So you are planning your vacation for the upcoming or next year and you stumbled upon the country we live in, Croatia. You google the images and see a feed full of crystal clear sea, vast beaches, and beautiful landscapes. Your heart starts to pound faster because you found the place where you want to spend your vacation. You start to think about all the places you are going to visit, you do real scientific research because you have a limited amount of time for your vacation and you want it to be a dream one.
Among all the questions you ask yourself one pops out: “What is the best time to visit Croatia?”. Stick around and you’ll find out what Croatia looks like at different times of the year. We suggest you visit the official Croatia tourist board for more info about different topics you might be interested in. Think about why are you coming to Croatia, do you want to hike it or maybe just enjoy in sun and the sea? That already is half of your questions answered.
If you are in a hurry you can skip to the conclusion part where you can find our thoughts summarized but we believe that reading this post will do you more good than harm. Let us say that in this text we are speaking about a regular person planning their visit and want to know what’s the best time to visit Croatia. We’ll try to inform you about what to expect from every period in Croatia. We’ll even rule out some months, but if you have specific goals, for example, want to pick mushrooms, well, then you already know the best time to visit Croatia for you and that might be in months ruled out.
Introduction to Croatia You probably know a bit about Croatia. We can just add that it’s a really beautiful country in which you can find almost anything modern travelers seek from their roaming around the globe. One particular thing that we like most about Croatia is nature. Astonishing nature. A lot of national parks and parks of nature but with nature outside of those still being beautiful and jaw-dropping. Everyone interested in touring through nature should immediately come here.
The other thing, and the thing why most people come to Croatia, is the Adriatic Sea. Crystal clear, warm, vibrant – perfect. You’ll know what we are talking about as soon as you put your feet in the Adriatic sea. The third thing is historical cities. We are talking about Split and Dubrovnik but a lot of smaller cities attract a lot of visitors every year. These two are simply a bit more popular because of a bunch of reasons, Game of Thrones being one of them.
High Season in Croatia (June to August) When it comes to Croatia, most people decide to visit it during the summer months. So, you might say that for most people this is the best time to visit Croatia. Usually, it’s the case with most countries in the world. People like summer and sea combination. Summer is a good choice with the weather in Croatia being warm and nice. The sea is perfect for swimming and snorkeling and tourism machinery is at full force. Everywhere you look, you’ll see someone.
All the empty beaches you googled before coming to Croatia are full of people to the extent you don’t have a place to put your towel. All of a sudden you realize that you just might have made a mistake and choose a bad time to visit Croatia. We are talking about the high season here, and by high season we mean a vacation somewhere between the 15th of July and the 15th of August. This is the hottest period of the year with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in a shade during midday.
Then there are some specific places such as Dubrovnik. If you want to experience this beautiful city, don’t go there during the high season or go early in the morning. During the day, Dubrovnik streets look like a river of people and it’s not an experience you want to have there. It may sound like a vacation from hell while reading the previous part of the text. It isn’t. If you are ok with crowds wherever you go, you can have some really good time.
There are some advantages to visiting Croatia in the summer and the warm sea is just one of them. The high season is full of any kind of events. If you are searching for wild parties then the high season is the right and best time to visit Croatia for you. All the major festivals and events are organized in this period. If you are more of a nature exploration person then you would want to skip this period since it can get too hot to do any exploration outside most of the day.
Weather:
Sunny and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Highlights:
Vibrant festivals and events, including the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and Ultra Europe in Split.
Bustling beach resorts and lively nightlife.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Crowds are at their peak, especially in Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar.
Accommodation and flights are more expensive, so book well in advance.
Preseason and Postseason Periods (April to June, September to October) Some other periods you want to think about are what we call preseason and postseason times. If you ask us, we will always say that these periods are the best time to visit Croatia. It’s usually a month before and after the high season periods. Theoretically, it can be a longer period. What to expect if you visit Croatia in this period?
First of all, nice weather and a lot fewer crowds. And that’s why we believe preseason and postseason are the best times to visit Croatia. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the exact period. If you want to enjoy empty beaches you may want to visit Croatia in May and early June. If you are interested in doing adventure tours in Croatia then this period is perfect for it too. There won’t be many people around and you could end up having a lot of famous places just for yourself. Nature is waking up in this period and everything is lush and vibrant.
