April is the time of the blooming nature in Croatia. Spring is in full swing and everything around you gets green and lush. Temperatures start to rise and you can spend most of the April days in short sleeves. It’s possible to swim too, although the sea is not yet as warm as it will be in a month or so. But a quick dip or swimming in a wet suit is perfectly fine.
If you are planning to visit during this time of the year and asking what to wear in Croatia in April, this article might give you the answer. We love this month because of many things, the smells of nature, lush vegetation, the days get longer, and so on. We spend more time outdoors than in any other month preceding April.
Croatia is not yet crowded in April and the first tourists start to visit. Many of the natural wonders of Croatia are perfect to explore in this period. If you’re into outdoor activities, then April is one of the best months for a vacation in Croatia.
Here’s what to pack if you’re visiting during this period.
Understanding the April Climate
April is a month with mild weather in Croatia. The temperatures vary from region to region. In the coastal part of Croatia, days can get pretty warm, while in the continental parts, it can still be a bit chilly, especially during the night and early in the morning. Here’s what the usual average temperatures look like in April:
- Temperature Range: Coastal areas of Croatia range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), while inland areas are slightly cooler, ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F).
- Weather Patterns: Expect sunny days mixed with occasional rain showers and cool evenings, especially in mountainous regions and inland parts of Croatia.
- Activities: From city tours and nature hikes to coastal strolls and wine tasting, your wardrobe should be versatile.
Statistics from our weather station located on Makarska Riviera. You can see that the range between the highest and lowest temperature is quite large.
What to Wear in Croatia in April – Essential Clothing Items
If you’re thinking about visiting Croatia in this month and you’re not sure what kind of clothes to bring, here are some local insights on what to bring to Croatia in April. Also, keep in mind the temperatures we have mentioned above since they can tell you a lot about what to expect when it comes to weather. Let’s discuss clothes to wear in Croatia in April.
1. Layered Clothing
- Why: Temperatures can vary significantly between morning, afternoon, and evening, so you need to pack a bit for every part of the day.
- What to Pack:
- Lightweight t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts.
- Thin sweaters or cardigans.
- A warm fleece or light jacket for cooler evenings.
- No need for thick winter jackets.
2. Light Jacket or Windbreaker
- Why: Protects against cool breezes, especially along the coast and in elevated areas. You can wear short sleeves under it and easily take it off if it gets too warm.
- Recommended: Waterproof pieces of clothing are ideal for unexpected rain that can happen in April. We suggest bringing a lightweight rain poncho that won’t take up a lot of space in your luggage nor it will add any significant weight.
3. Comfortable Pants and Jeans
- Why: Suitable for both casual city walks and countryside excursions.
- Alternatives: Lightweight trousers or leggings for warmer afternoons. Have a piece of comfortable clothing for nature explorations since April is a great month for such activities.
4. Dresses and Skirts (for Women)
- Why: Great for warmer days, paired with leggings or tights if it gets chilly.
- Tip: Maxi dresses are both stylish and practical.
5. Footwear
- Walking Shoes: Comfortable sneakers for exploring the cities such as Split or Dubrovnik.
- Hiking Boots: Essential for nature parks, hiking trails, and mountainous regions of Croatia.
- Casual Flats or Sandals: For warmer, sunny days on the Croatian Coast.
6. Rain Gear
- Compact Umbrella: Lightweight and easy to carry. It’s good always to have it with you.
- Waterproof Jacket: A must-have for occasional spring showers. As mentioned above, we use a rain poncho that is lightweight and covers our whole body.
Temperature in April recorded by our weather station in 2024. As you can see, there was a colder week in the middle of April.
Additional Accessories to Consider
Now that you packed your travel bag with clothes, let’s see what other accessories might be useful when visiting Croatia in April.
- Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days. We can’t live without these. They protect your eyes from UV rays and make it easier to look when the sun is too harsh.
- Hat or Cap: Protects from the spring sun, especially in coastal areas. Although you might not feel it on your skin, the sun is already strong in April so it’s a good idea to have a hat.
- Scarf or Shawl: Adds warmth on breezy days and doubles as a fashion accessory. Bring it if visiting or staying in continental parts of Croatia such as the Lika and Gorski Kotar regions.
- Daypack or Small Backpack: A must-have if you plan to book day trips or spend a lot of time outdoors. It will make carrying essentials easy and convenient.
- Wet Suit: If you want to spend more time in the Adriatic during April, you can, although the sea is not as warm. But if you bring a swimming wetsuit with you, it will make longer swims a lot more pleasurable.
