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Best time to visit

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Due to a mishmash during the summer, shoulder season from May to June and September is the best time to visit Croatia. Late spring with its relatively warm but a little bit rainy days guarantees perfect hiking, sea kayaking, and rafting. Even though July and August are busy and offer pricey accommodation, you can't miss your chance to see lavender bloom on the Hvar Island or attend open-air events like Ultra Europe Music Festival. September–October are known for unforgettable sunsets in Zadar, beautiful foliage around Plitvice Lakes, wine harvest, and fresh oysters. During the chilly season from November through April, most coastal attractions and hotels close down. In winter, you can explore the cities without tourist crowds. In February, locals and travellers are cheered up by carnivals in cities and towns.

49 things to do in Croatia

Opuntia or Prickly Pear

September–October Food

This cactus with beautiful flowers is also quite tasty

Zagreb Christmas Market (Advent Zagreb)

December 2, 2023–January 7, 2024 Event

The spirit of Advent and entertainment for the whole family in the central of medieval city

Autumn

September, October, November Weather

Still great time to be on the beach, hiking in a national park or attend a cultural festival

Summer

June, July, August Weather

Perfect weather drives flocks of tourists to the coast

Pag Cheese Season

January–June Food

Famous cheese from Pag island is a national pride of Croatia, known as Paški sir

Winter

December, January, February Weather

Moderately cool and humid season with some snow in the center of the country

Sinjska Alka

August 4, 2024 Event

A medieval equestrian knightly competition in Sinj that is part of the UNESCO list

Painting Pisanica or Easter Egg

March 25–31, 2024 Activity

Don't miss a beautiful tradition of colouring eggs before Easter

Wild Figs

late May–September Food

Enjoy this nutritious sweet fruit while in Dalmatia

Stories of Diocletian

August 29–31, 2024 Event

In Split, do as Romans do during a colorful carnival at Diocletian Palace

Dvorišta—the Courtyards of Zagreb

July 16–25, 2021 Event

Get behind closed doors in old Zagreb and meet some locals during a ten-day festival

Rijeka Carnival

January 17-February 14, 2024 Event

Winter holiday season in Rijeka is highlighted by the biggest carnival in Croatia with costumed parades and performances, lots of music and dancing

Peka

June–August Food

A signature cooking technique for Croatoan cuisine

Skiing and Snowboarding

December–February Activity

Northern Croatia boasts a few decent skiing locations in winter

Autumnal Plitvice Lakes

mid-September–October Nature

Natural wonder wearing all shades of gold and red

Beach Season

May–September Activity

Croatian coastline boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in Europe

Kumpanjija Performance

April 28 Event

See a unique historical dance on Korcula Island with sword fights

Lobster Eating Time

mid-May–July Food

Mouth watering lobsters as well as other delicious seafood streight from the Adriatic

Grape Season

August–October Food

Try the most delicious grapes from local farmers' markets

Ultra Europe Music Festival

July 12-14, 2024 Event

Feeling the beat of Adriatic with an ultrahip Ultra music festival

Tangerine Harvesting Season

October–November Food

Pick tangerines from the trees in Neretva

Hiking

May–October Activity

Climb spectacular mountains, traverse lush woods, enjoy freedom and harmony with nature

Kayaking

April–November Activity

A great way to explore Croatian costline

Bobići

October 31–November 2 Food

A traditional Halloween dessert

Medenjaci

December 24–December 26 Food

In Croatia Christmas tastes like honey cookies

International Donkey Race

August 1–2, 2024 (Tribunj) | August 11, 2024 (Tisno) Event

Visitors get a chance to hop on a donkey and speed up in Tisno or Tribunj during the annual donkey race

Vinistra, Croatian Wine Festival

May 10-12, 2024 Event

The oldest and largest wine fair in Istria

Birdwatching in Kopacki Rit

March–May, September Activity

Exciting birdwatching on one of the largest wetlands in Europe

Ribarska Festa

February 18, 2023 Event

Fisherman festivals in an Istrian town of Vrsar is a unique experience available at the Adriatic

Asparagus Season

March–June Food

Have you already tried wild asparagus?

Lavender Bloom on Hvar Island

June–July Nature

A flowery kingdom on Croatia's sunniest island

Jujube or Chinese Dates

September Food

Sweet fruit suitable for jams or rakija (local strong liquor)

Frozen Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes

January–February Nature

Frozen Plitvitce Lakes are called Croatia's natural miracle

The Best Sunsets

April–November Nature

Famous Adriatic sunset in Zadar impressed Alfred Hitchcock

Diving

June–September Activity

Clear waters of the Adriatic are popular with divers. Take a chance to explore marine life, ship wrecks and underwater caves

Spring

March, April, May Weather

Sunny and dry weather is perfect for outdoor activities

Olive Harvest

mid-October Activity

Olives are the matter of pride in Croatia

Octopus Time

August–October Food

Octopus dishes are the classics of Croatian cuisine

The Blue Cave

May–October Nature

A precious gem among Croatia's nature highlights

White Water Rafting

April–November Activity

Fast rivers of Croatia are perfect for white water rafting

Easter Bread

March 31–April 1, 2024 Food

No Easter in Croatia is possible without a pinca

Truffle Season

September–November Food

A chance to find the next biggest truffle in the world

Crni Rizot (Black Risotto)

September–November Food

If you like seafood, this is a must try of Croatian cuisin

Fried Dormice

August–September Food

A grilled dormouse—a rather unusual dish for modern European cuisine

Oysters Season

September–April Food

Locally produced oysters and mussels is a must try for seafood lovers

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

April–November Activity

Good conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers during the summer

Applebum: The Beach Beyond

July 18–22, 2019 Event

Famous UK festival goes to the Adriatic seaside

Dimensions Festival

August 29-September 2, 2024 Event

A giant party in a 2000-year-old Roman fortress

Love International Festival

July 10–16, 2024 Event

Experience non-stop underground DJs, producers, and live acts under the blazing Adriatic sun

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