The best time to visit Croatia is in the summer (June to September) when the weather is hot and sunny, the glittering coast is at its best and the festival season is in full swing. That being said, figuring out when to visit ultimately depends on what kind of holiday you want. Croatia's climate varies from continental to Mediterranean and there’s plenty to do throughout the year. You also need to factor in if you mind peak season crowds. Let’s break it down.
Croatia by month
Best for: skiing and snowboarding, thermal spas.
January is the coldest month with average highs of 5 to 10°C along the coast and -2 to 0°C inland. It's the best month for powder hounds looking to hit the slopes. Plus, popular ski resorts like Sljeme and Platak are usually quieter and more affordable than resorts in France and Switzerland. With little to no crowds, it's an ideal time to explore Plitvice National Park in solitude or gush over Krka's frozen waterfalls (if it’s cold enough). If you prefer R&R over adrenaline-pumping snow sports, the cold weather is the perfect excuse to relax in one of Croatia’s many thermal spas.
Best for: watersports, enjoying the summer buzz, festivals.
July is one of the hottest and busiest months. It’s particularly hot and sticky in the cities, so sightseeing might be a no-no if you don’t cope well with the heat. Bars, restaurants and hotels along the coast are pumping, and the azure waters are at their most enticing with a wide range of watersports on offer. If you enjoy the summer buzz, it’s a great time to sip cocktails in Hvar, wander Zadar’s cobbled streets or enjoy balmy alfresco dinners – seafood plucked straight from the Adriatic, anyone? The festival calendar is also chockablock with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the Split Summer Festival and the Full Moon Festival in Zadar to name a few.
Best for: enjoying the coast, cruising and sailing.
August is the peak of summer. Temperatures soar and large crowds congregate at national parks and tourist attractions (our tip: wake up extra early to avoid long queues). If you want to lap up the beauty of the Croatian summer but without the crowds, get yourself on a small ship cruise or sailing boat to explore where the big ships can't go. With stunning coastal vistas and plenty of adventures waiting for you on and off the water, it’s the perfect way to balance adventure and relaxation.
Best for: enjoying the perks of summer without the crowds, Varaždin Baroque Evenings
Things settle down in September. You’ll still get to enjoy the balmy buzz of summer but with milder temperatures, more room to sprawl on the beach and shorter lines at popular sites. The sea is at its warmest which is great for watersports and it's the last month to enjoy a sailing trip. Plus, you'll benefit from thinner crowds once you drop anchor to explore islands, coastal towns and national parks. Music lovers will also love the Varaždin Baroque Evenings – a world-famous event that takes place in beautiful churches in the historic city of Varaždin.
Best for: Dubrovnik Winter Festival, Zagreb Christmas Market
Winter in Croatia can get cold, but don't let that put you off. December is a magical month with the sight of snow-topped mountains and festive cheer flooding the streets. Winter is a time to explore Croatia's cities, enjoy hot beverages in cosy bars and learn about history and culture in galleries and museums. To soak up the seasonal vibes, head to Zagreb (voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe) to shop, eat, drink and be merry. Or visit Dubrovnik for the lower-key Dubrovnik Winter Festival to experience more traditional festivities.
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