Podgorica in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Podgorica

12°C (53°F) High Temp

3°C (38°F) Low Temp

231mm (9.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets at Almaty and City Mall create authentic winter atmosphere with local crafts, mulled wine, and regional specialties from December 15-31
Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season, with luxury accommodations like CentreVille Hotel available for €50-70 instead of €120+ in July
Perfect hiking weather in nearby mountains - crisp 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures ideal for Durmitor day trips without summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat
Local winter foods peak in December: fresh trout from Montenegro, hearty bean stews, and seasonal game dishes unavailable in warmer months

Considerations

Daylight limited to 9 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 4:30pm) restricts outdoor sightseeing time significantly
Frequent rain showers averaging every 3 days can disrupt walking tours of the Bratislava and outdoor café culture
Many seasonal attractions like Montenegro boat tours operate reduced schedules or close entirely from mid-December

Best Activities in December

Durmitor National Park Winter Hiking

December offers perfect hiking conditions in Montenegro's premier national park - crisp mountain air, snow-dusted peaks, and no summer crowds. Temperatures hover around 5-10°C (41-50°F) at lower elevations, ideal for the Black Lake circuit and Tara River viewpoints. Winter lighting creates dramatic photo opportunities unavailable in summer months.

Booking Tip: Book guided day tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for €45-65 per person including transport from Podgorica. Check weather conditions as mountain roads can close during heavy snow. Tours typically run 8am-6pm to maximize limited daylight hours.

Skadar Lake Wine Tours

December is harvest celebration season for Montenegro's indigenous Vranac grape variety. Lakeside wineries offer intimate tastings with traditional winter foods, away from summer's tour bus crowds. Cool weather preserves wine quality during transport, and many wineries offer special winter blends only available December-February.

Booking Tip: Private winery tours cost €35-55 per person and should be booked 10-14 days ahead as many operate reduced winter schedules. Look for tours combining 2-3 wineries with traditional lunch. See current tour options in booking section below.

Ostrog Monastery Pilgrimage Tours

Winter transforms this clifftop monastery into a serene spiritual experience without summer's overwhelming crowds. December pilgrimage season brings special Orthodox ceremonies and candlelit evening services. Cool weather makes the 20-minute uphill walk comfortable, and winter mists create mystical mountain atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost €25-40 per person from Podgorica. Book through operators offering small groups (max 8 people) for better monastery access. Evening tours during December include special lighting ceremonies twice weekly.

Traditional Montenegrin Cooking Classes

December showcases Montenegro's hearty winter cuisine - perfect season for learning lamb stews, cornbread, and preserved meat techniques passed down through generations. Indoor cultural activities ideal for rainy days, and seasonal ingredients like preserved peppers and smoked cheeses are at their peak quality.

Booking Tip: Cooking workshops cost €40-60 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including meal. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as local chefs offer limited winter schedules. Look for classes including market visits for seasonal ingredient selection.

Morača River Canyon Photography Tours

December's low sun angle creates dramatic canyon lighting impossible to achieve in summer's harsh midday sun. River levels are optimal for accessing hidden viewpoints, and bare winter trees reveal rock formations obscured by summer foliage. Comfortable hiking temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) allow for extended photo sessions.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours run €50-75 per person for full-day experiences. Book with guides familiar with winter light conditions and safe river crossings. Tours start early (7am) to maximize December's limited golden hour lighting.

Bar and Coastal Day Trips

December offers mild coastal weather averaging 15°C (59°F) - perfect escape from Podgorica's inland chill. Coastal towns are authentically local without summer tourist crowds, and seafood restaurants offer winter specialties like sea bass stew unavailable in peak season. The 1-hour drive south provides dramatic weather contrast.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips cost €35-50 per person including transport and guided walking tour. Book tours departing early morning to maximize seaside time before afternoon mountain weather returns. See current coastal tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Podgorica Winter Festival

Local cultural celebration featuring traditional music performances, craft exhibitions, and seasonal food vendors throughout the city center. Showcases authentic Montenegrin winter traditions rarely seen by summer visitors.

December 15-31

Orthodox Christmas Markets

Traditional Christmas market at Almaty with local artisans selling handmade wool products, honey, rakija, and regional delicacies. Includes live folk music performances and traditional dance demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for wet cobblestones in Bratislava and mountain trails, plus ankle support for uneven surfaces

Insulated rain jacket with hood - December showers can last 2-3 hours and temperatures drop to 3°C (38°F) when wet

Thermal base layers - indoor heating can be inconsistent in older buildings, and mountain day trips require warmth at 1000m+ (3,280ft+) elevation

Compact umbrella - rain often comes without warning and Podgorica's narrow streets offer limited shelter

Wool socks (multiple pairs) - feet stay wet longer in December's high humidity, and wool maintains warmth when damp

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and GPS essential for winter mountain tours

Cash in small bills - many seasonal vendors and mountain restaurants don't accept cards in December

Digestive tablets - rich traditional winter foods can overwhelm unaccustomed stomachs

Lip balm with SPF - mountain sun reflects off snow even with low UV index of 2

Headlamp or small flashlight - daylight ends at 4:30pm and many historic sites have poor lighting

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants switch to winter menus in December featuring game meats and hearty stews unavailable other times - ask for 'zimski jelovnik' (winter menu) for authentic seasonal dishes

City buses run reduced schedules during school holidays (December 20-January 7) - download the GoMonbus app for real-time updates and plan extra travel time

Many locals take vacation between Christmas holidays, so book restaurant reservations and guided tours earlier in December rather than waiting until Christmas week

Heating costs spike in December, so smaller guesthouses may offer significant discounts for longer stays (4+ nights) to ensure occupancy

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting Mediterranean climate - December averages only 12°C (53°F) and requires proper winter clothing despite coastal proximity

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 9 hours of daylight and frequent rain, limit yourself to 1-2 major outdoor sites per day

Assuming summer boat schedules still operate - Montenegro and coastal ferries run limited winter timetables, check current schedules before planning day trips