Croatia weather by month: when to go

Planning when to visit Croatia? Here is the weather month by month.

Croatia has two climates. The Adriatic coast and the islands are Mediterranean: long, dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. Inland, around Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes, the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters that often bring snow.

Croatia weather month by month

• January to March: Daytime around 10 to 14 °C in Split and Dubrovnik. Many island hotels and restaurants close. The bora, a cold north-east wind, can be strong and stop ferries for a day.
• April and May: Spring warms up fast, 17 to 24 °C. Green landscapes, few crowds and low prices. The sea is still cool, around 16 to 19 °C.
• June: One of the best months. Long days, 25 to 28 °C, and the sea reaches about 22 °C by the end of the month.
• July and August: Peak season. Expect 28 to 32 °C, warm sea around 24 to 26 °C, full beaches and the highest prices. Book stays and car ferries early.
• September: Our favourite. The sea is at its warmest, the air is still summery and the crowds thin out after the first week.
• October: 18 to 22 °C, more rain towards the end of the month, quiet old towns and the start of the olive harvest in Istria and Dalmatia.
• November and December: Rainiest time of year on the coast. Good for city breaks and Advent markets, especially in Zagreb.

Best time to visit Croatia

For swimming without the peak-season rush, go in June or September. For hiking, cycling and sightseeing in Istria or around Plitvice, May and October are ideal. If you want nightlife, festivals and every ferry route running, July and August are your months, but book early.

What to pack for Croatia

• Water shoes: most beaches are pebble or rock.
• Sun protection and a hat for July and August, when the midday sun is strong.
• A windproof layer in spring and autumn for the bora.

Croatia travel FAQ

When is the sea warm enough to swim in Croatia?

From about mid-June to early October. The water is warmest in August and early September, around 24 to 26 °C.

What is the cheapest time to visit Croatia?

April, May and October. Prices for stays drop sharply outside July and August, and the weather is still pleasant for sightseeing.

Does it rain a lot in Croatia in summer?

No. July and August are the driest months on the coast. Short thunderstorms can happen inland and in the mountains.

Ready to pick a region? Our Croatia guide compares Istria, Split, Dubrovnik and the islands and shows the stays we list there.