Best time to visit Croatia

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Croatia

Best time of year to visit Croatia

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.

15 THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA (JUNE 05 - JUNE 14)

Beach Season

Beach Season

May–September • activity

Croatian coastline boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in Europe

The Blue Cave

The Blue Cave

May–October • nature

A precious gem among Croatia's nature highlights

Pag Cheese Season

Pag Cheese Season

January–June • food

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

Hiking

Hiking

May–October • activity

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

Lavender Bloom on Hvar Island

Lavender Bloom on Hvar Island

June–July • nature

A flowery kingdom on Croatia's sunniest island

Kayaking

Kayaking

April–November • activity

A great way to explore Croatian costline

The Best Sunsets

The Best Sunsets

April–November • nature

Famous Adriatic sunset in Zadar impressed Alfred Hitchcock

Diving

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

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

April–November • activity

Fast rivers of Croatia are perfect for white water rafting

Cruising and Sailing

Cruising and Sailing

March–November • activity

Follow Marco Polo's path and explore Croatia's numerous islands

Wild Figs

Wild Figs

late May–September • food

Enjoy this nutritious sweet fruit while in Dalmatia

Lobster Eating Time

Lobster Eating Time

mid-May–July • food

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

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

April–November • activity

Good conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers during the summer

Peka

Peka

June–August • food

A signature cooking technique for Croatoan cuisine

Asparagus Season

Asparagus Season

March–June • food

Have you already tried wild asparagus?

32 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Zagreb Christmas Market (Advent Zagreb)

Zagreb Christmas Market (Advent Zagreb)

out of rangeDecember 2, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

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

Frozen Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes

Frozen Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes

out of rangeJanuary–February • nature

Frozen Plitvitce Lakes are called Croatia's natural miracle

Sinjska Alka

Sinjska Alka

out of rangeAugust 7, 2023 • event

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

Ultra Europe Music Festival

Ultra Europe Music Festival

out of rangeJuly 12-14, 2024 • event

Feeling the beat of Adriatic with an ultrahip Ultra music festival

Autumnal Plitvice Lakes

Autumnal Plitvice Lakes

out of rangeOctober–November • nature

Natural wonder wearing all shades of gold and red

Dvorišta—the Courtyards of Zagreb

Dvorišta—the Courtyards of Zagreb

on holdJuly 16–25, 2021 • event

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

Rijeka Carnival

Rijeka Carnival

out of rangeJanuary 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

Vinistra, Croatian Wine Festival

Vinistra, Croatian Wine Festival

out of rangeMay 10-12, 2024 • event

The oldest and largest wine fair in Istria

Truffle Season

Truffle Season

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

A chance to find the next biggest truffle in the world

Olive Harvest

Olive Harvest

out of rangemid-October • activity

Olives are the matter of pride in Croatia

Oysters Season

Oysters Season

out of rangeSeptember–April • food

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

Days of Diocletian

Days of Diocletian

out of rangeMay 17–September 27, 2023 • event

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

International Donkey Race

International Donkey Race

out of rangeAugust 1, 2023 • event

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

Grape Season

Grape Season

out of rangeAugust–October • food

Try the most delicious grapes from local farmers' markets

Tangerine Harvesting Season

Tangerine Harvesting Season

out of rangeOctober–November • food

Pick tangerines from the trees in Neretva

Kumpanjija Performance

Kumpanjija Performance

out of rangeApril 28 • event

See a unique historical dance on Korcula Island with sword fights

Ribarska Festa

Ribarska Festa

out of rangeFebruary 18, 2023 • event

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

Fried Dormice

Fried Dormice

out of rangeAugust–September • food

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

Octopus Time

Octopus Time

out of rangeAugust–October • food

Octopus dishes are the classics of Croatian cuisine

Crni Rizot (Black Risotto)

Crni Rizot (Black Risotto)

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

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

Dimensions Festival

Dimensions Festival

out of rangeAugust 29-September 2, 2024 • event

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

Opuntia or Prickly Pear

Opuntia or Prickly Pear

out of rangeSeptember–October • food

This cactus with beautiful flowers is also quite tasty

Red Bull Air Race

Red Bull Air Race

overMay 30–31, 2015 • event

Extreme flying competition in Rovinj is a breathtaking experience for spectators

Applebum: The Beach Beyond

Applebum: The Beach Beyond

overJuly 18–22, 2019 • event

Famous UK festival goes to the Adriatic seaside

Soundwave Music Festival

Soundwave Music Festival

overJuly 26–30, 2018 • event

Rave with Soundwave—the festival featuring five nights of excellent music and partying

Medenjaci

Medenjaci

out of rangeDecember 24–December 26 • food

In Croatia Christmas tastes like honey cookies

Birdwatching in Kopacki Rit

Birdwatching in Kopacki Rit

out of rangeMarch–May, September • activity

Exciting birdwatching on one of the largest wetlands in Europe

Easter Bread

Easter Bread

out of rangeMarch 31–April 1, 2024 • food

No Easter in Croatia is possible without a pinca

Painting Pisanica or Easter Egg

Painting Pisanica or Easter Egg

out of rangeMarch 25–31, 2024 • activity

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

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Northern Croatia boasts a few decent skiing locations in winter