On the other hand, the sea is not as warm as it is in full summer. Some tourist vendors are still not open so you might end up without dinner in a restaurant with good grades you saw on TripAdvisor. Still, if you ask us what’s the best time to visit Croatia, this would be our answer. There are not many events going around but if you would like to explore the nature of Croatia, then this is your time to visit Croatia. Air temperatures in this period range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day.
Weather:
Spring: Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with blooming flora.
Autumn: Similar temperatures, with golden foliage adding to the scenic beauty.
Highlights:
Affordable accommodation and quieter tourist attractions.
Perfect conditions for hiking, cycling, and exploring cultural sites.
The sea remains warm enough for swimming until late September.
Tips:
Pack layers for cooler evenings.
Consider visiting less-touristy areas like Istria or the northern islands.
Autumn in Croatia (October to November) It comes after the summer. It’s a melancholic period of the year in every country. When talking about Croatia, all of the tourists are gone, people in the tourism industry are counting their profits and closing their businesses, and most of the accommodation units are closed as well as main hotels and tourist vendors. The nature is still beautiful with all the autumn colors wherever you look.
The sea is not so warm so you can count on skipping any serious swimming unless you don’t mind a bit colder sea. If you plan to visit Croatia during the early autumn, let’s say at the end of September and the beginning of October, the sea might be just fine. To be honest, the sea seems to be warmest during early September. So autumn is the best time to visit Croatia if you are looking for beautiful nature and empty beaches.
Weather:
Cooler temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Occasional rain showers, especially in late autumn.
Highlights:
Harvest festivals in rural areas, celebrating local wine and olive oil production.
Peaceful national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls, with stunning autumn colors.
Things to Do:
Take scenic drives through Istria’s rolling hills.
Enjoy freshly harvested truffles and local seafood.
Winter in Croatia (December to March) And finally, we come to the coldest season of all. So what’s the winter like in Croatia? When we talk about the tourism industry pretty much of it is closed, especially on the coast. There are no tourists around. If you plan to visit Istria and Dalmatia, you might be surprised that it’s still warm enough. Winters on the coastline are usually mild. Sometimes so mild that you can spend your day in short sleeves.
But then again it depends, you might end up facing the strongest wind called Bura with the cold reaching your bones. If you seek any tourist content during the winter period, you won’t find any. Again, it depends on what you are looking for. If you like empty streets, don’t care about swimming in the sea and want to climb mountains in winter conditions, then winter is the best time to visit Croatia for you.
We guess you want to see and experience at least something during your stay in Croatia. In that case, we would recommend the Zagreb Christmas Market. We were still living in Zagreb when the whole Christmas Market story began and we still can’t believe how it has grown over the years. Zagreb has won numerous awards for its Christmas story, and you should put it on your bucket list. Other cities in Croatia have their own Christmas markets, but we believe Zagreb has the best one by far. Christmas Market starts at the beginning of December and lasts for a bit more than a month.
If you are looking for snow and winter activities, you may want to visit Croatia during winter. It’s perfect for hiking but keep in mind that Croatia doesn’t have so developed infrastructure for winter sports. Slovenia is much better in that part just like Croatia is better when it comes to summer activities.
Weather:
Coastal areas: Mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Inland regions: Colder, with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snowfall.
Highlights:
Festive Christmas markets in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Skiing opportunities in the inland mountains, such as Sljeme near Zagreb.
Fewer crowds at iconic landmarks like the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
Things to Consider:
Many coastal attractions and restaurants may be closed.
Plan for shorter daylight hours.
Christmas Markets in Croatia Croatia’s Christmas markets offer a festive atmosphere during the coldest time of the year. Everybody loves them and they really light up the atmosphere while waiting for the next summer. Zagreb Christmas Market is the most famous one and it was proclaimed as the best Christmas Market in Europe a few times in a row, but there are other Christmas Markets in Croatia equally worth visiting.
Zagreb Christmas Market:
Voted multiple times as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Zagreb’s market features over 25 locations across the city, including Zrinjevac Park and Ban Jelačić Square.
Highlights include ice skating, live music, traditional Croatian treats like fritule (mini doughnuts), and mulled wine.
Split Christmas Market:
Held along the Riva promenade, this market combines coastal charm with holiday cheer.
Expect beautiful light displays, festive stalls, and local performances.
Dubrovnik Winter Festival:
Dubrovnik’s Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive lights adorning the historic streets and squares.
