Deciding when to visit Croatia goes hand in hand with planning an itinerary for your trip. Perhaps you’re hankering after some sun, sea and sand on the beaches of its extensive and glorious coastline and islands. You might want to explore Croatia’s national parks and take advantage of the plethora of outdoor activities on offer, such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and sea kayaking. If so, the weather will play a large part in determining the best time of year to visit Croatia.
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Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Croatia
Maybe you’re more interested in soaking up the country’s rich history and culture, and therefore want to focus on sightseeing. It could be that you’re enticed by Croatia’s burgeoning festival scene, which really takes off in the summer months. Chances are you’ll be looking at a combination of these things during your trip. Read our guide to the country’s weather systems and advice on the best month to visit Croatia here.
Climate of Croatia
If your visit is climate dependent, it’s worth taking a look at the country’s weather patterns to assess when to go to Croatia. Croatia’s climate follows two patterns: Mediterranean on the coast, with warm summers and mild winters, and continental inland – slightly hotter during the summer, and extremely cold in winter, with average daily temperatures barely scraping freezing from December to February.
When to visit Croatia in Summer
Visiting Croatia in late-May and June
The early summer months hit the sweet spot: balmy temperatures between 23-27 degrees make it ideal sunbathing weather on the Adriatic coast, yet beaches are devoid of the crowds that appear as soon as school’s out. It’s also warm enough to swim in the sea. Sightseeing is more enjoyable before temperatures soar later in the summer, and travelling between sights can be more relaxing early in the season, when there are fewer people and significantly less pressure on transport facilities. If you want a bit of everything, this is perhaps the best time of year to visit Croatia.
Visiting Croatia in July and August
This period constitutes the peak season on the Adriatic, and this is definitely the best time to visit Croatia if busy beaches and lively café society are what you’re looking for. Many Croats make their way to the coast at this time, and social and cultural activity in the inland cities tends to dry up as a result. Peak-season daytime temperatures can be roasting, however, both on the coast and inland, and dawn-to-dusk sightseeing can be a gruelling experience. If you’re planning on island hopping, be aware that there can be queues for ferries, so arrive at ports early. Also bear in mind that accommodation soon fills up at the height of summer, and facilities can be overstretched.
You’ll find that national parks inland, such as Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak and Northern Velebit, tend to be more peaceful at this time of year, so worth heading to for some of Croatia’s breathtaking scenery.
On the other hand, if you’re heading to Croatia for its diverse music festival scene, this is in full swing by July.
Summer music festivals in Croatia
Here is just a handful of the many music festivals taking place in Croatia during the summer season. See here for a more in-depth festival calendar of Croatia.
- Hideout
A long weekend of cutting-edge electronic music on Pag island’s Zrće beach. June
- InMusic
Three days of rock and indie music in the capital, Zagreb, with sets from leading international bands and DJs. June
- Fresh Island Festival
A week-long bash of Hip hop, Afrobeats, R&B and more at Zrće Beach, on the island of Pag. July
- Ultra Europe
Electronic music festival with leading names takes place in the Park Mladeži stadium in Split. July
- Seasplash
Reggae festival in the Punta Christo fortress, near Pula. July
- SuncéBeat
Spin-off of the UK DJ event the Southport Weekender, this festival celebrates disco, house, soul and R&B at the Garden site at Tisno. July
- Kastav Cultural Summer
Concerts in the streets and squares of Kastav, near Rijeka. July/Aug
- St Donat’s Musical Evenings
Classical solo artists and ensembles perform in the medieval church and other venues in Zadar. July/Aug
- SuperUho
Alternative music and indie-rock at an idyllic shore-side site just outside Primošten. Aug
- Moondance
Big names on the techno scene, as well as underground artists, in Trogir’s historic and atmospheric Kamerlengo fortress. Aug
- Sonus Festival
A long weekend of cutting-edge DJ-ing on Zrće, Pag island’s party beach. Aug
- Soundwave
A long weekend of partying with major international DJs at Tisno festival site. Aug
- Dimensions
Eclectic, experimental dance music festival at Fort Punta Christo near Pula. Aug
When to visit Croatia in the autumn
Visiting Croatia in September – November
September can be an ideal time to visit Croatia, as the weather is still warm enough for idling on the beaches and swimming in the sea, as well as island hopping. But the end of the month marks the end of the season and many islands close their bars and restaurants for the winter. So research before you travel.
