Things to Do in Kotor in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Kotor
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect swimming conditions with Adriatic Sea at warmest temperature of year (24-26°C/75-79°F) - locals say this is when the water finally feels like a warm bath
- Extended daylight hours with sunset at 8:15 PM allows for full-day adventures including evening Old Town photography in golden hour light
- Peak lavender season in nearby Njeguši village (15 km/9.3 miles from Kotor) creates stunning purple landscapes and local honey harvest festivals
- Calm morning seas ideal for kayaking around Kotor Bay between 6-9 AM before afternoon thermal winds pick up - visibility often exceeds 20 m (66 ft) underwater
Considerations
- Temperatures regularly exceed 32°C (90°F) making midday fortress climbing extremely challenging - locals avoid Kotor Fortress between 11 AM-4 PM
- Peak cruise ship season brings 3-4 large vessels daily (each carrying 2,000-4,000 passengers) overwhelming Old Town streets between 9 AM-5 PM
- Accommodation prices surge 200-300% above shoulder season rates, with basic apartments starting at €80-120/night versus €25-35 in October
Best Activities in August
Early Morning Kotor Fortress Hikes
Start at 6 AM to avoid crushing heat and crowds. August mornings offer crystal-clear views across the entire bay with temperatures still comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F). The 1,350-step climb to Kotor Castle (260 m/853 ft elevation) becomes dangerous in midday heat. Local mountain rescue reports 90% of heat-related incidents occur between noon-3 PM in August.
Adriatic Sea Swimming and Snorkeling
August offers the warmest sea temperatures of the year at 24-26°C (75-79°F) with excellent 15-20 m (49-66 ft) underwater visibility. Dobrota waterfront (2 km/1.2 miles from Old Town) has locals-only swimming spots with free parking. Avoid overcrowded Kotor marina area where cruise ship discharge affects water quality.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Island Tours
August's calm morning waters make the 12 km (7.5 mile) drive to Perast ideal for island-hopping. The artificial island church visit takes 45 minutes, perfect before 10 AM heat arrives. Perast's baroque palaces reflect beautifully in still morning waters - afternoon brings thermal winds making boat transfers choppy.
Blue Cave Kayaking Adventures
August's extended daylight (sunrise 5:45 AM, sunset 8:15 PM) allows for magical Blue Cave experiences when sunlight penetrates underwater openings creating electric blue illumination. Water temperature perfect for cave swimming. Morning departures essential - afternoon winds make Lustica Peninsula access dangerous.
Lovćen National Park Mountain Escapes
When Kotor hits 34°C (94°F), Lovćen's Njegoš Mausoleum sits at cool 1,657 m (5,436 ft) elevation with temperatures 12-15°C (22-27°F) cooler. August offers clearest mountain views extending to Albanian Alps. The serpentine road climb provides relief from coastal humidity.
Traditional Village Food Experiences
August harvest season brings fresh figs, grapes, and mountain herbs to traditional villages like Njeguši (famous for prosciutto) and Dobrota. Family-run konobas serve outdoor dinners until midnight taking advantage of warm evenings. Local August specialties include fresh goat cheese and wild honey.
August Events & Festivals
Kotor Art Festival
International contemporary art exhibitions throughout Old Town galleries and outdoor installations in medieval squares. Features Balkan artists alongside European contemporary works. Evening openings take advantage of cooler temperatures and extended daylight.
Boka Night Maritime Festival
Traditional Boka Navy boat parade with decorated vessels illuminated by torches circling Kotor Bay. Celebrates centuries-old maritime brotherhood with traditional costumes, folk music, and fireworks over the water. Occurs during warmest August nights.