Croatia
The best time to visit
When to go to Croatia
Go in May to June or September to October for warm seas, sunshine and far fewer crowds than the July to August peak. Winter is mild on the coast but quiet, with many islands winding down.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Split. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
In short
The year at a glance
Croatia is a Mediterranean country built for the shoulder seasons. We rate on Split on the Dalmatian coast, where late spring and early autumn bring warm, swimmable seas and sunshine without the August crush.
High summer is hot, gorgeous and very busy along the coast and islands, with peak prices to match. Winter is mild but sleepy, especially on the islands, while the inland capital of Zagreb and the Plitvice lakes stay rewarding into the colder months.
Month by month
Croatia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Split.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F | 75 mm | Good 56 | Cool with a little rain. |
| February | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 60 mm | Great 61 | Cool with a little rain. |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 65 mm | Great 73 | Cool with a little rain. |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 65 mm | Ideal 90 | Mild with a little rain. |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 60 mm | Ideal 94 | Warm with a little rain. Split hotels in May |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 55 mm | Ideal 96 | Warm with a little rain. Split hotels in June |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 35 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. Split hotels in July |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 45 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 70 mm | Ideal 90 | Warm with a little rain. |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Mild with a little rain. |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 110 mm | Great 69 | Cool with a little rain. |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 43°F | 95 mm | Great 58 | Cool with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Split, Dubrovnik and the coast
The heart of a Croatian trip, best from May to June and September to October. July and August are hot and packed.
The Dalmatian islands
Hvar, Brac and the rest are liveliest in summer. Late spring and early autumn offer warm seas with breathing room.
Zagreb and Plitvice
The inland capital and the famous lakes are lovely in spring and autumn, with the lakes spectacular after the snowmelt.
Go for
Best time to visit Croatia for
Beaches and islands
June and September for warm seas and sunshine on the Dalmatian coast, on either side of the August peak.
Dubrovnik and old towns
May to June and September to October for comfortable sightseeing without the cruise-day crush.
Sailing
Late spring to early autumn, when the seas are warm and the harbours less frantic than midsummer.
Plitvice Lakes
Spring for full waterfalls after the snowmelt, or autumn for golden colour and fewer visitors.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Coast season, June and Sep
Warm Adriatic water and long days, with the shoulder months calmer than August.
Summer festivals, July
Dubrovnik and the coastal towns host open-air music and theatre under warm night skies.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Croatia
Compare hotels and rentals around Split, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
Is the sea warm enough to swim?
Can you visit the Croatian islands in winter?
Where else, and when
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