In the whole April of 2024., there was only one day with significant rainfall. Recorded on our weather station.
What to Wear for Specific Activities in Croatia
April is one of the best months for various activities in Croatia. Most of the outdoor kind of activities are much better when done in April and May or in August, for example. If you plan to explore the old parts of famous Croatian cities such as Split or Dubrovnik, doing it in April is much more pleasurable than in the middle of summer.
Here’s what to wear in Croatia in April when it comes to different activities:
City Sightseeing (Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb)
- Casual, comfortable outfits with layers. The more you walk, the warmer it will get and soon enough you’ll end up in short sleeves.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Backpack for storing the layers you take off.
National Parks (Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park)
- Hiking boots or regular walking shoes.
- Activewear or quick-dry clothing.
- Rain jacket in case of sudden showers.
- Backpack for essentials such as snacks and water and for storing clothes you take off.
Island Hopping (Hvar, Brač, Korčula)
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Swimwear (if you’re daring enough for cold water dips).
- Light jacket for ferry rides.
- Hat and sunglasses.
Evening Dinners or Events
- Smart-casual attire.
- Light sweater or blazer for cooler nights.
What to Wear in Croatia by Month
Now that we have discussed what to wear in Croatia in April, let’s discuss other months as well. We plan to make such a guide for each of the months and you can easily access them through the links in the section below and you’ll get additional insights about each of the months.
- What to Wear in Croatia in January: Expect cold, crisp weather with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Pack warm coats, insulated jackets, thermal tops, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots, especially for snowy inland regions. Coastal Croatia has a bit milder temperatures but winds can be rather strong on days.
- What to Wear in Croatia in February: Similar to January with cold weather and occasional snow. Bring heavy winter clothing, layered outfits, warm footwear, thermal leggings, and waterproof accessories for coastal winds. It gets warmer from now on.
- What to Wear in Croatia in March: Early spring brings changing weather with temperatures between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Light jackets, sweaters, layered clothing, and a waterproof jacket for occasional rain showers are recommended if you plan to visit Croatia this month.
- What to Wear in Croatia in May: Warmer spring days with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Bring light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, sunhats, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for breezy evenings.
- What to Wear in Croatia in June: Summer kicks in with temperatures around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Pack t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses, swimwear, flip-flops, and light layers for evenings near the coast.
- What to Wear in Croatia in July: The peak of summer with hot, sunny days reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Lightweight, breathable fabrics, swimwear, beach cover-ups, flip-flops, sunglasses, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are essentials at this time of the year.
- What to Wear in Croatia in August: Similar to July, with high heat and humidity. August is the hottest part of the year. Opt for minimal, breathable summer attire, sunglasses, wide-brim hats, sunscreen, and light evening wear for cooler coastal nights.
- What to Wear in Croatia in September: Late summer transitioning to early fall with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Light summer clothes for daytime, light sweaters or jackets for evenings, and swimwear for warm sea days. The sea is still very warm in September.
- What to Wear in Croatia in October: Cooler autumn weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Layered outfits, mid-weight jackets, waterproof gear for occasional rain, and comfortable closed shoes are recommended.
- What to Wear in Croatia in November: Start of the chilly autumn temperatures around 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Pack warm sweaters, coats, scarves, gloves, waterproof shoes, and thermal layers, especially for inland areas.
- What to Wear in Croatia in December: Winter returns with festive vibes and temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Heavy coats, thermal layers, warm boots, woolen accessories, and festive attire for holiday markets and events are ideal.
Packing Tips for April in Croatia
Here are some final considerations and packing tips for Croatia in April:
- Dress in Layers: Adapt to changing temperatures easily with layered clothing through which you can easily dress or undress layers.
- Check the Forecast: Weather can vary depending on the region. Checking the forecast is always a good idea before venturing outside.
- Mix and Match: Choose versatile pieces to create multiple outfits – something for outdoor excursions, something for casual evenings.
- Pack Light: Leave some room for souvenirs and local products. Don’t overpack. We know it’s easy to do so, but pack smart and save on weight.
Before You Venture To Croatia in April
We hope that you get a clearer image of what to wear in Croatia in April through this article. April is a great month for outdoor explorations so make sure you spend at least some of the days of your stay exploring the natural marvels of Croatia. Remember, pack light, April days are rather warm, but you can expect occasional rainfalls, although not as common as in the months preceding April.
Enjoy your stay in Croatia!