Bobići

Bobići

out of rangeOctober 31–November 2 • food

A traditional Halloween dessert

Jujube or Chinese Dates

Jujube or Chinese Dates

out of rangeSeptember • food

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

Last updated:
Jan
7.2
Feb
7.1
Mar
7.9
Apr
8.7
May
8.9
Jun
8.5
Jul
7.9
Aug
7.9
Sep
8.6
Oct
8.5
Nov
7.8
Dec
7.3

Croatia weather in January

7.2/10 score
Very good
2° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
9h 06m
daylight duration
Cold. No word cannot characterize Croatia's typical January weather better than this one. During this time, it is typically chilly and snowy around the country. The temperatures might reach freezing from time to time, especially in Croatian mountain areas. Needless to say that this weather is a real pleasure for passionate skiers or snowboarders. Plitvice's frozen lakes and waterfalls are also look fantastic throughout January. However, it is a rare event to face the snow on the islands or along the coast. The temperatures are a few degrees warmer there, but a dip in the sea might be more than refreshing. The weather suits best for hiking or sightseeing. The chance of rain and strong, northeasterly winds is usually high, so plan some indoor activities too. A smart idea will be to pack a waterproof coat, boots, and some warm clothes if you are planning a trip to Croatia in January. A scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves might stand you a good stand as well.

Croatia weather in February

7.1/10 score
Very good
3° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
10h 20m
daylight duration
It's still cold and snowy in Croatia in February, with skiing near Zagreb being close to fantastic. Meanwhile, Croatia's coast and islands might face temperatures about freezing and a higher chance of rainfall throughout a month. Signs of spring are just faintly beginning to appear, and the days are getting longer from day to day with around ten hours of daylight. The smaller coastal towns and islands usually remain closed in February. However, you can always find something open there and enjoy the lower prices of the low season. February in Croatia might feel really pleasant if you dress accordingly. Pack a waterproof coat, comfortable and warm footwear. Bring a pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf and, please, stay out of the ice-cold sea.

Croatia weather in March

7.9/10 score
Very good
9° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
11h 56m
daylight duration
March in Croatia is the month when the spring is on the way over with days getting longer, and the weather warming up a little by the middle of the month. You can face more or less rainfall depending on your exact destination, and if you prefer to face the least of it, choose Zagreb. The average temperatures around Croatia in March might vary between 6.3°C (43.3 ℉) and 14.0°C (57.2 ℉). Snows are starting to melt, causing a good reason for outdoor activities such as rock climbing or hiking and especially visiting Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes with its impressive rushing waterfalls. However, mind that it is still too chilly for swimming. If your trip to Croatia falls on March, mind packing warm waterproof essentials with you. These can be raincoats, comfortable footwear, hats, and scarfs—all that might keep you warm and dry throughout your promenades.

Croatia weather in April

8.7/10 score
Excellent
14° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
13h 33m
daylight duration
By April, spring in Croatia is just around the corner. The days are getting even longer, and temperatures start warming up a little. However, it still can be chilly in some of the inland areas throughout April, and there can be more or less rain in the thrall of the destination you might choose. If you cannot wait for sunbathing a little bit, head to the coastal cities or Hvar Island. You might safely catch rays of pleasant sunshine for an hour or so, especially in the high noon. But mind that Adriatic is still too cool for a dip. Dubrovnik is usually mild enough with a low number of tourists. Zagreb, in its turn, will impress you with all those fantastic blooming trees around the city. And try not to miss witnessing rushing cascades of splendid Krka Waterfalls. Although April weather in Croatia can be quite fresh, bring sunscreen and swimsuit if you are heading to the coastal areas. But generally, jeans, t-shirts, and a warm hoodie are all that might come in handy during your trip. Comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket won't hurt as well.

Croatia weather in May

8.9/10 score
Excellent
17° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
14h 56m
daylight duration
Being warm and sunny for most of the time, May in Croatia is considered to be one of the most beautiful months to visit the country. May offers bright cloudless days, and the Adriatic is getting warm enough for a dip by the end of the month. The days are much longer now, and the rainy season is almost over. The daily average temperatures are in the low to around 15.5 ℃ (60 ℉) across the country, and the nightly temperatures might drop significantly. Be sure to pack accordingly for Croatia in May, as you might need both warm and light clothes to feel yourself in comfort. Mind also bringing sunscreen and sunglasses just in case.

