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, 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 March.
March has always been kind of a turning point of a year for us. February can be very cold, especially in inland parts of Croatia, but as soon as March arrives, everything seems to change. Believe us or not, March is the month in which we get our first sunburns. There is a saying in Croatia that says about the deceptive sun in March and how easy it is to get sunburnt even though you can’t feel the heat on your skin. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have always loved March as a month in which we start adventuring under a bit warmer sun.
March marks the beginning of spring in Croatia and brings milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. It comes like a soothing balm after the dull February. No matter if you’re planning a visit to some famous Croatian city, coastal adventure, or countryside retreat, knowing the weather in March in Croatia can help you make the most of your vacation in this month.
Introduction to March Weather in Croatia
March is a transitional month in which winter starts to fade, and spring slowly takes over. This is still not as visible as it will be in April, at least when it comes to the look of nature. Some real blooming of nature happens in April and peaks in May. March in Croatia offers a mix of cool and mild weather with occasional rain showers, making it an interesting time for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
The bad side of the March in Croatia is the fact that not all tourist facilities (restaurants, tour operators, and so on) are open, especially outside of the famous tourist destinations in Croatia. It seems that in March, Croatia and Croats are also slowly starting to awake after the winter, and since there are not many visitors, many of the usual tourist vendors might not have started with their work. If this is not a deal breaker for you, Croatia in March can offer some nice experiences, especially if you’re into outdoors and exploring places that are crowd-free.
Here is the overall weather in Croatia in March recorded through our weather station on Dalmatian Coast. As you can see the highest temperature was 24,2 °C, while lowest was 5,3 °C. Also, the wind was rather strong for a day or two, more about it in images below.
Air Temperature in Croatia in March
Let’s discuss the air temperature in Croatia in March. Please note that we’re talking average temperature here for the whole of March. Of course, the temperature is a bit lower at the beginning of March compared to its end. The daily temperature on a sunny day in March can get up to 25 degrees Celsius or even a bit more (in the coastal part of Croatia).
- Coastal Areas (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar): Average temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons are pleasantly mild.
- Inland Areas (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Slavonia): Expect a bit lower temperatures ranging between 4°C and 12°C (39°F to 54°F). Nights can be cold, often dropping close to the freezing point.
- Mountainous Regions (Gorski Kotar, Velebit): Cooler conditions with average highs around 5°C (41°F) and lows dipping below freezing at night.
[Zoom in if on Mobile] Temperature range in March in Croatia. There is a 3 day gap because we haven’t changed the batteries on weather station but you can easily see the rising trend of air temperature.
Sea Temperature in Croatia in March
We have been swimming in Croatia during almost every month at some point in our lives. Swimming in Croatia in March is still reserved for someone who follows the Wim Hof method. The sea is still cold after the winter and the sun is just beginning to warm it up slowly. If you plan to swim in March in Croatia, you can expect a nice cold experience that will feel good, although you might feel chilly when entering the sea.
If you plan to have longer swimming sessions during this period, we suggest you bring a wetsuit with you. It doesn’t have to be a diving wetsuit but a regular swimming one. It won’t even take much of the space in your luggage, but it will make it feel almost like you’re swimming in May or June.
- Adriatic Sea: The sea remains cold after the winter, with temperatures around 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F), not perfect for swimming unless you’re a fan of cold water dips which can be great on your body and mind.
- Water Activities: While swimming isn’t as popular as in the months following March, activities like sailing, kayaking, and coastal walks are great choices for experiencing the Adriatic Sea.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
The days start getting longer and longer at the beginning of the year in Croatia. During December, it gets dark before 5 PM in Croatia. In March the days get longer and longer and have the same length as night on the first day of spring. Longer days mean more sunshine and more sunshine means more opportunities for exploring some of the best places in Croatia.
- Daylight: March sees increasing daylight, with around 11 to 12 hours of daylight by the end of the month.
- Sunshine: Coastal areas of Croatia enjoy more sunny days compared to inland regions, averaging 5-7 hours of sunshine per day.
Sunshine hours and UV radiation. You can see that there are many sunny days with rather strong UV radiation. Each of the high peaks means sunny day, while lower peaks are rainy and cloudy days.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Nobody loves rain during their vacation. In the past decade, rain seems to be less frequent in Croatia. It feels like there were many more rainy days when we were children compared to now. The rain is usually more frequent in inland Croatia than it is in its coastal part. Still, you can expect some rainfall in Croatia in March.
- Coastal Regions: Moderate rainfall, especially in Dalmatia and Istria. Expect 8-12 rainy days throughout March.
- Inland Areas: Similar rainfall patterns with occasional light snow in higher altitudes.
- Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, especially for coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split, or if you want to do a lot of walking tours in Croatia.
In this graph you can see that there were only 3 days with larger amount of rain in the March of 2024. in Croatia.
Wind Conditions
The wind is another important aspect of the weather in Croatia in March. There are 2 main winds that bring different kinds of weather – Bura and Sirocco (Jugo). There is a common belief that there are 3 Bura wind events in March (lasting for 1 day or more). And truly, we have witnessed it so many times although it doesn’t have to be the case for each year.
