The Best Time to Visit Croatia

A lot of summer resorts and attractions close between November and April meaning January is quiet. However it’s a great time for a city break. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is usually lit up and it can sometimes feel like you have the whole city to yourself. Read our ultimate guide on things to do in Dubrovnik for further inspiration.

• Average temperatures: 9°C (Dubrovnik)
• Average sea Temperature: 14°C
• Rainfall: 139mm
• Sunshine: 5 hours

Across Croatia’s coastline you can begin to see the weather brightening up. Although it’s still chilly you’ll only need a warm cardigan. February is the best time to visit Croatia for a taste of local culture.

• Average Temperatures: 10°C
• Sea Temperatures: 14°C
• Rainfall: 125mm
• Sunshine: 7 hours

Carnival

The Rijeka Carnival is held each year before Lent in Rijeka. The streets are filled with joyous parades, thrilling concerts and fascinating exhibitions. Join in with the festive dancing and indulge in the delicious gastronomy on offer.

The Feast of St. Blaise

On February 3rd there is a morning mass and then a procession of priests and churchgoers lined up on Stradun (the popular street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town) to celebrate Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Friendly locals show off their traditions including colourful costumes and local dishes.

In March the colours of spring begin to show with a beautiful array of flora and fauna. March is the best time to visit Croatia for hiking and cycling thanks to its cool climate and beautiful landscapes.

• Average Temperatures: 11°C
• Sea Temperatures: 14°C
• Rainfall: 104mm
• Sunshine: 8 hours

Visiting Croatia in April you can expect good weather, particularly in the southern coastal regions such as Dubrovnik. Locals consider Easter the official time that the sea is warm enough to swim in.

• Average Temperatures: 14°C
• Sea Temperatures:15°C
• Rainfall: 104mm
• Sunshine: 9 hours

Omis Guitar Fest

In the beachside town of Omis, local and international guitar professionals gather. Masterclasses, workshops and concerts all take place showcasing many different genres of music.

Temperatures really begin to climb and the summer season begins. Sea temperatures get much warmer and swimming is highly pleasant. Tourist attractions and resorts extend their opening hours and ferry routes become more frequent.

• Average Temperatures: 18°C
• Sea Temperatures: 18°C
• Rainfall: 75mm
• Sunshine: 12 hours

Festival of flowers

In Split, the Diocletian Palace opens its cellars for the annual festival of flowers. At this ancient UNESCO heritage site florists compete for the most beautiful and artistic displays. It’s a visually stunning event.

Wine Cellars open day

Wine makers across Istria open their cellars for tastings and tours. Usually taking place on the last Sunday of May, you can tour the many wineries and discover the wines of the region. Be sure to check locally which wineries are taking part.

June is one of the most pleasant months in Croatia. Across the country you can expect long warm days and happy locals who love the summer.

• Average Temperatures: 22°C
• Sea Temperatures: 22°C
• Rainfall: 48mm
• Sunshin: 12 hours

INmusic Festival

This 3 day festival takes place in Zagreb with an eclectic mix of artists. Florence and the Machine and Motorhead have both taken to the stage at this open-air festival.

Festival of Dalmation Klapa

This unique festival takes place in the beach side town of Omis. Klapa is a type of multi-part a cappella singing unique to this area of Dalmatia. The word Klapa translates to ‘group of friends’ and is a great taste of local culture. In 2012 the style of singing was classed a UNESCO cultural heritage of humanity.

Following a Mediterranean climate July is one of the hottest and driest months in Croatia. Summer music festivals get in to full swing. Once school holidays begin the beaches, hotels and attractions get very busy so best to book ahead.

• Average Temperatures: 25°C
• Sea Temperatures: 24°C
• Rainfall: 26mm
• Sunshine: 13 hours

Ultra Music Festival

A house music festival taking place on the island of Hvar. Acts such as the Chemical brothers and David Guetta have both performed here.

Soundwave Croatia Festival

This music festival takes place at the end of July in Tisno. You can expect an eclectic mix of music, live art and films.

Pula Film Festival

The oldest film festival of its kind this international event attracts celebrities and film enthusiasts. The festival is held in an ancient roman amphitheatre in Pula and showcases contemporary and classic films.

Hot and dry, weather in Croatia is at its best in August. The warm temperatures bring locals and tourists to the beaches and coastline to cool off.

• Average Temperatures: 25°C
• Sea Temperatures: 25°C
• Rainfall: 168mm
• Sunshine: 13 hours

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

An annual event that’s been held every year since 1950. Performances of music, theatre, dance and film takes place at various open-air venues in Dubrovnik’s old town. Expect anything from classical musicians playing on the streets to intimate open-air film showings.

Split Summer Festival

The old town of Split plays host to drama, opera, ballet and music performances. Some impressive open-air events take place and the festival is a great display of Croatian culture.

As children go back to school, Croatia begins to quieten down, however, hotel rates still remain at their highest. September is a popular time for adults in Croatia and the weather at this time is truly wonderful.

• Average Temperatures: 22°C
• Sea Temperatures: 23°C
• Rainfall: 101mm
• Sunshine 10 hours

Most coastal regions remain warm and very pleasant. Hotel rates begin to drop and resorts return to a more relaxing slow pace. Inland Croatia at this time begins to get much colder.

• Average Temperatures: 18°C
• Sea temperatures: 21°C
• Rainfall 162mm
• Sunshine: 8 hours

Istrian Truffle days

Did you know the biggest truffle in the world was found in Croatia? Across various towns in northern Croatia truffle days take place. Indulge in truffle risotto , omelettes and other aromatic delights. Behold the competition for the biggest truffle, perhaps they’ll break the record this year!

The colours of Autumn show across the country. Inland gets rather cold and the coast experiences more rainfall. November is a great time of year for a city break and taste of local life.

• Average Temperatures: 14°C
• Sea Temperatures: 18°C
• Rainfall 198mm
• Sunshine: 6 hours

Dubrovnik Gastro Table

In Dubrovnik hotels and restaurants take part in this gastronomic event. Held on Stradun in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, visitors can sample a wide variety of treats and dishes offered by these establishments.

In December snow is likely to fall inland and on higher mountainous areas. As the Christmas season gets closer the atmosphere is truly festive and magical. The cities gear up for their Christmas markets and celebrations begin.

• Average Temperatures: 11°C
• Sea Temperatures: 15°C
• Rainfall 178mm
• Sunshine: 5 hours