If you are reading this article, you’re already one step in the right direction since you are interested in visiting Croatia in September. Good choice. We’ll try to briefly describe why we believe that September is the best month to visit Croatia, what it looks like during that period and we’ll give you some info when it comes to weather for Croatia in September.
You probably already know a lot about Croatia and just want to know what month would be best for visiting it so we’ll skip the introduction part and jump straight to the point. If you are interested in other Croatia tips, browse through our blog posts, we’re sure you’re going to find something useful to make your vacation even better.
Overview of Croatia’s Weather in September
September could easily be the most magical month for your Croatia vacation. It’s still warm, and all the colors in nature are somewhat vibrant and alive. It’s much less loud and it seems as if nature is preparing for autumn and winter. Days are still long enough, although not as long as in the middle of the summer. September is a much calmer month and there are many more days without any wind so the sea is calm and reflects all the colors around it. You can expect a few extra rainy days, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker regarding September.
Comparison of daylight and sunshine hours for Split, Croatia. Image by Weather Atlas
- Temperatures: Coastal areas: 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F) during the day.
- Inland areas: 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
- Nights: Cooler, averaging 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
- Rainfall: September can have occasional rain showers, especially in northern regions like Istria and inland areas.
- Sea Temperature: The Adriatic Sea remains warm, averaging around 24°C (75°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.
- Sunlight: Around 10-12 hours of daylight with plenty of sunshine.
air temperature in September
Air temperature in September is not as high as in July and August, the months preceding it, and the months with the highest temperature in Croatia. It’s still very warm though. Honestly, the heat can be unbearable during the midday hours in the middle of summer and September doesn’t ever get that hot. And that’s a good thing. It means you can enjoy yourself on a beach without being scared that you’ll end up sunburned.
Weather for Croatia in September: Average temperature range for Split, Croatia. Image by Weather Atlas
The average day temperature in September for the city of Split on the Croatian coast is 25.1 degrees Celsius. The average day temperature for August is 29.5, and in July it’s 29.8 degrees Celsius. This shows that September is a bit colder but still very pleasant. Also, expect to have lower temperatures toward the end of the month.
sea temperature
The sea temperature in September is still very warm and absolutely great for swimming. Talking about numbers, the average sea temperature is 21.8 degrees Celsius in September. August has the highest average temperature with a value being 23.3 degrees Celsius. July is in second place with an average sea temperature of 22.9 degrees.
When it comes to sea temperature in September, it’s the third-warmest month in the year. Sometimes the sea feels even warmer than in the middle of summer. Night swimming is the only thing where you can feel a bit colder than in August or July, but using the neoprene vest for the upper body will solve this problem. We know, it’s more fun to swim naked and we suggest you try it.
Sea temperature values for Split, Image by SeaTemperature.org
Why September is a Great Time to Visit Croatia
- Mild and Comfortable Weather: The scorching heat of July and August is gone, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
- Lower Prices: Accommodations, flights, and tours are generally more affordable compared to peak summer months.
- Vibrant Nature: The landscapes begin to change with the onset of autumn, providing beautiful scenery for photography and exploration.
- Harvest Season: September is harvest time in Croatia, meaning fresh local produce and wine festivals are abundant.
What about adventure activities in Croatia during September?
We are adventurers and we live nature and adventures. We promote visiting Croatia in preseason or postseason partly because adventure travel tours in Croatia are much better in these periods. Let’s use hiking for example. Hiking in summer is like a penance. It’s simply too hot to have any joy out of it. Compare it with hiking in September, a completely different experience. And the September temperatures in the mountains are just perfect at this period.
When looking for other adventure tours, most of them are still working in September. They are usually less crowded, even some of the most popular tours out there. Sometimes when you want to do the tour in the middle of summer, you’ll need to book it a few days earlier and still, there are going to be many people doing the tour at the same time as you do. Simply not the best experience you can have.
how crowded is Croatia in September?
Not as crowded as in July and August. One of the reasons for that is all the families that went back home because the school starts at the beginning of September. We always see that drop in tourist numbers when September comes knocking at the door. Suddenly everywhere you look there are fewer people than usual, you can find a parking spot at any beach, and city cores are less crowded.
And as September progresses it gets emptier and emptier in Croatia. This is one of the best things about Croatia in September, you can truly enjoy everything this country has to offer. Take the national parks, for example, they are too crowded during the high season and it becomes much more bearable at the beginning of September.
