Croatia is hot. In every way. But today we’re going to discuss summer heat and how hot does it get in Croatia. Summer and heat go hand in hand and Croatia is most visited during the hottest months. It would be unbearable if it weren’t for the Adriatic Sea that offers refreshments during the hottest days of the year.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia during the hottest months, it’s essential to know what temperatures to expect, how to handle heatwaves that occur each summer, and what are the best ways to stay cool.
Take the ice bag from the freezer and let’s start with hot temperatures in Croatia.
Average Summer Temperatures in Croatia In this article, we’re going to discuss summer in Croatia and everything summer-related. As someone who has been experiencing summer heat in Croatia for more than 30 years now, we can say only that you can never get used to it and the hottest hours of the summer days are best spent in the sea. Still, we wouldn’t trade Croatia for any other country in the world. Although we daydream about Nordic countries a lot during summer in Croatia. Let’s get back to the temperatures and how hot does it get in Croatia in summer.
Coastal Areas (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka) The coastal area usually has lower temperatures than the inland part of Croatia so we’re kind of blessed to live in this part of Croatia. We get lower temperatures and we’ve got the sea right in front of our noses.
Daytime: 28-35°C (82-95°F)Nighttime: 20-25°C (68-77°F)Peak heatwaves: Occasionally exceeding 40°C (104°F)
Inland Areas (Zagreb, Slavonia, Dalmatian Hinterland) Although days might be hotter in inland Croatia, their nights are colder and much better for a peaceful sleep. So it’s 1:1.
Daytime: 30-38°C (86-100°F)Nighttime: 18-24°C (64-75°F)Peak heatwaves: Often above 40°C (104°F)
Before we continue discussing heatwaves, cooler image from the Biokovo Nature park near the city of Makarska Heatwaves in Croatia What to say about heatwaves in Croatia? There are usually 2 -3 heatwaves each summer and they last for a few days. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to climate change and they usually occur in July and August . These extreme conditions can push temperatures above 40°C (104°F) , particularly in inland regions and urban areas where heat is trapped by buildings and asphalt.
Common Heatwave Effects:
High humidity, makes the temperature feel even hotter.
Warmer nights, often staying above 25°C (77°F) . If you don’t have air conditioning in your accommodation, you’re going to have sleepless nights. But then you can go out stargazing, which is a nice summer activity in Croatia.
Increased risk of sunburn and dehydration. Avoid sunburns at all costs since they can ruin your vacation in Croatia.
Strong UV radiation , requiring sun protection. Always wear a hat, that’s our best advice.
The Hottest Recorded Temperature in Croatia Now this is going to surprise you, especially because of the date. The hottest recorded temperature in Croatia was 42.8°C (109°F) , recorded during an extreme heatwave back in 1981. Such temperatures, while rare, can occur during particularly intense summer months. But the record still stands, in spite of global warming and some of the hottest summers in history.
The city of Ploče, place where the highest temerature in Croatia was recorded back in 1981. How to Stay Cool During Hot Weather in Croatia If you’re staying near any body of water, you already have things going for you. Here are a few more advice on how to survive a heatwave in Croatia:
Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day since you lose a lot of it through sweating.Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM , when UV rays are strongest.Wear light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect against the sun.Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent sunburn. We suggest SPF 50+.Spend time near the coast or in shaded areas , as sea breezes help regulate temperatures.Plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening and avoid the hottest hours.
Best Places to Escape the Heat If temperatures become overwhelming, consider visiting these places:
Mountain regions like Velebit and Gorski Kotar , where temperatures are lower and more bearable.National parks with rivers and lakesPlitvice Lakes or Krka National Park.Island destinations , where sea breezes provide natural cooling and you’re surrounded by the sea.Pool , if your accommodation has one.
Sun was inevitable ingredient of our Makarska Riviera sunset kayaking tour Before you venture out into the Croatian heat So how hot does it get in Croatia ? As you can see from this article, summers in Croatia can get very hot , especially in July and August, when heatwaves are common. While summer temperatures in Croatia usually range from 28-35°C (82-95°F) on most summer days, they can sometimes exceed 40°C (104°F) . If you’re planning a summer visit to Croatia, be prepared for the heat and stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and plan activities wisely .
Enjoy your vacation in Croatia and protect yourself from the sun.
