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Best time to travel to Croatia

Autumnal Plitvice Lakes in Croatia 2025

Natural wonder wearing all shades of gold and red

Best time: mid-September–October

Plitvice Lakes are beautiful at any time of the year. After all, it's the most popular site in Croatia visited by a million people annually. You can see 16 wonderful cascading lakes framed by beautiful forests, colored with lush green in summer and golden—in autumn. Unlike any other season, autumn defines the natural beauty of this place. Also, it's much less crowded with tourists, and you can indeed feel the peaceful and serene atmosphere of Plitvice.

What it the best time to see fall colors on Plitvice Lakes?

The most beautiful fall colors at Plitvice Lakes are usually found from mid-September to mid-October. The photos in this post are from my visit at the end of October. Depending on the autumn rains, there may be more or less water, but this is secondary. Even on overcast days, the colors are vibrant enough to make your day. Rainy days can be particularly stunning as the reds, yellows, and greens become extremely saturated. From the end of October through November, snow is not uncommon, so be sure to check the weather forecast before going.

Viewpoints

The best places to witness the fall colors at Plitvice Lakes include Lower Plitvice Lakes, where the appearance of the lake transforms dramatically with the fall season, offering a stunning display of autumn hues. At Upper Plitvice Lakes, the colors appear more intense, with blues and greens glowing vibrantly, completely enveloped in an aqueous wonderland. The viewpoint near the gate at Entrance 1 provides a breathtaking panorama of the vibrant fall foliage. Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall in the park, is surrounded by a beautiful array of autumn colors. The Boardwalk Junction View offers picturesque views of the fall landscape, with an abundance of maples and beeches turning yellow and red, decorating the falls and peaceful lakes.

Plitvice Lakes Tours

To learn more about the park, consider taking Plitvice Lakes Tours starting from $102.39. The full-day private tour explores the lakes, cliffs, and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. It includes hiking around the lakes, riding the scenic train, and taking a boat cruise. The tour offers great value with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and round-trip transport included. With a small group limit of 12 people, the experience is personalized.

Tickets

Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket prices are as follows: Adults - 40 EUR, Students - 25 EUR, Children (ages 7-18) - 15 EUR, and a 2-Day Pass ranges from 20 to 60 EUR.

Practical info

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