Traffic in Croatia during September
Similar to the tourist numbers. More and more people are leaving Croatia every day of September and fewer people are coming to it. The roads are not as near as crowded as they can be during the peak season. Sometimes you can spend hours stuck in the traffic, especially on borders and in the cities. The main Croatian motorway between Zagreb and Split is also full of cars during the middle of the summer.
Traveling across Croatia gets much better in September. Croatia is a great country for a road trip and we suggest you rent a car if you haven’t come to Croatia on your own.
Regional Weather Breakdown
Croatia is divided into a few regions and each of these has its own microclimate. For example, inland Croatia can have much cooler temperatures than the coastal part of Croatia in September. Lika and Gorski Kotar regions (including national parks such as Plitvice lakes) tend to have less predictable weather than Dalmatia and the Islands.
Let’s see what to expect out of the weather in Croatia in September when it comes to different regions:
- Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar): Still very warm and sunny with temperatures between 22°C and 27°C. Sometimes even over 30, especially in the first half of September.
- Ideal for days spent on the beach and perfect for walking and exploring historic parts of these towns.
- Istrian Peninsula (Pula, Rovinj, Poreč): Slightly cooler than southern Croatia, occasional rain showers might be possible.
- Great period for cycling, truffle hunting, and wine tours which Istria is famous for. Also, perfect for any other kind of adventure activity.
- Inland Croatia (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Slavonia): Colder with more frequent rainfall. Still great if you want to enjoy Plitvice lakes for example, but in way less cooler weather.
- Great for hiking, and enjoying at the beginning of autumn.
- Islands (Korčula, Brač, Vis): Warm and tranquil, with fewer tourists compared to peak season.
- September is great for relaxing and enjoying the peace and almost empty beaches.
Best Activities to Enjoy in September
When it comes to the active side of the vacation in Croatia, we believe that September is one of the best months to enjoy the outdoor adventures that Croatia offers. Some of the activities that are great during the summer, can be even more adventurous during September. Take rafting for example, the rivers have way less water during July and August compared to September and with more water in them, activities like rafting or whitewater kayaking can feel much more adventurous.
September in Croatia is perfect for a lot more too:
- Beach Relaxation: The sea is still warm, and beaches are less crowded, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- Water Sports: Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling along the Adriatic coast.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore Biokovo Nature Park, Paklenica National Park, or the Plitvice Lakes.
- Wine and Food Festivals: Participate in grape harvest events and truffle hunting, especially in Istria.
- Cultural Exploration: Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, or Zagreb’s museums and galleries.
- Island Hopping: With fewer crowds, ferries, and boat tours to islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula are more enjoyable.
Tips for Visiting Croatia in September
We know that we already sold you September in Croatia, and you want to visit right then here are just a few more things to think about when visiting Croatia during this period:
- Pack Smart: Bring lightweight clothing for the daytime and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don’t forget that the summer is slowly fading away and nights can be cool.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan on exploring cities and nature parks or engage in any other outdoor activity.
- Book in Advance: Yes, September is less crowded, but it’s still a popular month, so book accommodations and tours early, especially if you are visiting in the first half of the month.
- Check Local Events: There are many festivals happening in Croatia during September. There are wine festivals, food ones, and cultural events happening during the whole month.
- Stay Flexible: Unfortunately, be prepared for occasional rain by having the right clothing and some indoor activities to fill your time.
- Rent a Car: We always recommend this for maximum flexibility when visiting Croatia. Especially if you plan to explore multiple regions or travel between Split and Dubrovnik for example.
What to Avoid in September
And finally, we’ll end this article with a few considerations about what to avoid when visiting Croatia in September.
- Overpacking for Warm Weather: As we already mentioned, evenings can be cooler, so a mix of summer and autumn clothing is a piece of good advice.
- Ignoring Weather Forecasts: Rain is not so common but can happen, especially in northern and inland areas. Always check the forecast before planning any outdoor activity.
- Last-Minute Bookings: Although way less crowded, some popular spots might still have limited availability, such as Plitvice Lakes for example. Or a local adventure activity.
Before you Venture to Croatia in September
We hope we answered your questions regarding the weather for Croatia in September and you have a much clearer picture of what to expect. If we were to choose, we would always pick September for our vacation in Croatia. As native Croats, we enjoy September the most.
September is the perfect ending to a perfect summer! Enjoy your Croatia vacation!
