Krstač varietals are Montenegro's specialties. Many wineries offer tours of their cellars and production facilities along with tastings - the intimate scale means you're often tasting with the winemaker themselves.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Celebrations
Easter falls in April most years and Montenegro's Orthodox Christian traditions make this significant. Churches throughout Kotor hold midnight services, and you'll see families gathering for traditional meals. The Old Town takes on a festive atmosphere with decorated storefronts. Worth noting that many businesses close for Orthodox Easter Monday, so plan accordingly if your dates overlap.