June is one of our favorite months in Croatia. An introduction to summer. On the other spectrum lies September, another of our favorites. The end of the sandwich called ‘Summer in Croatia’. This article will be about June and whether can you swim in Croatia in June. We’ll also make another article that will go more in-depth about this month and what to expect if you plan to visit Croatia in June.
But we’ll give you an introduction to how what Croatia looks like in this period. The weather is very pleasant, both air and sea temperatures are rising with each passing day and the summer is slowly replacing spring. Croatia is still not as crowded as it will be in a month or so and exploring old parts of historical cities in Croatia such as Dubrovnik and Split results in a pleasant experience. The same goes for the visit to some of the national parks or other natural wonders in Croatia.
And when it comes to swimming in Croatia in June, we do it almost daily. The sea is just right and quite refreshing. It’s not as warm as in July and August, but it’s perfectly fine for a nice refreshing swim. Let’s discuss the topic of swimming in June a little further.
Is It Warm Enough to Swim in Croatia in June?
The short answer would be – Yes! June is the beginning of the swimming season in Croatia for most of the regular folks. The Adriatic Sea has had enough time to warm up after spring, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all other water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
Average Sea Temperature: Ranges from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) , depending on the region and period within June. The closer you visit to July, the warmer the Adriatic Sea in Croatia will be.
Comfort Level: The water is already comfortably warm for most swimmers throughout June, with temperatures continuing to rise as the month progresses.
Overall weather in June recorded by our weather station in Makarska Riviera in southern Croatia
Best Places to Swim in Croatia in June
The best place for swimming in Croatia in June is basically anywhere. Swim wherever you have the option and enjoy the experience. Still, we’re going to mention some of our favorite places for swimming in Croatia:
1. Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Makarska Riviera)
Dalmatian Coast is a stunning piece of the coastline stretching from Zadar in the north to Konavle in southern Croatia. It’s full of beaches of all sorts and sizes and some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia can be found right here, on the Dalmatian Coast .
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, scenic beaches, and vibrant beach bars.
Top Beaches: Banje Beach (Dubrovnik), Bačvice Beach (Split), Punta Rata (Makarska Riviera), Nugal Beach (near Makarska), Pasjača Beach (near Konavle), and so on.
Aerial view of coastline and beach in Krvavica near the city of Makarska in Dalmatia, Croatia.
2. Istrian Peninsula (Pula, Rovinj, Poreč)
Istria is the largest peninsula in Croatia and it’s a place we love to visit although we live in southern Croatia, relatively far from Istria. Still, our job takes us to this magnificent peninsula at least a few times a year. Although lacking pebbly beaches compared to the Croatian south, Istria has some magnificent places for swimming in Croatia in June.
Highlights: Rocky coves, pebbled beaches, and beautiful sunsets.
Top Beaches: Kamenjak Nature Park (Pula), Lone Bay (Rovinj), Galebove Stine (Pula).
3. Croatian Islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis)
Croatian Islands are special parts of Croatian territory renowned for a preserved traditional and easygoing way of life. If you visit any of the islands in Croatia, you’ll immediately notice that they have a special kind of vibe and relaxed way of living. The further the island is from the mainland, the more visible this change is. Croatia is famous for its islands and they really make all the difference when it comes to vacation experience on the coast of Croatia.
Highlights: Many Secluded bays, hidden bays, and the clearest turquoise waters you’ll ever see.
Top Beaches: Zlatni Rat (Brač), Stiniva Beach (Vis), Dubovica (Hvar).
4. Lakes in Croatia
Let’s explore other water bodies that are perfect for swimming in Croatia in June – lakes in Croatia. These are usually closed ecosystems with no water currents like in the sea and as such they warm up a bit faster than the sea. For a long time we used to organize a kayaking tour on Baćina Lakes near the city of Ploče and we would casually swim in the lakes even in May. The temperature in the lakes in Croatia is usually a few degrees warmer than the sea temperature.
Beach Conditions in June
What we love most about swimming in Croatia in June is the emptiness of the beaches and the unique feeling you get when you enjoy one of them in June. We’re talking about secluded beaches here, not the ones that are located in the middle of tourist areas. Secluded beaches don’t always mean hard-to-reach beaches, but simply far away from the towns and villages on the coast of Croatia. We believe that these beaches offer the best experience of swimming in Croatia.
Water Clarity: The Adriatic Sea is known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Beach Types: Croatia offers a mix of pebbled, rocky, and sandy beaches, with the clearest waters often found near pebbled shores and on the Croatian islands.
Crowd Levels on beaches in Croatia in June: Way less crowded compared to July and August, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and experience.
Secluded beaches are almost empty in June in Croatia. This is the famous Nugal Beach near Makarska
Other Water Activities to Enjoy in June
Swimming is not the only activity through which you can enjoy the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. Here are just a few ideas on activities that will lift your experience of Croatia in June.
Snorkeling: Perfect for discovering marine life and underwater rock formations.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Ideal for exploring hidden bays and finding small secluded beaches that can be approached only from the sea.
Sailing & Boat Tours: Enjoy day trips to nearby islands and remote beaches. Tours such as these are perfect activity in June.
Scuba Diving: Explore shipwrecks, underwater caves, and rich marine biodiversity. There are many diving clubs in Croatia and we advise you to contact them for an unforgettable diving experience.
Tips for Swimming in Croatia in June
Few more things before you go. There are some additional things to consider when visiting Croatian beaches in June:
Sun Protection: The sun in June can be intense, so use high-SPF sunscreen and wear a hat. It’s easy to get sunburns, and you want to avoid it.
Hydration: Bring water to stay hydrated, especially when spending extended time on secluded beaches with no facilities.
Footwear: Consider water shoes for rocky beaches to protect your feet. There are also a lot of sea urchins in the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. They are easily avoidable and the best thing about them is the fact that they are a sign of a clean sea.
Safety First: Swim in designated areas, especially around popular beaches with boat traffic. Stay closer to the shore. Although the boat traffic in June is not as dense as in the peak season, it’s still good to be cautious.
Packing List for Swimming in Croatia in June
Here are some of the things we advise you to bring when going for a swim in Croatia in June:
Swimwear: Bring multiple sets if you’ll be swimming daily.
Beach Towel or Mat: Lightweight and quick-drying materials are best.
Snorkeling Gear: Mask and fins for exploring the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea, the perfect complementary activity to swimming.
Reusable Water Bottle: Always stay refreshed under the summer sun.
Book: There’s nothing better than reading on an empty beach between swimming sessions.
Dry Bag: To keep valuables safe and dry while on boat trips.
In the Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island
Before You Venture Swimming in Croatia in June
Hope we made it clear enough whether can you swim in Croatia in June. It’s a perfect month for vacation in Croatia and we can’t find many downsides to it. The closer you visit to July, the hotter the weather will be. But overall, June is the least crowded month of the summer in Croatia. Everything starts to warm up and you can enjoy empty beaches, relatively uncrowded national parks, and other natural wonders, and you don’t need to worry about missing a spot on a popular tour because of the overbooking.
Enjoy Croatia in June!