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 February in Croatia.
What can we say about Croatia in February? Honestly, it’s not our favorite month and we’re kind of glad that it’s the shortest month of the year. Still, it can be a very nice month. Right now, as I write this article, it’s a sunny 5th of February and temperature will rise up to 17 degrees Celsius on the Dalmatian Coast. It’s very pleasant weather when it’s a calm sunny day. And in the coastal part, you get a lot of these.
Although it might not be the best time to swim in Croatia, there are some activities that are great to do if you visit Croatia in February. Exploring famous cities such as Dubrovnik , Split, Hvar (and many more) is perfect at this time of the year. There are practically no tourists in February in Croatia and you can really experience all the places you visit to the fullest. Unfortunately, there is a downside to it as well, and that is the fact that most tourist facilities and tour operators are closed during this period so you can’t enjoy the full offer of a destination. More about that later in the text.
We’re writing this article to inform you about the weather in February in Croatia, what to expect, how to dress, whether you can swim in Croatia in February and more. We’re writing this as locals who have lived through more than 30 Februaries in Croatia so far and we know all about how nice this month can be for some activities.
General Weather Overview February in Croatia is a month in which winter slowly fades away and you can almost feel the spring in the air. At least on the same days as today. There is less wind than in January which is famous for its Bura wind. On the Dalmatian coast, where we live, there are days in February in which temperature can go up to 20 degrees Celsius. But there are also days that are dull and rainy.
The days get gradually longer in February, and you can see it with each passing day. February is a great month for outdoor activities in Croatia, although nature is not yet in bloom. Hiking in Croatia this month is one of the best activities and you have the option of both winter ascents and regular ascents with no snow.
Some characteristics of the weather in February in Croatia are:
Season: WinterAverage Air Temperature: Ranges from 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F) depending on the region. This is the average temperature, the highest daily temperature can be significantly higher and can reach up to almost 20 °C in the coastal part of Croatia.Weather Conditions: Cold and often cloudy, with occasional rain or snow, especially inland. There are more sunny days on the coast. For example, the forecast predicts that the next 10 days of February will be sunny in Dalmatia (although with cold evenings, nights, and mornings).Daylight Hours: Approximately 9-10 hours of daylight per day.
Statistics from our weather station on Makarska Riviera. As you can see, there is a wide range of highest and loweast temperature in Croatia in February. Also, on warmest days temperature can go above 20 degrees Celsius. Regional Weather Breakdown Croatia is split into a few different regions and each of these have different weather conditions in February. Coastal parts of Croatia are usually much warmer during winter compared with the inland part of Croatia. Winters are getting milder and milder with each passing year in Croatia, and February is not what it used to be some 10 to 20 years ago. There is way less snow and the temperatures are rising so it’s not an unusual sight to see the blooming flowers in the middle of February. We just witnessed it yesterday.
Let’s see what to expect out of February in Croatia in different regions:
1. Coastal Areas (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar)
Average High: 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F) Average Low: 4°C to 6°C (39°F to 43°F) Climate: Mild but windy, with occasional rain. The Bura wind can make temperatures feel colder but it’s not as common as in January.
2. Inland Areas (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Slavonia)
Average High: 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F) Average Low: -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F) Climate: Cold with potential for snow and frost, especially in higher altitudes. However, snow is not as common as in January or as in some past Februaries. National parks in Croatia covered in snow are something magical. We recently did a tour of Plitvice Lakes in winter and it felt like a fairytale.
3. Mountainous Regions (Gorski Kotar, Velebit)
Average High: -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F) Average Low: -6°C to -2°C (21°F to 28°F) Climate: Snowy and cold, perfect for winter hikes and snowshoeing.
This shows overall sun activity and atmospheric pressure through the month. You can see that there were around 6 rainy days in the whole month. Also, the UV radiation is quit low although it rises slightly by the end of the month. Air Temperature in February Air temperature varies in different parts of Croatia in February. As we live on Makarska Riviera , we have witnessed all the good and bad sides of this month. As you will see from the statistics recorded by the weather station we have attached, February can be a nice and pleasant month, great for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Still, we somehow miss Februaries of our childhood since that was the month we would usually get snow, even in the coastal part of Croatia. The last real snow we remember was some 10 years ago and at that time snowfall would usually happen at least once a year in coastal Croatia. We don’t think these days are coming back.
Coastal Areas: Moderate with average highs around 10-12°C (50-54°F) and lows around 4-6°C (39-43°F) .Inland Regions: Colder, ranging from -2°C (28°F) at night to 7°C (45°F) during the day.Mountain Areas: Often below freezing, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 3°C (37°F) .
Air temperature in Croatia in February recorded by our weather station. You can see that on Dalmatian Coast daily temperatures are pretty high for this time of the year. Sea Temperature in February If you are asking whether can you swim in Croatia in February the answer would be: “Yes, if you are into Wim Hof methods”. The Adriatic Sea is very cold in February, but it’s possible to take a swim in it and many people do so. Some people swim all year round. It’s perfectly fine and healthy, although you need to get used to it.
The hardest part of swimming in Croatia in February is entering the sea. Once you do so, your body adapts and things become easier. If you’re coming from northern countries like Canada, Sweden, Norway, and so on, it might even feel pleasant to you.
