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 August in Croatia.
Did you know that the highest temperature in Croatia was recorded in the city of Ploče on the 4th of August 1981 ? The thermometer showed a scorching 42,8 that day (in shade), and that is the record that still stands up to this day. August in Croatia is the peak of summer, so expect hot weather, vibrant atmosphere, and a vacation full of Mediterranean energy. It’s the perfect month for swimming, sailing, festivals, and relaxation on the beach.
We’ll discuss Croatia in August in this article and present you with information that will be useful in planning your next vacation in Croatia. August is not just nice summer weather. It has a few downsides too, and heat and crowds are the main ones. It’s nothing that should ruin your August vacation, but still beware of it.
In this guide, we’ll cover a full overview of the weather in Croatia in August , including temperatures by region, packing tips, and what to expect when traveling to and through Croatia during the busiest month of the year.
What’s the Weather Like in Croatia in August?
You already know that it’s hot, but how hot does it actually get? In the section below, we are going to present to you the average August temperatures in Croatia, and we’ll also put statistics recorded by our weather station. August is the hottest and sunniest month of the year in Croatia, especially in areas along the coast and on islands. Inland areas are warm as well, but the great thing about these is cooler evenings and nights, which are perfect for sleeping with an open window. Rain is rare but still can happen, even though it usually won’t last for more than a day or two.
Average daytime temperatures : 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F)
Nighttime lows : 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F)
Sea temperatures : 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F). Perfect for swimming
Daylight : 13–14 hours
Rainfall : Low, but occasional summer storms are to be expected, especially in inland regions of Croatia
Overview of August 2024. recorded through our weather station on Makarska Riviera
Regional Weather Overview
As you already might know, Croatia is divided into a few different regions, and each of these has its own climate, which is reflected in the weather. The coastal region of Croatia has the most stable weather, while regions like Slavonia often have the highest temperatures, not only in August, but throughout the summer. August is also the month in which you can expect heat waves in Croatia. These happen usually a few times during the summer and last for a few days. Heatwaves bring very hot weather, and it’s better not to spend much time in the sun while they last.
Here’s what to expect regarding the weather in August in Croatia when it comes to different regions.
1. Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Hvar)
Temperatures : 28°C to 34°C average (82°F to 93°F)
Long, sunny days are perfect for sailing trips and beach days
Expect occasional heatwaves
The sea is warm, often calm, and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving
This graph shows the temperature and you can see that the hottest day of the year of 2024. was 26th of August
2. Istria (Rovinj, Pula, Poreč)
Temperatures : 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F)
Also very hot, but a bit cooler than Dalmatia
Great region for quick trips to the mountains in Slovenia, which are not so far away
3. Zagreb and Inland Croatia
Temperatures : 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F)
Hot and sometimes humid
Expect occasional afternoon summer thunderstorms that don’t last long
Cooler at night compared to the coast
4. Slavonia and Eastern Croatia (Osijek, Vukovar)
Temperatures : 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F)
Often the hottest and driest region of Croatia
Traditional festivals and harvest events are common in August in Slovenia
What to Pack for Croatia in August
Comfortable and lightweight clothes are a must if you’re visiting Croatia in August. August is quite similar to July, and the sun is strongest during these 2 months. The most important part of your luggage should be sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Here are just a few suggestions on what to wear in Croatia in August.
Essentials:
Lightweight, breathable clothes
Swimsuits and beachwear
Sunglasses and a hat
High-SPF sunscreen
Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
Reusable water bottle
Lightweight backpack for sightseeing
There were only 2 rainy days in August of 2024.
Why Visit Croatia in August?
The first half of August is the most crowded part of the year in Croatia. If you are not sure why you should visit Croatia in August, we have just a few reasons.
Peak Beach Season
This is the best time of the year for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports in Croatia. Beaches are full of people, and the Adriatic Sea is very warm. August is the ultimate month for beach holidays in Croatia.
Festivals and Events
Similar to July, August is also full of local celebrations too and some of these include:
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Split Summer Festival
Špancirfest in Varaždin
Local wine, seafood, and folk festivals in coastal towns and islands
Island Hopping
Croatia is an island-hopping dream destination with more than 1000 islands. Ferries and private boat tours run frequently, and it’s very easy to reach islands like Hvar , Korčula , Vis , Mljet , and Brač . Keep in mind that island-hopping tours are very popular in Croatia, so it’s best to book your spots as soon as possible.
Outdoor Dining and Nightlife
Finally, August is a great month to enjoy nightlife and warm night temperatures in Croatia. Cocktails by the sea, fresh seafood in local restaurants, night swims, all that is part of August in Croatia.
Things to Be Aware Of
Each medal has two sides, so does the August one. There are some downsides to the hottest month in Croatia, and they might be a deal breaker for some of you. Here are a few of them:
Crowds : August is the busiest month in Croatia, and expect a lot of people everywhere. It’s best to book accommodation, tours, and ferries as soon as possible. The same goes for the local activities.
Higher prices : Expect peak-season rates for hotels, car rentals, and some activities
Heat : Stay hydrated, avoid direct sun at midday, and go sightseeing early in the morning or later in the day
Traffic : Roads can be busy, especially on weekends and near border crossings
Sun radiation is very strong so sun protection is necessary
Weather in Croatia by Month
This article is all about the weather in Croatia in August, 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 – Still chilly, with occasional snowfall inland. The Adriatic coast might experience the Bura wind, making it feel colder. A quiet month when it comes to tourism.
Croatia in March – First signs of spring start to appear. Coastal areas warm up to around 15°C (average temperature), but inland regions can still be pretty cool. Occasional rain showers are to be expected.
Croatia in May – Warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 20°C to 25°C. The sea starts warming up, and this is a perfect month for sightseeing and nature exploration. Last month, before the heat kicks in.
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 – A pleasant and slow transition to autumn. The crowds thin out, temperatures stay around 25°C, and the sea remains warm throughout the whole month. A great time for travel through Croatia. September is our favorite month.
Croatia in October – A 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.
Ideal Activities in August
Finally, what activities can you do in August in Croatia? Pretty much anything, but you won’t enjoy all of them. For example, hiking in Croatia in August will not be the best experience so it’s better to avoid it. But you can enjoy all kinds of water sports instead. Our best suggestion would be to do all the sightseeing early in the morning and to spend the hottest parts of the day in the sea.
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
Sunset cruises and sailing trips
Exploring national parks early in the morning (e.g., Krka , Paklenica , Mljet )
City sightseeing in the evening or early in the morning
Café hopping or cocktail hopping
Island tours with local guides or private boats
Before You Venture To Croatia in August
Are you ready to feel the vibrance of Croatia in August? One thing that came to my mind now, when we speak about August, is the fact that everyone working in the tourist sector in Croatia is tired in August and can’t wait for summer to end. We worked as adventure guides for a long time in Croatia, and we know that feeling. August is somehow the turning point of the summer season, and things start to slow down after it. The season in Croatia starts in May, in some places even sooner, and everybody is pretty tired by the time August arrives.
Still, August can be a great month to visit Croatia if you don’t mind the heat and crowds. Besides that, we can’t find any other downside to the hottest month in Croatia.
Enjoy August!