Before You Continue:
Welcome to our website. As Croats who have been experiencing Croatia’s weather for the past 30 years, we have decided to write a series of articles about Croatia throughout the year—what to expect in terms of temperatures, how to dress, swimming conditions in particular months, and more.
Although we’re not professional meteorologists, we have a weather station installed on our house on the Makarska Riviera (one of the most popular and visited parts of Croatia), and we love keeping track of weather conditions all year round. This series of articles aims to bring you useful information—and share our personal observations and practical tips from our experience—on many relevant topics regarding your visit to Croatia. We hope you’ll find them helpful when planning your vacation in Croatia.
Let’s discuss the weather in Croatia in April.
April can be a great month to visit Croatia, depending on what you’re looking to get out of your vacation. For a long time, Croatia was a summer destination and 99 percent of all visitors would visit it during summer. But, as the locals, we are slowly witnessing the changing of this paradigm. More and more people choose to avoid the hottest and most crowded part of the year and visit Croatia in months such as April, May, or October.
Of course, these kinds of people are the ones who are not looking only for the sun and sea combination but rather wish to experience other potentials of Croatia as well. The weather changes as well and April in Croatia nowadays is much warmer than it used to be 10 or more years ago. Off-peak seasons prove to be the best times to visit Croatia.
Introduction to weather in Croatia in April April marks the central part of spring in Croatia. In this month, you can expect a delightful mix of warm, sunny days and occasional spring showers which are rather rare in the past few years and sunny weather prevails. April in Croatia is perfect for outdoor activities, exploring historical sites, and enjoying Croatia’s stunning landscapes without the usual summer crowds.
If you want to swim in the Adriatic Sea, it’s possible to do so in April, although the sea is still not as warm. Still, it’s a nice refreshment after being exposed to the April sun. In the sections below we’re going to discuss the different aspects of weather in Croatia in April and we’ll present you with the weather data recorded by our weather station in southern Croatia.
Overall weather information for weather in Croatia in April. You can see that the highest temperature can get rather high in the coastal part of Croatia. Recorded by our weather station on Makarska Riviera. Air Temperature in Croatia in April Starting with the air temperature in Croatia in April. It can vary significantly from region to region, just like in any other month in Croatia. Air temperatures in the coastal part of Croatia are always higher than in other parts of Croatia.
Coastal Areas (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar): Average temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) . Afternoons are pleasantly warm, with slightly cooler evenings.Inland Areas (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Slavonia): Temperatures typically range from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F) . Nights can still be chilly, especially in higher altitudes.Mountainous Regions (Gorski Kotar, Velebit): Cooler conditions with highs around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) and still occasional frost in the mornings.
Temperature range recorded by our weather station. There is a 1 week drop in temperature, but overall daily temperature is very pleasant. Sea Temperature in Croatia in April Everybody wants to swim in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea when they visit Croatia. We could say that April is a turning point of the year in which the sea gets warmer and warmer, but it still isn’t at the temperatures it will be in a month or two. Every month means higher and higher sea temperatures in Croatia.
Still, if you are not very heat-sensitive, you can enjoy swimming in Croatia in April. If you want to spend extended periods in the sea, we suggest wearing a swimming wet suit which will make swimming in April much more pleasant.
Adriatic Sea: The sea in April remains cool, with temperatures around 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F) . While it’s still cold for swimming for most people, it’s ideal for sailing, kayaking, and coastal walks. Through these activities, you can still enjoy the Adriatic Sea and stay dry at the same time.Water Activities: Diving, sailing, and windsurfing are popular, with wetsuits recommended for extended periods of water exposure.
DCIM101GOPROG0028519.JPG Sunshine and Daylight Hours Spring is in full swing in April in Croatia and there is more daylight with each passing day. Days get longer and longer as the April passes and turns into May. We could easily say that April and May are the months with the most pleasant weather in Croatia.
Daylight: April brings longer days, with 13 to 14 hours of daylight by the end of the month.Sunshine: Coastal areas enjoy around 6-8 hours of sunshine per day , making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures of all kinds.
This graphs show that the sun and UV radiation can get rather strong in Croatia in April and it gets higher as the end of the month approaches. Rainfall and Precipitation Rain used to be characteristic for April in Croatia and we somehow feel that it’s not as common as it used to be, not only in April, but throughout the year. Still, deviations can happen and April can be pretty dry one year, and rainy the very next one. There are no rules when it comes to weather, but here is the usual rainfall statistics for April:
Coastal Regions: Moderate rainfall with occasional spring showers. Expect around 7-10 rainy days in all of April.Inland Areas: Similar precipitation levels with occasional light rain that can linger for more days. Higher altitudes may experience brief snowfall early in the month. I still remember one of the heaviest snowfalls in my life that happened on the 1st of April while I was in university studies in Zagreb.Tip: Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes, especially if you’re exploring nature parks. Just in case. We always use a rainproof poncho that is light
In the April of 2024., there was only 1 day with significant rainfall. Wind Conditions Wind is yet another aspect of the weather in Croatia in April and although there are many different winds in Croatia, there are 2 most common ones – Bura and Jugo. Each of them brings totally different kind of weather. The wind is not as strong in April as it is in the months preceding it which you can see from the attached graph.
Bura Wind: A cool, dry wind that blows from the northeast. Strongest wind in Croatia and it’s most common in winter months, although it can appear in other parts of the year too. Bura can often cause closures of the roads and it’s especially strong in the northern part of Croatian coast.Sirocco Wind (Jugo): Brings warmer, humid air from the south which leads to cloudy, rainy days.
The wind was also relatively mild, with just a few days of bit stronger breeze. Regional Weather Differences We already mentioned that weather in Croatia in April varies through the different regions of Croatia and these differences can be significant. Keep this in mind when traveling to Croatia in April.
Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar): Warm, sunny, and slightly breezy with occasional light showers.Istria (Pula, Rovinj): Slightly cooler than the Dalmatian coast, with a mix of sunny and overcast days.Inland Croatia (Zagreb, Karlovac): Mild with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Colder than in the coastal part of Croatia.Mountains (Plitvice Lakes, Gorski Kotar): Still fresh, with crisp air and occasional late snow patches in shaded areas.
Best Activities to Do in Croatia in April April is one of the best months for many different activities in Croatia. It’s also the month when we spend more and more days in nature or traveling through Croatia or nearby countries. While the tourism side of Croatia is still warming up in April, there are many places such as national parks in Croatia that are best experienced in months such as April.
City Sightseeing: Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, or an old part of any historic town in Croatia. In April you can do this with no crowds around you.Nature Parks: Visit national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks, where waterfalls are full from spring rains and nature is in full bloom.Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: April brings the best weather for hiking in Croatia. Explore the trails in Biokovo Nature Park, Velebit Mountain, and Dinara, as well as many coastal walking trails.Wine and Gastronomy Tours: Spring is the season of fresh products. Enjoy wine-tasting tours in Istria and Dalmatia or try local food from different regions of Croatia.Island Hopping: Ferries begin to operate more frequently in April in Croatia, making it easier to explore islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula.
What to Pack for Croatia in April If you plan to visit Croatia in April, this section will inform you on what to wear in Croatia during this month. We usually wear short sleeves throughout April, and there are days in which you can wear shorts and open shoes as well. Evenings and mornings are a bit colder so a light jacket over a T-shirt will do just fine.
Here’s how what to wear in Croatia in April:
Clothing:
Light layers for daytime and warmer clothes for evenings.
A light jacket or windbreaker for cooler days or a visit to inland parts of Croatia.
Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and hiking boots for nature excursions.
Essentials:
Rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days.
Backpack to carry the extra layers or to pack the clothes you take off.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Croatia in April Croatia can offer you much in April, especially if you are an adventurer or nature lover keen on exploring the natural wonders of Croatia. Here are some pros and cons of visiting Croatia in this period.
Pros:
Mild, pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities.
Way fewer tourists than in the following months, providing a more authentic local experience.
Lower accommodation and travel costs compared to peak season.
Cons:
The sea is still too cold for swimming without a wetsuit for most of the people.
Unpredictable spring showers can affect your outdoor plans.
Some island services and seasonal attractions may not be fully operational yet.
Weather in Croatia by Month This article is all about the weather in Croatia in April, but we plan to make a guide for each month so you can easily get all the necessary information about Croatia throughout the year. If you click on the link of the month in the list below, you’ll access the comprehensive guide about the weather in Croatia during a particular month that will contain all the information you might need if you plan to visit Croatia in that period.
Croatia in January – The coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. Snowfall is common in inland regions, although not as common as in previous decades. The weather on the coast of Croatia remains milder but windy. Ideal for winter hikes in the mountains. Almost all of the tourist facilities are closed in this period.Croatia in February Croatia in March Croatia in May Croatia in June – The start of summer, with temperatures rising to 30°C. The Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming, and tourist destinations begin to get busier. Places like Dubrovnik are already pretty crowded at this time of the year.Croatia in July – Peak summer, with hot and dry weather reaching up to 35°C or more. The beaches are packed, and summer festivals are in full swing. Expect high tourist numbers, especially in the second half of July.Croatia in August – The hottest month in Croatia, with sea temperatures perfect for swimming. Popular spots are usually crowded, but the islands offer a great escape. Further the island is from the mainland, and more peaceful it gets during the summer months.Croatia in September Croatia in October – Bit cooler than September but still very comfortable, with averages of 15°C to 20°C. The fall colors in inland Croatia are simply stunning, and the coast remains very warm. The perfect month to enjoy the nature of Croatia.Croatia in November – A noticeable drop in temperatures (10°C to 15°C), with increased rainfall. The Adriatic can be windy, and many tourist attractions start to close and prepare for the winter.Croatia in December – Winter sets in, with festive Christmas markets bringing warmth to cities. Snowfall is common inland, while coastal areas remain mild but damp.
Festivals and Events in Croatia in April April also marks beginning of festivals and outdoor activities throughout Croatia. Just as the nature awakes, so does Croatia. There are many kinds of events going on in all of Croatia, and here are just a few of them:
Easter Celebrations: Experience traditional Croatian Easter customs, especially in coastal towns and villages.Asparagus Festivals in Istria: Celebrating the wild asparagus season with unique culinary events.Zagreb Spring Festival: A vibrant cultural event featuring music, art, and performances.
Travel Tips for April And some final tips before you leave. If you are interested in more topics regarding Croatia travel ideas and outdoor activities, you can find a lot of different articles in our Croatia travel blog. If you are visiting Croatia in April:
Plan Flexibly: Be ready for occasional rain and temperature shifts. Be prepared to change outdoor activity or excursion with an indoor-based one such as room escape or any other.Rent a car: Croatia is best enjoyed and explored by car. Driving in Croatia in April is the experience in itself, especially if you’re to travel on the regional scenic roads.Book Accommodation in Advance: While April is an off-peak season, popular spots can still fill up during holidays and festivals so it would be smart to book accommodation as soon as possible. Not all the accommodation is even available at this period in Croatia.
Before You Venture To Croatia in April As you can see from this article, April can be a great month to visit Croatia , especially for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to explore the best of Croatia with fewer tourists around them. Also, April is probably the month with the most pleasant weather in Croatia. The rain showers are not so common, and there are many sunny days throughout the whole month. If you choose to visit during this period, we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring and enjoying what Croatia has to offer.
Enjoy the April in Croatia!