Try local delicacies such as candied almonds and pašticada (a traditional meat dish).
Other Notable Markets:
Smaller markets can be found in towns like Rijeka, Osijek, and Zadar, each offering unique regional specialties.
When It’s Not the Best Time to Visit Croatia If we need to talk about when not to visit Croatia we would say you can skip November and February. You could say that these 2 months are somewhat more depressing than the rest because not a lot of things are happening. These 2 months are somehow caught in the middle, they serve as the glue to others. If you ask Croats, they prefer summertime. Not many people love winter. If you ask us, winter has its advantages. Mountains covered with snow are one of them. Closed restaurants and other touristic vendors are not.
A lot of people don’t like snow at all, especially those living in inland Croatia. For the people living near the sea, snow is like a holiday. There’s no school, all the children and adults are outside and playing in the snow. A lot of the best memories in my life are related to snow in Dalmatia. It falls rarely, once every few years, and with the overall climate warming up you can see less and less snow in Croatia every year.
Rainy Periods:
Late autumn and early spring can bring frequent rain, particularly in inland areas.
Peak Summer Crowds:
July and August can feel overwhelming in popular destinations, especially for those seeking tranquility.
Winter Closures:
Coastal towns and islands often have limited services during winter, making them less appealing for some visitors.
Additional Considerations The best time to visit Croatia may be different for everyone, depending on what you are looking to get out of your vacation in Croatia. Here is a little more information about particular events that you might be interested in and some activities and the est seasons for them.
Festivals and Events
Plan your visit around Croatia’s unique festivals:
Zagreb Christmas Market: Voted one of the best in Europe, usually starting at the beginning of December.Rijeka Carnival: A vibrant pre-Lenten celebration in February.Motovun Film Festival: A must-visit event for film enthusiasts in Istria during late July. Not existent in its original form anymore.Traditional Neretva Boat Marathon: The largest public event in Croatia and largest amateur sport competition organized in Neretva Valley each August.Sinjska alka: Another very famous event organized in the city of Sinj.
Best Activities by Season Croatia is made for outdoor adventures and there is a wide variety of them for you to enjoy during your Croatia holidays. Here’s the list of them with a description of which season is best for what kind of activity.
Spring:
Hiking and Cycling: Biokovo Nature Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Cycling routes in Istria offer a mix of scenic beauty and cultural stops.Exploring National Parks: Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls showcase their waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery and fewer crowds.Cultural Festivals: Spring brings festivals celebrating Easter traditions, especially in Dalmatian towns.Peculiarities: Spring weather can be unpredictable, with sunny days often interspersed with rain showers, so pack layers and a raincoat.
Summer:
Island Hopping: Explore famous islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula, each offering unique beaches, nightlife, and historical landmarks.Snorkeling and Diving: Discover vibrant marine life around Vis and the Blue Cave near Biševo Island.Festivals and Nightlife: From Ultra Europe in Split to local summer festivals, the atmosphere is lively and engaging.Peculiarities: Summer heat can be intense, especially in July and August, so plan activities for mornings or evenings and stay hydrated.
Autumn:
Wine Tours and Truffle Hunting: Visit Istria during the grape harvest and truffle season to savor local wines and freshly foraged delicacies.Photography: The golden hues of autumn make for stunning landscapes in national parks and rural areas.Seasonal Markets: Enjoy fresh figs, grapes, and chestnuts at local markets.Peculiarities: The Adriatic remains warm enough for swimming into late September, and there’s a noticeable drop in tourists, creating a serene atmosphere.
Winter:
Christmas Markets and Winter Festivities: Zagreb’s Christmas Market is a winter wonderland with light displays, ice skating, and festive food.Skiing and Snowboarding: Visit ski resorts like Sljeme near Zagreb or explore snowy trails in Gorski Kotar.Historic Exploration: Enjoy quiet visits to Dubrovnik, Split, and other cities without the usual crowds.Peculiarities: Coastal towns become very tranquil, with many attractions closed, but this is perfect for those seeking peace and authenticity.
Before You Venture to Croatia The best time to visit Croatia depends on what you’re looking for. Summers are the most visited and most crowded while we don’t have many tourists in Croatia in the winter months. But the trends are changing and we can see it from year to year. More and more people choose to avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Croatia in preseason and postseason periods. That’s the smart move if you ask us.
Enjoy our beautiful country no matter which time you choose as the best time to visit Croatia.
