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 July in Croatia.
July is one of the most popular months to travel to Croatia . You could say that things become serious in that month when it comes to the overall tourism. July means long sunny days, warm sea temperatures, and a vibrant atmosphere in towns along the Adriatic coast. July in Croatia is the peak of summer, and if you’re looking to spend most of your stay on the beach and in the sea, then this month is the perfect choice for you.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what the weather in July in Croatia looks like, but we’ll also provide you with additional tips and how to prepare for the hot weather in Croatia. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months in our country, but the temperatures vary from location to location.
So here’s a complete guide to the weather in Croatia in July . We’re going to visit different regions of Croatia and see what the weather looks like in each of them, we’ll discuss what to pack for your trip to Croatia, and give you some general travel tips for July in Croatia.
Let’s put on the sunscreen and proceed!
What’s the Weather Like in Croatia in July?
As we already mentioned and you already probably know, July brings hot, dry, stable, and sunny weather across the entire country. Rainfall is rare, especially in areas along the coast, and the Adriatic Sea is warm and perfect for swimming. July is the driest month in Croatia, and rainfall is minimal. Even if there happens to be a rainy period during your stay, there is a high chance that it won’t last for more than a day.
Even nights in the coastal parts of Croatia are very warm, and you’ll probably want to sleep in the air-conditioned room. Here’s the short general overview of the weather in July in Croatia.
Average daytime temperatures : 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). These are the average temperatures, and highs can go up to 38°C or more.
Nighttime lows : 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F)
Sea temperatures : 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 79°F)
Sunshine : 11 to 13 hours per day
Rainfall : Minimal, with the occasional inland thunderstorms that pass quickly and leave fresh and moist air
Overview of July 2024 recorded by our meteo station
Regional Weather Overview
Croatia is divided into regions, and each of these has its own microclimate. The most visited part of Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast, has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot and dry weather. On the other hand, inland parts also tend to be hot during the day, but temperatures drop during the night more than on the coast. In this section, we are going to visit different regions of Croatia and see what you can expect weather-wise in each of them.
1. Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Hvar)
Temperatures : 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F)
Sunny and dry, perfect for beach and sea combination and island-hopping activities
Coastal afternoon breeze helps to cool down the evenings, although they remain very warm
2. Istria (Rovinj, Pula, Poreč)
Temperatures : 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F)
Slightly less intense than southern Dalmatia, but still hot
Excellent for wine tastings, coastal drives, and evening walks
3. Zagreb and Inland Croatia
Temperatures : 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
Hot and occasionally humid after the summer thunderstorms
Great time of the year for festivals and city sightseeing, early or late in the day
4. Slavonia and Eastern Croatia (Osijek, Vukovar)
Temperatures : 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F)
Very hot and dry, especially during heatwaves. Slavonia is often the hottest region in Croatia
Traditional fairs and open-air events are common at this time of the year
You can see that the temperature goes above 35°C on many days
What to Wear in Croatia in July
Dressing comfortably is the most important because July in Croatia is hot , especially during midday hours. If you can, avoid being in the sun at midday. Spend them in the sea and in the shade. If you still decide to be in the sun at this period, apply the sunscreen since the sun can get very strong and it’s unimaginably easy to get sunburns.
What to Pack for your trip to Croatia in July:
Light, breathable clothes (cotton or linen)
Swimsuits and beachwear
Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Reusable water bottle. It’s very important to stay hydrated at all times
A light, long-sleeved t-shirt for cooler evenings if you plan to visit inland parts of Croatia. Even by the sea it can get a bit cooler in the evening, so one or two long-sleeved (but still light) pieces of clothes will come in handy.
There were just 2 rainy days in a whole July of 2024.
Why Visit Croatia in July?
The short answer for this would be: “because of the weather”. The weather in July in Croatia is a main reason for warm sea and hot days, and that’s something Croatia is famous for. It’s a beautiful country throughout the year, but still most of the people want to enjoy the Adriatic Sea, which is nice and warm in July (and August and September as well). So here’s a quick overview of a few reasons why you should consider visiting Croatia in July.
Beach Days Every Day
July offers perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and all kinds of water sports . The Adriatic Sea is calm and warm, the days are long, and Croatia is very vibrant and full of life in this period.
Vibrant Festivals and Nightlife
From local events to electronic music festivals, July is full of all kinds of celebrations. You have a chance to spend your days on the beach, and your nights enjoying the performances and arts of all kinds. July and August are the months with the most festivals and similar events in Croatia.
Ultra Europe Festival (Split)
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Šibenik Dance Festival
Dozens of smaller town and village feasts (“fešte”)
Peak Sailing Season
July is a perfect month for island hopping in Croatia . Our country is very famous for its islands, and it would be a shame not to explore at least one of them. You have many options when it comes to traveling to islands – you can use public ferry lines or join a day trips that are available in almost every larger coastal town in Croatia.
Long Days and Magical Sunsets
July offers plenty of sunlight and long days. Long daylight means you’ll have plenty of time for exploring, relaxing, and enjoying. In fact, July is the month with the longest days in the whole year, and most of these days end with some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. July is a month of adventure, sea, sun, and sunsets.
Things to Consider
But not everything is so great. Or is it? It really depends on your view on the following things. We have to admit that we love summer in Croatia, but there are some downsides to it. And somehow, more and more people are realising this and visiting Croatia outside the hottest and most crowded months. When we were younger, the tourist season in the place we live in would start in July and end at the beginning of September. Nowadays, more and more people have started visiting Croatia in months like May, October, and even November.
Still, summer months are the most popular period of the year, and it’ll probably always stay like that. Here’s what to keep in mind if visiting Croatia in July:
Crowds : July is peak season, and it can get very crowded in Croatia. It’s a good idea to book ferries, accommodations, and activities in advance so you don’t lose your spots. Prepare for the crowds in major tourist areas of Croatia and just go with the flow. There’s nothing you can do about it most of the time. Our best suggestion would be to go sightseeing at places like Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes as early in the morning as possible.
Heat : Avoid staying for long periods of time in the sun because the heat can get very intense. Plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.
Prices : Summer months are also the most expensive time of year for travel in Croatia.
Traffic : Expect a high volume of vehicles on roads, especially along the coast and at border crossings.
Weather in Croatia by Month
This article is all about the weather in Croatia in July, 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 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 – 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.
This graph shows the intense UV radiation so sun protection is a must when visiting Croatia in July
Best Things to Do in Croatia in July
We are ending this article about the weather in July in Croatia with a quick overview of the things and activities to enjoy in this period of the year. So here are just a few ideas:
Enjoy a day at the beach and try to find a peaceful, secluded bay in your area
Visit national parks or other popular attractions early in the morning (e.g., Plitvice Lakes, Krka). You’ll be astonished how peaceful Dubrovnik is at 7 AM. We know that getting up early might not be your vibe, but it’ll be worth it, trust us.
Book a sunset boat tour or go sailing
Attend a local festival or outdoor concert
Explore coastal towns in the evening when the air is cooler
Enjoy seafood and wine on a terrace overlooking the sea
Try some of the water-based activities and adventures in Croatia, like rafting, kayaking, and canyoning
Before You Venture to Croatia in July
We hope that this overview of the weather in July in Croatia gave you a useful insight into what to expect if you plan to visit at this period. July is a great month in Croatia, but just like any other month, it has a few downsides. If you ask us, crowds are the only downside. Heat can also be very intense, but it’s something you can easily escape with a quick dip in the Adriatic Sea. Finally, July is the ultimate month for enjoying the sun & sea combination, so if you’re looking for that kind of vacation, then this month is a great option for you.
Enjoy Croatia in July!