What's the weather like in Kotor in May
The third month of spring brings a heap of warmth and sunshine, bringing Kotor closer and closer to the long awaited summer.
Temperature
The average temperature is a pleasant 19°C, while the nights are reasonably crisp at 12°C, a significant improvement from the previous month of April. The higher average is expected to reach 24°C (75°F), which may be cause for much celebration amongst vacationers.
Sunshine Hours
The days get longer, with up to 8 hours of beautiful sunshine, and chances of sunny days are quite high at well over 40% on average.
Rainfall
Chances of rain are lower at this time, and rainfall drops to an average of 75mm, spread over a total of 9 days. All of this roughly translates into an abundance of clear skies and occasional showers given that this is a coastal town belonging to the whims of the Adriatic Sea, Kotor never really abandons its rainy days, but as the summer rolls along, it can certainly keep it under control.
Wind
With humidity can be as low as 61% on average, and wind speeds dropping to 41kmh, the late spring of the Kotor Riviera is an excellent time to take an early holiday or to elope for the weekend.
Sea Temperature
The blue waters of the Adriatic Sea sneaking into the bay bring with them warmer southern currents as well, raising the average temperature to 20°C (69°F). While it's not perfect for swimming or diving of any kind (regardless of how inviting the sea may look at this time), you can still dip your toes and splash around during the hotter days of the month. The breeze is now predominantly southern and south-western, which further justifies the dry and pleasant air despite Kotor's location amidst bodies of water.
Kotor Hotels in May
Muo Apartments is a delightful complex which opens up to a beautiful pebbled beach in Kotor. It's only 100m from the shore and it offers lovely self-catering apartments. It also features an outdoor swimming pool with a charming terrace and loungers, and all of its units are stylishly decorated and fitted with a flat screen TV and private bathroom. Most importantly, each apartment comes with a private balcony with panoramic views of the bay and mountains.
Hotel Casa Del Mare Pietra is a splendid boutique accommodation in nearby Dobrota, just 50 yards from the shore and its splendid promenade. Its elegant rooms feature modern furniture, flat screen TV and en-suite bathroom, and the private balcony opens out to superb views of the bay. There is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, which is something to take advantage of during months like May, as well as a spa and wellness centre, which also includes a sumptuous Jacuzzi. The on-site restaurant serves a fabulous a la carte menu and bikes can be hired from the 24-hour reception desk.
Hidden in the very heart of Kotor, Apartments Parteli offers a collection of superb self-catering apartments. Each unit sports a traditional décor, with stone walls and a comfy lounge area complete with a flat screen TV, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. The aparthotel is just 250m away from one of Kotor's prettiest beaches, and within walking distance from many of the cultural and historical treasures in the Old Town.
Kotor Beaches for May
As the sun begins to properly warm the splendiferous Bay of Kotor, spending the warmer days by the beach is a good option. With temperatures rising both above and below the sea level, it's time to go out and explore some of the beaches that the Riviera has to offer. While Kotor isn't home to any sandy beaches, the pebbled strips that line the dark blue waters can be equally charming. One good option is Bajova Kula Beach, a very beautiful location and a favourite for both locals and tourists when it comes to impromptu picnics. Named after the local hero Bajo Pivljanin, who built the tower as shelter from the rain, this lovely little corner of paradise is quite close to the neighbouring town of Perast and is only 60m long. Its best feature, however, is the gorgeous backdrop of laurel trees, which add a fantastic fragrance to any sunbathing session. A little quay rests on the other side of the beach, where boats are tied and some of the best photographs of Kotor taken.
Bars and Restaurants
Palazzo Radomiri is a stunning 18th century palace towering over the Bay of Kotor, its highly specialised cuisine is set to impress you with a phenomenal menu and a wonderful atmosphere. Local tradition fuses with international trends to make dishes that will be with you for a very long time. Some of the highlights include the divine selection of Montenegrin cheese varieties, the fish soup, the homemade cherry pie and the unbelievable caramelized olive ice cream sauce. This amazing restaurant is only 2 miles away from Kotor, in the little village of Dobrota, so make sure you try it before you head back home!
For authentic local and international wine tastings, accompanied by generous plateaus of fine cheese, specialty hams and antipasti make your way down to the Old Winery, a legend amongst the local people of Kotor. What makes this place truly unforgettable, however, is the impressive wine culture of the staff, the beautiful art on the walls and the delightful melange of jazz, soul and blues music played here every day, all of which contribute to the excellent atmosphere that has made the Old Winery so popular.
The Clubhouse brings some Aussie charm to Montenegro. This typical Australian bar hosts a variety of theme nights and its flat screen TVs often play football and rugby matches. The beers are always fresh and crisp, while the Shiraz and an additional selection of New Zealand wines add an extra fine touch to the locale. The atmosphere is great and the staff are very friendly, hence making the Clubhouse a very good choice for evening entertainment.
Things to do in Kotor in May
One of the musts of vacationing in Kotor is hiking all the way up to the fortress. Find yourself in the heart of the Old Town, and engage in an unforgettable adventure in this historical treasure look for the signs that will lead you to the 1,350 steps up towards the medieval fortress. Your journey will seem daunting at times, and caution must be exercised when climbing some of the ledges, but the reward at the end of this physical challenge will be worth it. You will stand above the whole of Kotor, the ria itself unravelling before your eyes in strips of limestone mountains, dense green forests, terracotta roofs and deep blue waters. You will breathe in the fresh air, with an old stone fortress towering from behind, and your eyes will follow the cobblestone puzzles that are the alleyways of the Old Town dashing all the way down to the beaches. The view is unforgettable and well worth the trip, just don't forget to pack water and snacks, as you don't want to exert yourself.
For a little bit of quiet and an overwhelming amount of Renaissance architecture to feast your eyes on, head down to Perast and explore this old sister-city of Kotor, once the home of many Venetian nobles and merchants. There are about 16 Baroque palaces to peruse, as well as over 15 Catholic churches, majestic towers and charming alleys sprinkled with boutique shops and cafes to enjoy. Perast is also a UNESCO Heritage site, so the trip will be well worth it, as you'll be walking away with splendid memories.