Adriatic Sea Temperature: Approximately 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F) .Swimming Conditions: The Adriatic Sea is too cold for swimming without a wetsuit for most people, and most beach facilities are closed. Beaches are completely empty and if somebody sees you swimming in Croatia in February, you’ll earn their immediate respect.
Wind Conditions Wind is another important aspect of the weather in February in Croatia. There are 2 main winds that affect Croatian weather and these are Bura and Jugo.
Bura Wind: A strong, cold, dry wind blowing from the northeast, common along the coast in February. It can create dramatic sea views and significantly drop the temperature. Bura is considered to be a ‘healthy’ wind in Croatia.Sirocco (Jugo): A warm, humid wind from the southeast, occasionally bringing rain and cloudy weather to the Adriatic coast. Jugo is a ‘bad’ wind and it makes people drowsy and to lose their reason (this is a joke, but a lot of people have mood swings during the low-pressure weather that Jugo brings in Croatia).Wind Impact: Both of these winds can affect ferry schedules or other traffic by closing certain parts of the roads. Even the main Croatian motorway (A1) is sometimes closed around the Sv. Rok area (near the city of Zadar).
There were around 6 days with slightly stronger winds in February of 2024. However, this is not as strong as it can be in January, we would say that these are moderate wind strengths. Rainfall and Snowfall Croatia would usually get a lot more snowfall in February but it’s not as common anymore. There are still some sudden snowfalls, but it seems that snow has become more usual in December and January, while ‘modern’ February almost seems like an introduction to Spring. There might be some rainfall in February in Croatia, but it varies from year to year. For example, this February is going to be a dry and sunny one.
Coastal Areas: Occasional rainfall, averaging 70-100 mm for the month but this varies from year to year. There is usually no snow at all or it melts in a few hours if it falls.Inland Areas: More likely to experience snow, especially in Lika and Gorski Kotar and places such as Plitvice Lakes National Park.Mountain Regions: Might get heavier snowfall making them perfect for winter hikes and snowshoeing in Croatia.
And finally, fro mthis graph you can see that there were only 5 rainy days in whole of February of 2024 and these were split in 2 groups. The rest of the month was mostly sunny with just a few cloudy days. Is February a Good Time to Visit Croatia? Whether February is a good time to visit Croatia largely depends on your preferences. The weather can be nice and our main objection would be the fact that most tourist facilities are closed and the tourist offer might seem poor. We completely understand the reason behind this, but still, some tours can be even organized in Croatia in February.
Here are the pros and cons of visiting Croatia in this winter month:
Pros:
No tourists at all, allowing for peaceful sightseeing of many historical cities and natural wonders of Croatia.
Lower accommodation costs.
Perfect for exploring cultural sites and enjoying winter activities such as hiking and snowshoeing.
Cons:
Most coastal tourist facilities, including beach bars, water sports centers, and some restaurants, are closed.
Limited ferry schedules to the islands. They exist but are not as frequent as in summer.
Shorter daylight hours.
Best Activities to Enjoy in February Let’s discuss what we believe to be the best activities to do in Croatia in February.
Winter Sports: Skiing and snowboarding in Platak, Sljeme, and Gorski Kotar. Snowshoeing in any of the higher mountains in Croatia. Always check the conditions before doing such activities to see if there is snow at all.Cultural Exploration: Museums and historical sites in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Or any other famous historical location in Croatia.Plitvice Lakes National Park: Beautiful winter scenery, with the possibility of frozen waterfalls and snowfall.Carnival Season: Experience Rijeka’s vibrant Carnival, one of the largest in Europe.Wellness Retreats: Enjoy thermal spas and wellness centers inland.
Weather in Croatia by Month This article is all about the weather in February in Croatia, but we’ll make a guide for each month so you can easily get all the necessary information about Croatia throughout the whole year. If you click on the link of the month below, you’ll access the article about the weather in Croatia in 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 March Croatia in April – Spring is in full swing, with blooming landscapes and average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (the highest are usually around 28 degrees Celsius). A great time for outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.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.
Packing Tips for February in Croatia If you decide to visit Croatia in February, here’s what to pack. Still, consider the temperatures and what part of Croatia are you visiting. If you plan to visit southern Croatia, you might not need as many clothes as when visiting inland parts of Croatia such as Plitvice Lakes, for example.
Clothing:
Warm coats, thermal layers, and sweaters.
Waterproof jackets and walking boots.
Hats, scarves, and gloves for added warmth.
Rain poncho – we always have it, it’s lightweight, doesn’t use much space, and covers the whole body.
Accessories:
Sunglasses (for bright winter days).
Reusable water bottle.
A backpack for city tours.
Travel Tips for February
Rent a Car: Our best advice if you’re not coming to Croatia by your own car. Rent a car and enjoy in road trip through Croatia.Check Ferry Schedules: Island connections are limited.Be Weather Prepared: Road conditions can be challenging in snowy regions and there might be certain road closures because of the Bura wind in Croatia.Visit at least one national park in Croatia : And enjoy being almost alone in it.
Before you venture to Croatia in February As you can see from this article, Croatia in February can be cold, but it largely depends on the region you plan to visit. Februaries are not what they used to be and nowadays they resemble more the introduction to the spring than a month in the middle of winter. If you plan to visit Croatia in this period, you might have a pleasurable time with good planning and flexibility with the weather.
Enjoy the Croatia in February!
