The Adriatic Sea is one of the main drivers of tourism in Croatia and probably around 80% of all visitors come to Croatia because of it. Although Croatia has many other attractions, we can see how the sea can become the main attractor. We also spend almost every summer day in swimming. There’s no better way to escape the Croatian heat than to take a swim. But what about the sea temperature in Croatia, how does it look through the seasons? This article aims to answer that very question so stick around and find out all you need to know when it comes to sea temperature in Croatia.
In this guide, we’ll discuss monthly sea temperatures, the best time for swimming, regional differences, and factors affecting the water temperature in Croatia.
Sea Temperature in Croatia by Season Croatia has 4 main seasons, although, in the past years, some of them almost seem to blend with each other. Winters on the Croatian coast are pretty mild, while the summers can get very hot. All that reflects on the sea temperature too. Here’s what to expect out of each season in Croatia when it comes to swimming.
Winter (December – February)
The coldest period of the year, with sea temperatures ranging from 14°C to 15°C (57°F – 60°F) .
Swimming is not recommended for most people, as the water is too cold , except for those who enjoy cold-water swimming . There are people regularly swimming in this period in Croatia, although they are a minority.
The best activities during this season include diving in wetsuits, sailing, and sightseeing along the coast .
Spring (March – May)
Temperatures start to gradually rise with the coming of the spring and range from 14°C in March to around 19°C (57°F – 66°F) in May .
By late May , the sea in Croatia becomes comfortable for swimming, especially for those who don’t mind slightly cooler waters.
Ideal season for kayaking , stand-up paddleboarding, and island hopping
Summer (June – August)
The warmest and most popular season in Croatia, with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C (73°F – 79°F) . They can get even higher during the heatwaves or prolonged periods of sunny days.
Perfect for all kinds of water activities , including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and boat tours .The sea stays warm during the whole day , making night swimming in Croatia a great option during this period.
Autumn (September – November)
September is one of our favorite months to enjoy Croatia and still offers warm sea temperatures of around 24°C (75°F) , making it one of the best months for swimming.
By October , the Adriatic Sea starts to cool down, averaging 21°C (69°F) , but swimming is still possible.
November brings temperatures drop to around 18°C (64°F), marking the slow transition into winter conditions. This period has fewer tourists visiting Croatia, meaning quieter beaches and a more relaxed vacation experience .
Regional Differences in Sea Temperature in Croatia Not all the parts of the Adriatic Sea warm up equally and the southern part of Croatia is known for the warmer sea temperatures. Here’s what to expect out of each coastal region:
Northern Adriatic (Istria, Rijeka, Kvarner Bay) : Slightly colder than the southern parts, especially in the winter season.Central Adriatic (Zadar, Šibenik, Split) : Offers moderate temperatures and a good balance between warm summers and mild winters.Southern Adriatic (Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, Vis) : Warmest sea temperature year-round , with swimming seasons usually extending into October.Islands vs. Mainland : Islands generally retain warmth longer and often have clearer sea than mainland beaches.
Best Months for Swimming in Croatia You can swim in Croatia in each season. Even though the sea gets cold during winter, it’s still relatively warm compared to some other seas in the world. Of course, winter swimming won’t be as pleasurable as in summer, but if you are into cold-temperature therapy (which we occasionally practice), then there are no boundaries for you.
Here are the best months for swimming in Croatia for the general population:
June to September – The perfect period for swimming, with comfortably warm Adriatic Sea. This is the usual swimming season in Croatia.May & October – Water temperatures are mild but still suitable for those who don’t mind swimming in a bit cooler sea.April & November – Possible to swim, but only for the brave ! Swimming in this period looks like a quick dip for most of the people.December to March – Too cold for casual swimming, though some people still enjoy winter swims.
Zlatni Rat beach near Bol on Brač Island, the most famous beach in Croatia Factors Influencing Sea Temperature The sea in some parts of Croatia can be cold even in the hottest part of the year. The reason for this lies in the fact that there are many factors that influence sea temperature in Croatia. For example, we use to swim on a particular beach on Makarska Riviera, and there are some underground springs that bring the freshwater directly into the sea, thus making it colder. And more refreshing.
Currents : The Adriatic Sea’s currents can cause slight variations in sea temperature in Croatia, especially between coastal and open-sea areas.Depth : Shallow areas warm up faster and can be warmer than deeper parts of the sea.Weather Patterns : Extended periods of sunshine can increase sea temperatures, while strong winds or storms can have the opposite effect.Underwater springs: These freshwater springs can lower the sea water temperature significantly, but are a very local phenomenon.Tourist Crowds : Believe it or not, large numbers of people in the water during peak summer months can slightly increase temperatures in shallow bays and beaches. The beaches in Croatia can get very crowded, imagine just that every person pees in the sea. This already makes it much warmer.
Nugal Beach near the city of Makarska, one of the most beautiful beaches in CroatiaBefore You Take a Dip in the Adriatic Is the summer your favorite season for swimming or do you have another favorite? When it comes to us, we prefer swimming in September, or late September to be more specific. This month is our favorite month when it comes to enjoying pleasant weather, beautiful sunsets, and still warm Adriatic Sea. But even if you’re visiting out of the peak season, we encourage you to take a swimsuit with you and try the sea temperature in Croatia in these periods by yourself. It can prove to be a unique experience and, who knows, maybe you’ll love it.
Here’s the website with the current sea temperature in Croatia that can be useful if you want to track it in real time.
Enjoy your stay in Croatia.
