Things to Do in Kotor in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Kotor
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect swimming weather - sea temperature reaches 24°C (75°F), ideal for extended swimming sessions without wetsuit needs
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-40% from August peaks while weather remains excellent
- Grape harvest season brings wine festivals in nearby villages, with local vintners offering tastings of new wines unavailable other months
- Extended daylight until 7:30pm allows full day of activities plus sunset dining on city walls without rushing
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms strike 3-4 times weekly between 2-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes and temporarily flooding narrow Old Town streets
- Humidity reaches uncomfortable levels (70-80%) during midday hours, making castle wall climbs exhausting between 11am-3pm
- Ferry schedules to islands become irregular due to afternoon storms, with 20% of departures cancelled on short notice
Best Activities in September
Early Morning Castle Wall Hiking
September's cooler mornings (17-20°C/62-68°F) make the 1.5km (0.9 mile) fortress climb comfortable before humidity builds. Start at 7am to complete the 1,200-step ascent to San Giovanni Fortress in perfect conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms often create dramatic photo opportunities from the heights.
Blue Cave and Island Swimming Tours
September's warm sea temperatures (24°C/75°F) and reduced summer crowds make this ideal for island hopping. Morning departures avoid afternoon storm risks while providing 4-5 hours of perfect swimming conditions. Visibility underwater reaches seasonal peak clarity.
Wine Harvest Festival Experiences
September coincides with Montenegro's grape harvest season. Local vineyards in nearby Dobrota and Ljuta offer hands-on picking experiences followed by traditional stomping ceremonies. Evening tastings feature new wines only available during harvest season.
Kayaking Through Fjord Networks
September's calmer morning waters and reduced boat traffic create ideal kayaking conditions through Europe's southernmost fjord. Water clarity peaks during this month, revealing underwater medieval ruins near Perast. Afternoon storm risks make morning starts essential.
Traditional Cooking Classes with Seasonal Ingredients
September brings peak harvest of local figs, grapes, and Mediterranean herbs. Cooking classes feature seasonal specialties like fresh grape jam and fig-based desserts unavailable other months. Classes often include market visits to source ingredients at their seasonal peak.
Photography Tours During Golden Light Season
September's changing light conditions create dramatic photography opportunities. Morning fog often lifts from the bay around 8-9am, creating ethereal shots. Afternoon storms provide lightning photography chances for experienced photographers, followed by clear golden hour lighting.
September Events & Festivals
Grape Harvest Festivals (Berba)
Traditional harvest celebrations occur throughout September in villages around Kotor Bay. Features live folk music, traditional dancing, grape stomping competitions, and tastings of new wine. Local families open their vineyards to visitors for authentic cultural experiences.
Kotor Art Festival
Annual contemporary art exhibition featuring Montenegrin and regional Balkan artists. Gallery spaces throughout Old Town display paintings, sculptures, and installations. Evening opening receptions provide opportunities to meet local artists and purchase original works.