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The Best Time to Travel to Croatia

Here's what each season in Croatia has to offer and when may be the best time to visit depending on what you want to see and do.

 
After years of sitting in the shadows of better-known European countries, Croatia has recently exploded in popularity as a travel destination. Drawn to cities like Dubrovnik that were featured in mega-hits like "Game of Thrones", travellers have quickly discovered what a hidden gem Croatia truly is.
Along the Adriatic Coast, sparkling beaches and sun-drenched cities offer a mix of outdoor fun and cultural immersion. Head inland and you'll discover a whole other world: one of Austrian-esque alpine lakeside towns, lush national parks laced with waterfalls, and enchanting towns.

Sitting on the edge of the Adriatic Sea at the crossroads of southeastern and central Europe, Croatia’s Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot summers makes it an ideal year-round destination. But each season offers something unique, whether it's golden summer weather to spend on the coast or seasonal festivals and events.

What is the best season for visiting Croatia?

From fun festivals like Mardi Gras to soaking up the summer sun on the coast, there is no bad time of year to visit Croatia. In general, visiting during the shoulder season (either spring or autumn) is the best time to visit Croatia. You'll find fair weather, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and more affordable rates. But both the summer months and winter months are also great times to visit, offering outdoor fun like skiing or hiking in national parks.

Spring (March to May)

Best For: Outdoor Adventure, Cultural Immersion, Hiking, Cycling


With pleasant temperatures averaging between 59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit on the coast, fair weather, and the chance to see blooming flowers, spring is one of the best times to plan a trip to Croatia. Not only is the moderate weather optimal for both outdoor activities and sightseeing, but you'll avoid the summertime peak season crowds. This makes it an ideal season for hitting up popular national parks like Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park before the summer high season kicks into gear.

Popular events, such as Easter celebrations and numerous local festivals, provide an opportunity to immerse in Croatian traditions. Like the art of pysanka, for example, where eggs are artfully painted in bright colours and given as gifts. In May, you can visit Split for Saint Domnius Day, where the city celebrates its patron saint with street fairs, grand processions, contests, and plenty of music.

Summer (June to August)

Best For: Outdoor Adventure, Island-Hopping, Hiking, Cycling


Summer, spanning from June to August, is the peak tourist season in Croatia. This period boasts long, sunny days, warm temperatures, and an inviting Adriatic Sea, making it the perfect time for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. The coastal regions, including the renowned Dalmatian coast, offer a plethora of stunning beaches, charming islands, and vibrant nightlife to enjoy, with outdoor venues hosting concerts and events throughout the summer.

Coastal towns like Split will likely be pretty packed, as well as popular tourist attractions and outdoor destinations. If you visit in early June, you'll be able to get the best of both worlds, enjoying the spectacular summer weather before the crowds arrive.
 
Summertime in Croatia is also festival season, with a jam-packed festival calendar in cities around the country. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, held between July and August, is a multicultural extravaganza of music performances, art exhibits, theatrical performances, and much more. In Zagreb, you can discover Croatian folklore traditions during the July International Folklore Festival, while in Zadar, the Full Moon Festival transforms the scenic waterfront into a bustling festival of food, cultural activities, and beautiful lights.

During the summer high season, though, expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Dubrovnik. However, offshore islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Brač provide a serene retreat away from the bustling mainland, making for an excellent Croatia island-hopping adventure.

Autumn (September to November)

Best For: Food Tours, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Cycling, Cultural Events


Like spring, the autumn shoulder season from early September to late November is another ideal season to explore Croatia. The scorching summer temperatures subside, offering milder weather, with temperatures ranging from 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The crowds dissipate, making this season ideal for heading back to Croatia's national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka, as the changing foliage adds a magical touch to the stunning landscapes.

Additionally, wine enthusiasts will delight in the vineyards of Istria and the wine regions of Pelješac, which come alive with grape harvests and wine festivals.

With the crowds gone, prices also usually take a dip, with cheaper hotel rates and better airfare deals.
One downside of autumn is that it does mark the start of the rainy season, which lasts until spring. So you may encounter occasional bouts of bad weather, making autumn and winter ideal times for indoor adventures like visiting museums or partaking in regional gastronomy. In the town of Livade, a seasonal truffle celebration takes place each autumn with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and other culinary events. In October, Dubrovnik hosts the Good Food Festival with tastings, cooking classes, and more.

Music lovers will also love an autumn trip to Croatia thanks to the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, a world-renowned music festival held in the Baroque-themed town of Varaždin in central Croatia. 

Winter (December to February)

Best For: Food Tours, Cultural Events, Winter Sports


Winter may be a low season for international tourists (and prices), but it's still a high season for adventure and cultural events. While the coastal areas experience milder temperatures, this season allows for quieter exploration of historical sites, museums, and galleries without crowds.

The country's picturesque towns and cities, including Zagreb and Split, transform into winter wonderlands adorned with festive decorations and enchanting Christmas markets. The mountainous regions, such as Plitvice Lakes and Gorski Kotar, become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with skiing and snowboarding at popular resorts like Platak and Sljeme, and ice skating opportunities. The mountains are also home to a wealth of hot springs for some soothing post-ski wellness.
There are still festivals galore, including the Dubrovnik Winter Festival and the seasonal glory of the Zagreb Christmas Market, which is hailed as one of the best in Europe. February is also one of the best times to visit Croatia thanks to Mardi Gras, with celebrations throughout the country featuring grand parades, floats, costumes, dance parties, and more. Finally, winter is also an excellent time to indulge in Croatian cuisine, with hearty dishes such as štrukli and pašticada warming both body and soul.

 

When is the best time to visit Croatia for budget-friendly travel?

Even during the summer high season, Croatia is one of the best European countries for budget-friendly travel. Travellers estimate spending between £30 - £70 GBP per day on average, which can be feasible for all kinds of budgets.

If you're travelling on a budget, the best time to visit Croatia will be from autumn through to spring. The winter months offer the lowest rates on things like hotels and airfare, and the shoulder seasons are similarly affordable. Summer will be pricier, especially in the main tourist hot spots like Split. For solo travellers and family getaways, spring and autumn will give you the best value, helping you stretch your budget further to see, enjoy, and discover more.

If you're looking to save even more on a Croatian vacation, travelling with a small-group tour can help keep your travel costs down even more. For a flat rate, everything from accommodations to transportation to activities is taken care of. Plus, you'll be getting the best rates on things like hotel stays thanks to Explore's years of experience building connections and cultivating relationships in the area to find you the best deals and rates.

Get ready to explore Croatia

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Croatia is bound to enchant you with its breathtaking cities and wildernesses. Start planning your Croatia tour now, from small-group trips to all the country's highlights to island-hopping around the Adriatic.

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