The best time to visit Croatia

Stretching for around 350 miles from its northernmost border with Slovenia and Hungary to its southernmost tip around Dubrovnik and Cavtat, there’s limited difference in climate from one end to the other if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Croatia.

Instead, the country is divided into two main climate regions, the Mediterranean and the Continental, with hot summers and mild winters at the coast, compared to four more distinct seasons inland, including freezing winters and warm summers in cities like the capital, Zagreb.

You’ll also find cooler temperatures if you visit the forests and mountains, although the majority of people visiting Croatia tend to stick to the capital and the coast.

Dubrovnik

Temperatures peak during the summer months, reaching 30C and higher along the coast, and 26C and above in Zagreb, so it’s the perfect time to plan a seaside escape to the Makarska Riviera, Cavtat or one of Croatia’s islands such as Brac or Krk.

In Italian-influenced Istria, Opatija is a tempting alternative and very slightly cooler than the coast further south

However, the crowds also arrive with the higher temperatures, so popular islands such as Hvar can be unpleasantly busy, while it’s also less enjoyable to plan a city break in popular destinations such as Dubrovnik and Split during the hottest months in Croatia.

Booking a trip in shoulder season, around May-June and September-early October will often bring the best of the weather without the worst of the crowds. The same applies to cities such as Zadar, in the north, although you don’t see the same number of visitors here.

If you’re planning to visit one of Croatia’s beautiful national parks, including Plitvice Lakes near Zadar and the waterfalls of Krka National Park, May/June and September are similarly good times to get outdoors without it being too hot and without having to share the natural wonders with too many others.

Krka National Park in spring

Visiting Krka National Park in spring will mean that the waterfalls are fuller than in autumn after the summer heat, so you’ll get enjoy impressive cascades. Equally, the scenery around Plitvice Lakes will vary depending on when you visit, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers and higher water levels following the snowmelt in spring, but glorious autumn colours as the leaves change later in the year.

Zagreb is also a great option from late spring to early autumn. While the temperatures are highest between May and September, the city also sees the most rainfall then.

April and October can still be pleasant, especially compared to the UK, but there’s a higher risk of rainfall during these months and throughout the winter, while Zagreb sees snow most years at some point from December to February.

While glorious sunshine is tempting for a cruise through the Croatian islands, exploring the country’s cities at the height of summer is not so tempting when you’re planning the best time to visit Croatia.

With temperatures over 30C, the narrow lanes of walled Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace at the heart of fascinating Split are not only disagreeably hot, but they’re crammed with peak season tourist numbers. Dubrovnik alone can see 8,000 cruise ship visitors in a single day.

Split

If you’re planning a break at any of Croatia’s coastal cities, including Zadar in the north, the shoulder season months of May, June and September are generally quieter but pleasantly warm.

Zagreb’s climate tends to be cooler than the coast, and while the summer months also see most rain, you’ll find the best temperatures for exploring. It’s worth considering Zagreb for a winter city break too: while the temperatures drop sharply and snow isn’t uncommon, there’s a lovely Christmas market in the city for a more festive experience.

If you’re limited to certain dates in peak summer, another option is to stay in one of the seaside towns near the cities, such as Cavtat near Dubrovnik or Sibenik near Split and plan day trips to explore. If you’re hoping to explore historic sites like the former Roman city of Salona near modern-day Solin, bear in mind there is very limited shade.

MV Dalmatia

With over 1,200 islands and islets off the long coast of Croatia, and 49 inhabited islands to visit along the way, a small ship cruise in Croatia is the perfect way to explore.

As most cruises take place aboard smaller vessels (such as the MV Dalmatia, with space for 32 passengers), trips are best planned between April and October, when the seas are calmer, and the weather is better for visiting Croatia.

July and August see the warmest temperatures if you’re picturing yourself relaxing on deck in the sun, although popular islands such as Hvar will also be busiest then. The shoulder months of May/June and September have the best mix of weather and fewer crowds.

Whether you’re visiting more northerly islands such as Rab and Krk, or more southerly ones including Brac and Hvar, temperatures are similar. If you’re planning to swim, bear in mind that the water temperature will be higher in September than in June.

By October, many places close for the season on the islands, especially once the weather starts to change for autumn, so choice can be more limited outside the main holiday months.

We offer group tours to Croatia as well as hosted hotel stays, so if you’re considering visiting Croatia, book Croatia holidays with Saga here.