The Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to visit Croatia is in September after many Europeans return back to work after summer holiday. The weather in Croatia is perfectly sunny and mild in September.
Croatia can be visited any time of the year. Before we visited Croatia we completed exhaustive research and selected September as the best month to visit. There are many factors to consider when selecting the best time to visit Croatia. A lot of it depends upon the activities that interest you. You may be looking for relaxation and small crowds. In contrast, you may be seeking more interaction with travelers and more of a party vibe. We recommend that you start your Croatia travel planning by deciding which type of experience you want to have.
What are the busiest months in Croatia?
The busiest months in Croatia are July and August when you can expect popular destinations to be very crowded with tourists. Peak crowds are experienced in major cities such Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split during these times.
We found that during our September trip Dubrovnik was the most crowded and it was quite annoying. It was a challenge to walk down the busy streets as we bumped into tourists not paying attention. Getting seated at an outdoor cafe was also a challenge during the busy month of September. But we only really experienced the busy crowds in Dubrovnik, other larger cities such as Split and Hvar handled the crowds better. We were still able to have a great time in Dubrovnik, but it was just the busiest that we experienced when compared to other popular destinations that we visited in September. Review our article for 10 Reasons to take a Sailing Vacation for additional travel tips for Croatia vacation.
What is the off season for Croatia?
The travel and tourism offseason for Croatia is November through April. The islands and beaches slow down during this period.
Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions, especially in coastal areas like Hvar, Vis, Brac slow down in the offseason in Croatia, and may have limited operating hours. But off season does result in fewer crowds and a more rich local and cultural experience. The Capital city of Zagreb however is well known for their winter festivities and Christmas market. So if you want to spend less, and don’t mind wearing a sweater, visiting Croatia in the off season may be right for you.
How many days do you need in Croatia?
A short trip of five days is the minimum time you would need to visit Dubrovnik and Split. A seven day trip would allow you to visit different regions and parks such as the famous Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Parks. A seven day journey could also include a trip to the beautiful islands of Hvar or Korcula.
We spent 12 days in Croatia on our trip, and we were able to visit the major cities, and chartered a catamaran for a week to visit the southern islands of Croatia. We found that we did not need any additional days in Croatia, so 12 days is kind of a sweet spot. When you are fully immersed in your vacation, but starting to get ready to be home in your own comfy bed. A lot of it depends upon how many vacation days you have. If you have plenty of time off, you would be able to enjoy a slower paced vacation to maximize relaxation. Check out our Perfect Croatia Travel Itinerary blog post to help plan your Croatia vacation.
What are the cheapest months to go to Croatia?
The cheapest months to go to Croatia are in January and February when the weather is the coldest. This also results in the lowest crowds in Croatia.
Since the weather is still quite mild in Croatia during the cheapest months, it is still pleasant. The shoulder seasons of (April and May) and (September and October) are still great months for cheap travels to Croatia. Just keep in mind that while you might experience a cheap travel experience in January and February, many businesses may have limited hours of operation or be closed. So you will have to weigh those factors with your Croatia travel budget.
What are the monthly temperatures in Croatia?
The monthly temperatures in Croatia are generally mild. See table below published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). U.S. Climate Data the monthly temperatures are as follows:
| Dubrovnik – Average Temperatures | |
| Month | High / Low(°F) |
| January | 54° / 45° |
| February | 56° / 45° |
| March | 60° / 49° |
| April | 65° / 55° |
| May | 73° / 62° |
| June | 81° / 69° |
| July | 86° / 73° |
| August | 86° / 74° |
| September | 79° / 66° |
| October | 71° / 60° |
| November | 63° / 53° |
| December | 57° / 47° |
Source: NOAA
Is there a rainy season in Croatia?
Yes there is a rainy season in Croatia with the wettest months being October, November, December, and January. But overall the rainy season is mild.
Source: © WeatherSpark.com
What month in croatia is the warmest
The warmest month is Croatia in July, and the coldest month is in January. See the chart below provided by Weather Spark.
Source: © WeatherSpark.com
Can you swim in Croatia in October?
Yes you can swim in Croatia in October. The water temperatures along the coast in October average around 66 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. October is also the start of the rainy season. October tends to have a mix of cloudy and sunny days. We got hot in September when we visited Croatia, and jumping in the water to cool off felt great.
Conclusion
- Based on our travels to Croatia, October is the best time to visit Croatia. The busiest months are July and August. The off season in Croatia is from November to April. We recommend at least a five day trip or you can extend up to two weeks if you have the vacation time off to visit Croatia. The cheapest months to visit Croatia are January and February. The monthly temperatures and rainfall vary by month. With the hottest driest months being during the busiest season in Croatia, July and August. Read our article reviewing Trip It – The Best Free Travel Itinerary Website to learn about a great tool to store all of your flights, hotels, restaurant reservations, and tours, all in one convenient location.