Croatia weather in June

8.5/10 score
Excellent
21° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
15h 39m
daylight duration
June marks the start of the high season in Croatia. Due to the excellent weather, you can afford all kinds of outdoor activities in the country. Sightseeing, swimming, or sailing is not a dream anymore. The sun and sea are usually inviting during this time, and that is enough for a full-blown beach vacation. Daytime weather around Croatia is typically mild but might cool down a little in the evening. The rainfall in June is less likely to happen across the country. Inland Croatia and Zagreb's temperatures are comparable with a range between low 13 ℃ (55 ℉) to high 24 ℃ (75 ℉) degrees. Dubrovnik and coastal areas are almost ready to take a challenge of relentless waves of tourists. The Adriatic Sea is amazing throughout June, but the UV levels are high, so be sure to pack essentials such as swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat might come in useful as well. Mind also bringing a hoodie for the evening freshness.

Croatia weather in July

7.9/10 score
Very good
24° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
15h 18m
daylight duration
July is considered to be one of the hottest months in Croatia. The tourist season is in full play with marinas full of boats and beaches crowded with sunbathers. The weather is sunny without even a hint of cloud, and the Adriatic is unbelievably warm. Throughout the month, the country sees balmy days, cooler nights, and little rain this time of the year. Daytime temperatures around Croatia usually stick around 27 ℃ (81 ℉). You can expect slightly cooler temperatures in the Dinara mountains. July vacation in Croatia is a great choice, just mind packing that the most important staff which is a light outfit, swimming suit, and sunscreen. If you a chilly person, pack a sweatshirt or a light coat with you to deal with cooler night weather.

Croatia weather in August

7.9/10 score
Very good
23° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
14h 04m
daylight duration
The weather is hot, and the beaches are full in Croatia throughout August. Long days and no rain make it a fantastic time to visit the country. That's why Croatia is typically very crowded until the last week of August. However, Zagreb and inland areas are quite in August as the locals usually spend the last month of summer by the coast, enjoying the warmth of the Adriatic. The sun is shining brightly, and it will take some work to find a single cloud in the sky. The daytime temperatures are typically blistering, but they cool down a little bit as soon as the evening comes. Nights give you a chance to enjoy the pleasant freshness. Swimming suit, sunscreen, and light-weight clothes—these are the essentials for you to pack for an August trip to Croatia. But you won't miss a target if a hat and light-weight clothes would be thrown in your suitcase as well.

Croatia weather in September

8.6/10 score
Excellent
18° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
12h 31m
daylight duration
Due to balmy weather and a diminishing number of tourists, September is deemed to be the best month to visit Croatia. By the time the fall comes, the summer scorcher in the country decreases, but the warmth in the air stays still. The beaches are open in September, and the water in the Adriatic Sea is still pleasant enough to swim. Along the Croatian coast, the daily temperatures stick to around 25 ℃ (77 ℉) mark with night temps dropping a little in the evening. The country sees from little to no rain throughout September. As the UV index during this time remains high in Croatia, make sunscreen and sunglasses the foremost things you throw in your luggage. Packing your swimming suit and light layers on top of that is also a good idea.

Croatia weather in October

8.5/10 score
Excellent
12° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
10h 55m
daylight duration
In the middle of the fall, Croatia remains relatively sunny, warm, and dry. That's what makes this country an excellent place to stay in October. Other advantages to visit Croatia during this month are colorful landscapes and a decreasing number of tourists. Yes, you might face shorter days with cooler weather and a little of rain, but don't let it ruin your vacations. The average temperatures are just perfect for hiking or biking, and the Adriatic is still worth a dip. Even though the rain and cooler temps are possible in Croatia throughout October, just pack accordingly for the avoidance of discomfort. Let waterproof poncho, comfortable shoes, and your favorite hoodie be your essentials to take up the position in your luggage.

Croatia weather in November

7.8/10 score
Very good
8° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
9h 29m
daylight duration
The Croatian weather during November is like a fickle lady, and it is more conducive to drinking hot chocolate instead of sprawling on the beach. Many coastal hotels are closed by this time, so you'd better book a room in larger cities. The sky and foliage in November make a fantastic combo to enjoy. However, this is when you'll witness the last of the late autumn sunshine and the heaviest precipitation. Average temperatures around Zagreb will have colder temperatures, and they will drop even forth in the mountain areas. The weather along the Adriatic coast is milder, with daily temperatures of around 13 ℃ (55 ℉). If you prefer sightseeing around Croatia in November, comfortable footwear, a pair of jeans, a warm jumper, and waterproof poncho might be more than useful. It is still tolerable to swim in the Adriatic Sea in November, so if it's what you're after, don't hesitate to throw a swimming suit in your luggage.

Croatia weather in December

7.3/10 score
Very good
3° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
8h 44m
daylight duration
Even though December is deemed to be one of the coldest months of the year in Croatia, it attracts tourist rabble to celebrate Christmas and New Year anyway. Inland cities see average daily temperatures range around freezing and mountainous area seeing even more dramatic temperatures drop. The country's north faces real winter weather with snow and ice, while the coastal cities roll in heavy but short-lived rain. Another dark side of traveling to Croatia in December is a strong northeasterly wind sweeping up the Adriatic coast and reaching even hurricane-like force. A good recommendation would be to cover yourself in layers if you chose Croatia to be your vacation destination. You'll see, a warm waterproof coat, a hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves will come in handy.