It’s naturally much quieter throughout the country during the autumn months than during the high summer season. Perhaps this is the best time to travel to Croatia to enjoy inland Istria and national park areas, like the Plitvice Lakes and the River Krka: the woodland colours produced by the mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees are at their best and visitor numbers are low.
From October the coast becomes very quiet indeed, and many hotels and tourist attractions may well shut up shop for the winter. The temperature of the Adriatic Sea is still warm enough to enjoy watersports, and with cooler temperatures, this time of year is ideal for pursuing outdoor activities, such as trekking and mountain biking.
All round, from October it’s a rainier time of year and temperatures noticeably dip, so don’t visit without your wet weather gear and a snug extra layer.
When to visit Croatia in the winter
Visiting Croatia in November – February
Given the innocuous winters on the Adriatic coast, urban sightseeing in historic centres such as Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik can be enjoyable at this time, and it’s also worth bearing in mind that hotel prices on the Adriatic may be over fifty percent cheaper than in peak season. Winters inland are a different kettle of fish entirely: snow is common here over this period, and transport in highland areas is frequently disrupted as a result – though it can also be a picturesque backdrop to sightseeing.
Christmas in Croatia used to be a quiet affair as far as tourism goes, but the wonderful Christmas market in Zagreb has been enticing more and more visitors to the capital over the festive period. It’s a magical scene of cosy candlelight, little wooden huts selling gifts, alongside traditional cuisine and mulled wine, and outdoor concerts.
Dubrovnik comes to life in the first week of February with the Feast of St Blaise festival. Processions and pageantry, concerts and theatrical performances, honour the city’s patron saint.
When to visit Croatia in spring
Visiting Croatia in March–mid-May
Spring is well into its stride by mid-March. Warm, dry weather makes this a great time to go cycling, hiking or touring the cultural sights, and locals are likely to be particularly welcoming at this time of year – before the tourism season takes off again.
Easter is an important marker on the festival calendar, with religious processions in full swing on the islands of Hvar, Korčula and in many other parts of Croatia. And in April, Zagreb hosts the Music Biennale festival (every odd-numbered year). It’s a chance to hear contemporary classical music over ten days, featuring new work by major international composers.
Easter aside, April is also a good time to pick up a shoulder season flight at bargain prices and enjoy a city break.
When to visit for festivals in Croatia
There is a huge range of cultural, food, music and religious festivals in Croatia, taking place throughout the year. Large arenas stage international rock and indie artists, while intimate venues hold folk and cutting-edge classical music shindigs. The spectacle and ritual of religious festivals, Easter in particular, are worth including in your itinerary, as well as the many cultural festivals – film, literature and performance, for example. There are festivals for all types of interest that take place across the country, that can help you decide what time of year to visit to Croatia.
Here is just a pick of the wide range of festivals in Croatia.
Religion and seasonal festivals in Croatia
- Carnival (Karneval): Parades and masked festivities throughout Croatia, climaxing on the weekend preceding Shrove Tuesday. Feb/March
- Easter: Processions in many parts of Croatia, especially on the islands of Hvar and Korčula. April
- St Martin’s Day: tasting the first wines of the season. November
- Advent in Zagreb: The best in Christmas markets, with mulled wine, traditional gifts, music and performance on offer. Dec
Cultural and music festivals in Croatia
- Festival of the European Short Story: This literary festival pulls in major world-wide talent to locations in Zagreb and at least one Adriatic city, such as Rijek. May/June
- Love International: Electronic music with DJ’s doing their thing, at this dream setting at Tisno on the Adriatic. June
- Rab Fair: Medieval extravaganza, with parades, archery contests, feasting and merriment. July
- Pula Film Festival: Feature films screened in the Roman amphitheatre. July
- Špancirfest: The centre of Varaždin comes alive with performances, pop, rock and folk concerts. Aug
- SuperUho: A beautiful beach site just outside Primošten is the location for this alternative music and indie-rock festival. Aug
- Zagreb Film Festival: Showcasing excellent documentaries and art films from all over the world. Nov
Top image: Small coastal restaurant on beach in Bol town, Brac island, Croatia © Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock
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Rough Guides Editors
8/29/2020
