Читать книгу The Mountains of Montenegro. A Walker's and Trekker's Guide онлайн

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Do not be deceived by the barren, desiccated appearance of Montenegro’s coastal mountains – this region of the Dinaric Alps attracts phenomenally heavy rainfall. In fact, Crkvice on Orjen has the highest rainfall in Europe, with an annual average of 4500–5000mm, and over 5300mm has been recorded in a single year. (To put this in perspective, Scotland’s Western Highlands and the western coast of Norway each receive on average only 3000mm per year!) Fortunately, the average annual precipitation in other inland mountain areas is more reasonable (1750mm on Durmitor, for example).

On the coast and in the coastal mountains, rain falls almost entirely during the winter (usually from November). In the mountainous areas further inland, precipitation is somewhat more evenly distributed throughout the year.

When to visit

On balance then, the best time to visit the mountains of Montenegro is June to September. Durmitor, Komovi, Prokletije and the other high, inland mountain areas will all be at their best at this time. Snow patches will linger well into the summer in some areas, particularly on northern slopes, and in some areas you will find snow all year. Wild flowers will be at their most plentiful in June to July. By late summer some of the smaller lakes and tarns will have dried up. Winter brings spectacular snow conditions for those prepared. August is very hot on the coast, and this is not the best time to visit Orjen or Lovćen.