- Bura Wind: A strong, cold wind that can sweep through the Adriatic coast, particularly affecting areas like Zadar and Rijeka. Bura wind usually brings stable and sunny weather (although cold) and it’s often considered as the ‘healthy’ wind.
- Sirocco Wind (Jugo): Brings warmer, moist air from the south, leading to cloudy and rainy conditions. You often feel drowsy and sleepy during this kind of weather since the air pressure drops as well. A lot of bad things happening in Croatia are attributed to Jugo.
There were also 4-5 days with a bit stronger winds in March of 2024.
Regional Weather Differences
Croatia is split into different regions and each of these has a climate of their own. The coastal part of Croatia is always the one with the most stable and sunny weather as well as one with the highest temperatures all year round.
- Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar): Mild, breezy, and sunny with occasional rain.
- Istria (Pula, Rovinj): Slightly cooler than Dalmatian Coast, with frequent overcast days.
- Inland Croatia (Zagreb, Karlovac): Cooler, with potential frost in the early mornings.
- Mountains (Plitvice Lakes, Gorski Kotar): Snow may linger in some higher parts of these regions, ideal for late-season winter vibe hikes.
Best Activities to Do in Croatia in March
Although March in Croatia might not be the best month for enjoying swimming in the clear Adriatic Sea, there are many other activities that are much better at this time of the year. Let’s explore them:
- Explore Historic Cities: Wandering through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, or Zagreb’s streets is way better in March than in summer when it’s both hot and crowded.
- Nature Parks and National Parks in Croatia: Visiting Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks for breathtaking views with fewer visitors. The great thing about these waterfall-based national parks is the fact that there is much more water in rivers and waterfalls compared to summer months, making them a much more powerful sight.
- Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Coastal trails and inland paths are perfect for hiking in Croatia, especially as wildflowers begin to bloom and nature starts to awake. March is a great month for outdoor explorations in Croatia.
- Wine and Culinary Tours: March is also great for sampling local wines and enjoying traditional Croatian cuisine.
What to Pack for Croatia in March
This really depends on what parts of Croatia are you aiming to visit in March. If it’s going to be a coastal part of Croatia, you can pack lightly. If it’s going to be inland Croatia and places like Plitvice Lakes National Park, then bringing additional layers of warm clothes is advisable. If it’s going to be multi-day hikes in Croatia, then dress even warmer. Generally, for most visitors, winter jackets and clothes are no longer necessary and make sure you pack a few shirts with short sleeves for warm March days in Croatia.
- Clothing:
- Layered outfits for fluctuating temperatures.
- A warm jacket (but not the thick winter one) for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Few short-sleeved shirts for warm days.
- Essentials:
- Rain jacket or umbrella. Just in case. Or you can buy these once you arrive in Croatia. We always pack lightweight rain poncho which proved to be useful on many of our travels.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days. We already mentioned how we get sunburns in March, avoid these and be prepared.
- A hat to protect you further from the sun.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Croatia in March
Like with many other things in life, there are pros and cons when it comes to visiting Croatia in March as well. Let’s see what these are:
Pros:
- Fewer tourists (less than 5% of the tourist number during the summer months) resulting in a peaceful travel experience.
- Lower prices on accommodation and flights.
- Great month for cultural activities, sightseeing, and nature exploration.
- Enjoying the almost empty national parks in Croatia.
Cons:
- Unpredictable weather with occasional rain and chilly winds (Bura).
- Limited ferry schedules to the islands. Ferries connect the islands but not as frequently as in summer.
- Not as perfect for beach vacations or swimming as the months following March.
- Some of the tourist facilities are not yet opened.
Weather in Croatia by Month
This article is all about weather in Croatia in March, but we’ll make a guide for each month so you can easily get all the necessary information about Croatia through the whole year. If you click on the link of the month below, you’ll open the article about weather in Croatia in 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 Bura wind, making it feel colder. A quiet month when it comes to tourism.
- Croatia in April – Spring is in full swing, with blooming landscapes and average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (highest are usually around 28 degrees Celsius). A great time for outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.
- 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, 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 – 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. 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.
Travel Tips for March in Croatia
As we’re approaching the end of this article, here are a few more final tips before you start packing and head toward Croatia in March:
- Flexible Itinerary: Weather can change quickly, so plan both indoor and outdoor activities and stay as flexible as possible.
- Car Rental: Our best advice when coming to Croatia is to rent a car as soon as you land. Driving in Croatia is perfect for exploring the countryside and less accessible regions and driving in March on uncongested roads is an experience for itself.
- Local Delicacies: Warm up with local Croatian dishes like goulash, stews, and fresh seafood.
- Enjoy the nature of Croatia: Spend at least 1 day in exploration of the natural wonders of Croatia since March is the perfect month for outdoor adventures.
Before You Venture To Croatia In March
We hope this article about the weather in Croatia in March helped you to get a clearer image of what to expect if you plan to visit Croatia in this period. While it’s not the best month for swimming, it’s great for many other things. March is the month in which tourists start to visit Croatia and their number increases with each month and finally peaks in July and August. If you want to enjoy in calmer and more peaceful Croatia, then March might be a great month to do so.
Enjoy your stay in Croatia in March!