What’s the Best Season to Travel in Croatia

As you’re planning holidays in Croatia, you’re probably trying to find the best season to book your vacation.

Croatia has a long coastline, 1,000 islands, mountain ranges, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Experience small ancient towns with well-preserved monuments and modern cities with countless amenities.

Archipelago in Croatia

The high season in Croatia is hot and sunny, with the most events, and it is great for watersports. Shoulder season is quieter, ideal for those who enjoy nature, hiking, and sightseeing. In the winter, Croatia’s capital Zagreb becomes the center of culture and festivities.

There’s something to do at any time of the year, but we will help you choose the best season that aligns with your travel style.

Good Weather With Many Activities (June to August)

Most people come to Croatia for its stunning coastline, and there’s almost 1,800 km of it. So, it’s no wonder the high season includes the summer months, June, July, and August.

The weather is especially good and sunny, perfect for relaxation on the beach and outdoor activities.

Jet skiing in Trogir

The crystal coastal waters are warm and calm. They are great for swimming, sailing, and water sports. Thus, the summer months from June to August welcome the most tourists.

Beachfront Villa Fortuna with Heated Pool

This is especially true for Split, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and their surrounding areas. Many tourists stay at beachfront villas with pools in Croatia and enjoy private accommodations. They fill their days with boat tours, day trips to nearby towns and national parks, wine-tasting tours, and other activities.

Events in High Season in Croatia

In coastal Croatia and on the islands, there are many lively festivals, concerts, and cultural events. All sites are open, including bars and restaurants, with many fine dining options.

Almost all towns along the coast and islands have fisherman festivals, where you can sing, dance, and eat fresh fish. They also celebrate summer festivals. Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split Summer Festival, and Summer in Porec are among the most popular.

St. Michael's Fortress in Sibenik

There are also many cultural events such as the Moreska sword dance in Korcula, a free walk tour in Central Istria, or summer concerts at St. Michael's Fortress in Sibenik.

If you’re looking for an eventful summer, surrounded by fellow travelers, and feeling the buzz of lively crowds, summer is the best season for you.

Fewer Crowds and Lower Costs (May and September to October)

Maybe what we just described doesn’t excite you? We know that sometimes you simply need peace and quiet.

If you want to avoid the big crowds and the city buzz, while enjoying the warm weather, plan your holidays in Croatia in May or from September to October. Sometimes it may rain or be windy, but it’s not very common and doesn’t last long.

Sv. Jakov beach, Dubrovnik

Most sites are open, but they often change the working hours and aren’t open from early morning to long into the night. The prices are also significantly lower so you get more for your money.

Events in Shoulder Season in Croatia

There are also many cultural and food festivals, sports events, and tours where you can experience Croatia.

In May, we recommend visiting Split during Sudamja, the Festivity of St. Domnius, the city’s patron saint.

St. Domnius cathedral in Split

In September, you can take part in several sports activities. HIGHLANDER is a mountaineering event that promotes a healthy, sporty lifestyle, active vacation, and digital detox. There’s also the popular race Ston Wall Marathon.

In October, the international cycling race "CRO Race" is held on six stages in various parts of Croatia. In Dubrovnik, there’s a local sports spectacle, the Dubrovnik Spartan Trail race.

Good Food Festival on Stradun Street, Dubrovnik

Since Croatians enjoy local food and take pride in their specialties, you can attend many food festivals from South to North. For example, the Dubrovnik Good Food Festival in Dubrovnik and “Marunada” in Lovran, a food festival honoring the world’s best chestnuts.

Shorter Days and Local Festivities (November to April)

As November starts, the days get shorter and the weather is more windy and rainy. It’s still not particularly cold, at least in the coastal parts of Croatia. Temperatures rarely go below zero.

This lasts until April, when the spring finally starts to take over. So, pack warm clothes and an umbrella!

Rovinj town in Istria

Most tourist sites are closed and resorts are empty, but the towns are just as charming. If you enjoy a quiet, private vacation and getting to know the local lifestyle, this is the perfect season for you.

As you walk the streets, there will be almost no tourists and instead, you’ll see locals in their everyday routine.

Villa Opulence with Pool

One of the best parts of a luxury vacation is relaxing at the pool. You don’t have to give that up because the air is colder. In the off-season, we recommend staying at private luxury villas with indoor pools in Croatia. There are often spa rooms with jacuzzi and sauna as well.

Events in Off-Season in Croatia

From autumn until spring, Croatia holds many local festivities with a centuries-long tradition.

November in Istria is in the sign of truffles. There’s a Truffle Festival in Buzet where you can see, taste, and buy truffles and products of truffles.

Advent in Zagreb, Croatia 2019 - by J. Duval fromInfozagreb.hr

Most December events are about the most festive time of the year, Christmas. We definitely recommend you visit Central Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. Advent in Zagreb was voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market for 4 years. Coastal towns have joyful Christmas programs as well. One of them is Opatija Advent.

Rijeka Carnival, Source:visitrijeka.hr

Those who enjoy showing off their creativity, humor, and originality will love the carnival season in Croatia, which starts in late January. The biggest celebration is on the Tuesday before Lent, usually in February, and we highly recommend Rijeka Carnival.

As you may notice, a lot is happening during the off-season in Central Croatia. So, add Festival of Lights Zagreb to your bucket list, too. It’s part art, part design, architecture, and entertainment spectacle.

In spring, it’s time to revisit the coast and Istrian peninsula for the Asparagus Festival in Lovran. Check out our blog Istrian Culinary Experience - Spring and discover all the traditional asparagus specialties.

What’s The Best Season in Croatia

Hvar Island promenade

Now you know what each of the seasons looks like. Of course, the best season depends on your preferences. You should also check out our blog about the weather in Croatia.

Hopefully, you can now see all the pros and cons of each season, and choose the perfect time when you’ll be joining us for a luxury vacation in Croatia.