Best Time to Visit Croatia: Things to Do and See

Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich cultural and natural heritage that offers something extraordinary to its visitors in each season of the year. Nevertheless, most of the tourists visit Croatia for its stunning 1.800 km long Adriatic coast that leaves you speechless.

When planning a holiday, it is useful to know in advance the weather conditions and approximate temperatures of the destination you are visiting. It can help you planning your wardrobe but even more important, it can help you plan your perfect holiday according to your wishes.

Here is a short guide of what you can expect in late spring, summer and late summer in Croatia, especially in coastal areas regarding the weather conditions and temperatures but also a suggestion what to do and see during your holiday.

What to do and see in late spring

If you visit Croatia in late spring (May to mid-June) which is the shoulder season you might be pleased with mild to warm temperatures and less crowds which makes it ideal for all kind of outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average daily air temperature ranges from 21°C in May to 26°C in June, depending on the day and the area. The sea may still be a bit cold for swimming, especially in May. But we suggest you to discover numerous activities that you could do instead.

National parks, sightseeing, wine tasting and cycling tours

You may explore National parks such as Plitvice or Brijuni that are perfect to visit in this period of the year. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Euphrasian basilica in Poreč or Dubrovnik Old Town. Enjoy wine tasting or cycling tours and make the most of your spring holiday in Croatia. Don’t forget to check Valamar’s hotels, resorts or campsites in Istria, Kvarner or Dalmatia.

Plitvice National Park

What to do and see in summer months

The high season or the peak tourist months in Croatia with the highest temperatures and the most sunshine are the months of July and August. This is the period when most tourists visit our country in search of relax and entertainment. The average daily air temperature is 27°C in July, depending on the area and often exceeding 30°C in the month of August. The sea is warm, ideal for swimming and all kind of beach & water activities that guarantee unforgettable summer experience. On the other hand, you have to be prepared for crowded tourist spots so plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Enjoy beach and water-based activities and visit festivals and events

The summer months are ideal for beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving but also for sailing the Adriatic Sea. You can charter a boat or join a tour to explore the numerous islands and hidden coves. The Adriatic Coast with its clear crystal-blue water, is perfect for kayaking.  Have you thought about kayaking around Dubrovnik’s city walls or the Elaphiti Islands or in Pula, exploring the coastline of Seagull’s Rocks?

For the most adventurous ones there is rafting on Cetina River, near Omiš or hiking in Biokovo National Park, near Makarska that offers challenging trails with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Biokovo Skywalk

Don’t forget to check the summer parties, festivals and events, there is something for everyone’s taste! Don’t miss Ultra Europe Music Festival in Split, a must-visit for electronic music fans, usually held in July. For cultural enthusiasts there is Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with theatre plays, concerts, and dance performances in open-air venues throughout the city. If you happen to be in Istria, visit Pula Film Festival, Croatia’s oldest film festival, held in the magnificent Arena.

Dubrovnik

What to do and see in late summer

Similar to late spring, late summer in September offers a pleasant climate with less tourists. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, and the daily temperatures are typically around 20°C to 25°C.

You can combine sightseeing with outdoor activities but also do beach and water-based activities. Don’t miss out on trying local Croatian cuisine, including seafood along the coast and truffles in Istria.

Truffle dish

Each of these seasons has its own charm. Late spring and late summer are great for a more relaxed experience, while the summer offers the bustling Mediterranean atmosphere.

It’s also worth mentioning that these are general trends but weather can be unpredictable. Therefore it’s always good to check closer to your travel date whether you’re planning to go to Istria (Poreč and Rabac), Kvarner (Rab and Krk) or Dalmatia (Makarska, Hvar and Dubrovnik).