Best Time To Visit Croatia

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  • AprAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 4 ° C
  • MayAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 23 ° CAvg Nightly: 13 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 27 ° CAvg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • AugAvg Daily: 27 ° CAvg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • SepAvg Daily: 22 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • OctAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 7 ° C
  • NovAvg Daily: 8 ° CAvg Nightly: 2 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: 4 ° CAvg Nightly: -1 ° C
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Croatia has always been a picture–perfect destination for many travel enthusiasts. Picturesque landscapes introduce visitors to stunning mountainous terrains and serene deep blue seascapes. Today, Croatia is much easier to visit, than it has ever been. Croatian infrastructure has reached modern pinnacles, and roadways and motorized networks have been extended, with hotels and resorts getting fresher looks and sleek designs as well.

Despite a new–found modern excess, let it not be forgotten that Croatia has a complex and rich history. Roman summer villas still dot the Dalmatian isles, and cottages from the Yugoslav era stand proudly for all to see. Whatever the reason for your visit to Croatia, you would want to determine the best time to visit Croatia to help you plan your entire holiday, and also finalize the activities you’ll be able to do. So, read on to find out when to visit Croatia, for your ideal holiday!

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Quick Facts

  • Best Time to Visit Croatia: July – August, May – June
  • High Tourist Season: July – August
  • Low Season: October – April
  • All Seasons: July – September (summer), May – June, (spring) October – April (winter)
  • The best time to visit Croatia is during the shoulder season, between May – June, and, when the weather is at best, and the tourist numbers are still low and bearable.
  • The high season is July – September, when the weather in Croatia is the warmest it is in the entire year, but you will have to face a lot of tourists, and steep increases in prices and heavy crowds.
  • Winter (between October – April) is low season in most parts of the country, as the snow does rage on, however, once again the tourist numbers are low, and so too are the prices.

Croatia is a country that has been precariously positioned at perfect positions throughout history. Geographically, its location between the Balkans and central Europe led to its land being passed for some time from kingdom to kingdom. Over time, Croatia accrued a rich cultural legacy and artistic splendor. From Venetian palazzi to Roman columns that protrude in beautiful churches to Viennese mansions that reverberate with socialist realist sculpture, Croatia is a treat for one and all. Depending on what you want to do, you can travel and explore the different parts of Croatia, no matter which part of the year when you travel. However, there are certain seasons when the weather in Croatia makes the destination impossible to resist. You just have to identify when to visit Croatia, based on what you like to do best!

Seasonal Oveview

1. May to June – Spring / Good Season

Aerial view of the city of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea in the region of Dalmatia

May to June and even the early days of September are a good time to visit as you get to enjoy the spring and early summer months. Temperatures are in the moderate range, not too cold neither scorching hot like it can get during the peak of summer. Particularly in spring and early summer, you can find that the coast is gorgeous and the winds are perfect to go sailing around the coast thanks to the steady Maestral winds. These periods are also good seasons to visit as the crowds have not trickled in yet, and the prices are definitely on the lower side. Most of the snow starts to melt by March, so snowfall or accumulated ice would not be a problem either. The weather in Croatia allows for the accommodation to be shades cheaper around this time.

  • Avg. Temperature: 60 – 76° F / 17 – 24° C (in Zagreb)
  • Rainfall: 76 – 110 mm
  • Season: Spring
  • Highlights: Dubrovnik may be a place that you would consider visiting at this time of the year. There is a sense of awe when you visit Dubrovnik for the first time, particularly as you start to observe the intricate architecture and beauty of the old town. The city’s shimmering limestone streets are highlighted by the Adriatic nearby. Dubrovnik is an art lover’s paradise with countless museums and architectural wonders to explore.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Croatia in May
Croatia in June

2. July to August – Summer / High Season

Mljet, a rich emerald green paradise just south of the Peljesac peninsula
Mljet island, a wonderful lush green island in the Dubrovnik archipelago

July to August is when the peak of visitors can be seen and felt in Croatia, and with good reason. This period is when the sun shines in abundance, and wipes the slate clean of the harshness of the winter that preceded, often making it hard to believe that these streets were full of pristine snow just a few months ago. Summer is without a doubt the busiest season in Croatia with prices being hiked up to 50% sometimes even 75%. Summer is one of the busiest seasons in Croatia, only second to the ski season on the slopes. The prices can go up to 50% higher in the resorts in the mountains and travel will also be quite expensive. All the coastal resorts with their private beaches are now open, giving you a good amount of choice as well.

  • Avg. Temperature:  79 – 80° F / 26 – 27° C (in Zagreb)
  • Rainfall: 46 – 83 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: Mljet Islands is the place to be in any Croatian summer. It is covered with verdant and lush green forests on one side, and peppered with fields, farms, vineyards and villages on the other, making this the perfect destination for both a trek into the wilderness, and a place to enjoy vintage wine by the sea. Slightly off the western tip of the island is the Mljet National Park, where a sinful combination of vegetation and lakes make this a scene you would not want to miss. Mljet is an island paradise that shows off its exceptional beauty in the peak of summer.

This is when to visit Croatia if you want to enjoy lounging on the beaches and coasts. This season is particularly good for enjoying and partaking in water sports and adventure sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Hiking across the peaks may also not be a bad option during this season.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Croatia in July
Croatia in August

3. October to April – Winter / Low Season

Winter view of Krizevci city
Krizevci Greek Catholic Cathedral

This season is the low season in Croatia. Winter sets in with the snow following in around November and the tapering start of December. The crowds are much lower than any of the other seasons, making the prices also particularly low during this time. Most of the coastal and island resorts may be closed. However, various ski and mountain resorts are almost exclusively open during this season to cater to ski and winter sports enthusiasts.

  • Avg. Temperature: 37 – 50° F / 3 – 10° C (in Zagreb)
  • Rainfall: 25 – 152.4 mm
  • Season: Winter
  • Highlights: The Museum of Broken Relationships is a good place to visit during this season, as it stays open year–round and only closes in case of extreme weather. This museum may be the quirkiest museum you have ever seen with everything that broken relationships have left behind, on display as its centerpieces, from combs to records from 40 years ago, the museum accepts donations from former couples all around the world.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Croatia in October
Croatia in November
Croatia in December
Croatia in January
Croatia in February
Croatia in March
Croatia in April

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on November 17, 2022

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