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Croatia is a stunning country renowned for having some of the prettiest beaches, cities full of culture and history and over a thousand beautiful islands scattered throughout the Adriatic Sea.
Along the coast of Croatia, there are plenty of opportunities to explore hidden coves via boat trips or lounge on one of the many pristine beaches. If you stay more inland, there are also multiple national parks, waterfalls and dense forests waiting to be explored.
If you’re planning a visit to Croatia, you’ll likely be considering when the best time to go is. Here’s our month-by-month guide to when to stay in Croatia and some of the key events to look out for.
January is typically the coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures averaging around 6°C and occasionally dropping as low as 0°C. It is the middle of winter in the country during this time, meaning there can be the occasional short-lived shower.
This is a great time to visit for those who prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter environment, as the main tourist places have far fewer crowds throughout January.
Croatia’s biggest carnival takes the country by storm at the end of January. The Mardi Gras tradition dates back centuries, marking the coming of spring.
Rijeka Carnival is full of people dressed in traditional costumes and masks and the streets of Croatia come to life with bright, vibrant colours and multiple processions; a great event for those seeking Croatia’s culture and heritage.
February is considered off-season in Croatia, so it’s a great time to visit if you prefer to avoid the busier crowds that the summer brings. This is also a pleasant time in the country as the first signs of spring start to show. The days are generally cloudy and cool, with average temperatures of around 8°C.
You’ll find the best weather if you choose to visit the south coast of Croatia during February. The country is still quiet during this time, so for those who aim to spend their days exploring the towns and cities or desire to see the top sightseeing spots with fewer crowds, this is a great month to do just that.
The Festival of St Baise is a celebration in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik to commemorate the city’s patron saint. After being celebrated for over 1,045 years, this is a traditional and prominent event for many Croatian people, which is why in 2009, the celebration was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Multiple ceremonies for people to pay their respects to the saint occur in the preceding days and weeks. Doves are set free and the city is littered with flags and folk costumes.
Held in the city of Split, the official Half Marathon is a fantastic event with a course covering many landmarks around the city. The route includes the Riva, where the race starts and ends, Marjan Park and Poljud Stadium.
This event is an excellent opportunity to wander the streets of Split whilst they are closed off from traffic, as well as a great time to soak up the atmosphere of excited runners and spectators.
The weather starts to get a little warmer during March, with average high temperatures of around 15°C, and the last remaining snow has now melted away across Croatia’s landscape. March is a great time to visit for those who want to get active, perhaps enjoying hiking or cycling, as the dry days and pleasant temperatures create the perfect environment.
The capital city of Zagreb comes to life during the Festival of Lights, when artists use the latest light technologies to create a spectacle through the streets. A visit to Zagreb during this festival will genuinely take your breath away as the city centre is illuminated with bright, quirky images and the many surrounding streets gleam with more light installations. This event attracts many from around the world and is definitely worth seeing if you happen to visit Croatia during March.
April is often considered one of the best times to visit Croatia, as the weather is pleasant and sunny with plenty of daylight. Temperatures average around 12°C with highs of 15°C. The country is still generally quiet in terms of tourism, making the cities easier to navigate.
Croatia is very religious, with Easter being one of their most significant celebrations. In the city of Rovinj, visitors are met with the perfect mixture of Easter festivities and food, providing a great way to experience Croatian culture.
There are many opportunities to try traditional goods such as Pinca and Fritulica. Listen as the brass band plays, alongside performances from the Majorettes, helping to create a vibrant and lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.
May brings warm weather and the start of the tourist season. Temperatures average around 25°C; great for those who seek warm days that aren’t as hot as July and August. The days are dry, sunny and longer, providing plenty of time to explore Croatia. A day swimming, sunbathing or wandering through the streets in the towns and cities is a great way to spend your time in May.
The Spring Procession of Ljelje and Kraljice (the Queens) was once celebrated across Slavonia, Baranja and Syrmia. However, today the festivity only takes place in the small village of Gorjani.
The parade includes women in elaborate costumes with a sabre strapped to their sides. They wander through the streets and stop now and then to sing and dance to the crowds.
There are also Bagpipes and Tamura players who follow the girls through the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the village. When visiting Gorjani during May, the streets are bursting with bright flowers and wreaths, providing guests with a unique, colourful and historic Croatian tradition.
