Black Lake (Montenegro)
Lake Glacial lake in Durmitor National Park, scenic forests
Near Žabljak in Durmitor National Park, Black Lake is a glacial basin ringed by pine forest; tourists walk the lakeside path, paddle in summer and hike nearby peaks.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is a glacial lake complex on the northern slopes of the Durmitor massif in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. The feature comprises two small linked basins set in montane forest.
The site is popular for short walks, easy lakeside circuits and photography; the lakes are fringed by pine forest and are noted for clear water and mountain reflections in calm conditions. Facilities for visitors are concentrated in the nearby town of Žabljak.
The lakes were formed by glacial action and sit in a karst and mountainous landscape typical of the Durmitor region. They are protected within the national park and are part of the park’s trail network.
Black Lake lies immediately above the town of Žabljak in northern Montenegro, within Durmitor National Park on the Durmitor massif.
- Access: A short, well-used walking route from the nearby town of Žabljak makes the lakes one of the most visited and accessible attractions in Durmitor National Park.
What to See #
- Veliko and Malo Crno Jezero (Big and Small Black Lake): Comprised of two linked glacial basins commonly called Veliko (Big) and Malo (Small) Crno Jezero, which together form the Black Lake feature within the park.
How to Get to Black Lake (Montenegro) #
Black Lake is a short drive from Žabljak (about 3-10 minutes depending on the trailhead). Žabljak is reachable by regional bus services from Podgorica and other Montenegrin towns; private transfers and car rental are common.
Tips for Visiting Black Lake (Montenegro) #
- Arrive early to walk the marked loop around the lake - the well-maintained trail provides views of the lake from multiple angles.
- Avoid swimming; the water is cold year-round and conditions can be unpredictable.
- Combine the visit with other Durmitor sites, like the Tara River Canyon, for a fuller national park experience.
Best Time to Visit Black Lake (Montenegro) #
Best visited in summer for clear trails and full accessibility; winter offers dramatic snowscapes but more difficult travel.
Weather & Climate near Black Lake (Montenegro) #
Black Lake (Montenegro)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1131 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