The days are hot and the evenings are balmy throughout June in Croatia, so make sure you pack light summer clothing as the daily temperatures average around 27°C. Many of the towns and cities throughout the country start to get busier during June, mainly because the blue skies and sunshine attract more tourists.
This is a great time to visit Croatia if you seek hotter weather, bustling cities and plenty of tourist attractions as they are now open for the season.
The Korcula Sword Dance Festival is also known as Moreska Sword Dance, and is a proud tradition that takes place on the island of Korcula. The dance initially served as a protest against the Moorish people and was performed as a fighting dance across southern Europe. Today, it takes place only on the tiny Adriatic island of Korcula, where nine dance groups come together to perform the Moreska Sword Dance.
July is one of the busiest times to visit Croatia. It’s the hottest month of the year, with temperatures averaging around 31°C.
This is a great time to visit for those who want to cool off in the turquoise waters along Croatia’s coastline. However, there still tends to be a gentle, cool breeze that comes off the Adriatic coast, so if you want to escape the oppressive heat, head to the beaches.
The International Folklore Festival showcases the diversity of Croatia's heritage and its community. There are traditional customs and performances in Ban Jelacic Square and Gradec, and you will also find multiple workshops, concerts, church singing and exhibitions throughout the city. This is a key event that has taken place since 1966 and is also backed by UNESCO.
August brings the last month of Croatia’s peak season, with hot weather providing the perfect opportunity for beach days and sailing adventures. Locals and tourists continue to party in the busier cities, as the end of summer nears.
A visit to Croatia in August offers the last of the very hot weather and is a great time to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere happening in many of the towns, cities and smaller islands.
Spancirfest is also known as the ‘Strollers Festival’ and is a celebration of the age-old art of street performing. During the festival, magicians, musicians, stilt walkers and jugglers take to the lovely cobbled streets in Varazdin to perform for bustling crowds. There are also several other events, workshops and concerts around the city, including talented buskers from all over the world, ready to showcase their talent.
The mornings and nights begin to cool in September, making for comfortable conditions to sleep in Croatia. However, the afternoons remain relatively warm at a pleasant 23°C, which is a great temperature to enjoy the many beaches and water along the country’s coast. Crowds begin to disperse, making it easier to move around the towns and cities, and there is more space along the beaches to lounge out in the warm afternoon sun.
The Visualia Festival takes place in the city of Pula and is a unique and intriguing event full of the latest 3D mapping and lighting technologies. There are also multiple breathtaking installations happening through the city streets.
At the Uljanik shipyard, the show's main attraction displays a series of cranes in the city’s iconic port district that are illuminated to create a fantastic light show between 9pm and midnight.
By the time October comes around in Croatia, the peak season is officially over, and the temperature begins to drop to roughly 18°C. Although the days remain sunny and pleasant, they are much more comfortable than in July and August.
You might be surprised to know that the sea temperature is still enjoyable during October in Croatia, so it is a great month to visit if you plan on taking a dip in the water. As the temperatures have cooled slightly, it is also a great time to hike in Croatia’s surrounding countryside.
The ports in Croatia can be easily accessed as there are now fewer cruise ships and tourists, and the islands have started to resume their natural rhythm of life. Many locals begin to harvest grapes and other produce during this time in replacement of catering to the busy crowds.
November presents the last autumn sunshine and temperatures that drop to around 10°C. Unfortunately, rainfall is also at its highest during this time, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket!
Cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik are great places to visit in November as they continue to offer lively cultural scenes. Although, some of the busier establishments may have closed their doors during this time, as they take this period to rest before next summer.
December brings the start of winter when the weather begins to get rather chilly with temperatures as low as 0°C. It’s the perfect time to visit if you want to see Croatia’s stunning landscape dusted in snow, but if you choose to visit Croatia in December, pack winter clothing and a waterproof jacket, as there are often around 3 to 8 days of rain throughout the month.
For those who seek to explore the towns and cities during the festive season, December is a great time to do so. You will find Christmas lights illuminating the streets, decorations scattered throughout shop windows and numerous lively markets popping up all over.
Croatia is a vibrant country with lots of historical and cultural events every single month. So whether you’re enjoying the varied landscapes around the towns and cities, relaxing on one of the many beaches or experiencing the country’s heritage at the traditional festivals, you can enjoy a superb range of things to do here all year round.
If you’re planning a visit to Croatia and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation. Browse our range of holiday villas in Croatia here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
