Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum in the Winter
- Return flights
- 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
- 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
Mon-Fri: 0900 -1800 Sat: 09:00 - 17:00 Sun& BH: Closed
Mon-Fri: 0900 -1800 Sat: 09:00 - 17:00 Sun& BH: Closed
Thinking about visiting the Adriatic coast and wondering when is the best time to visit Croatia? Using our travel guide, you can explore what Croatia has to offer year-round, from water sports to arts and culture, great food and drink, and activities for all – whether that’s hiking or admiring the historic splendour of Dubrovnik. Our handy guide will help you discover when to go to Croatia for hot weather and beaches, or the best month to go to Croatia to enjoy the country without the crowds.
Here's our top ten reasons to visit Croatia.
For the hottest temperatures, the best time to visit Croatia is July and August, while the best months to go to Croatia to still enjoy the sun but with fewer people are May and September.
When to visit Croatia really depends on what type of trip you’re planning. For relaxing by the coast, eating and drinking your way around the country and island-hopping, you’ll want to go in May, June or early autumn to miss the crowds of July and August. If you're keen on a curated experience, our Croatia escorted tours might be the perfect fit for you.
If your ideal holiday involves exploring Croatia’s breathtaking national parks, May or September are excellent months to visit. Croatia’s eight national parks offer superb opportunities to immerse yourself in unspoilt nature and gaze at cascading waterfalls. The country’s long and inviting coastline is also an area of great beauty and a natural attraction for sailors and anyone who enjoys being on the coast.
When choosing the best time to visit Croatia, it’s important to take into account not just the weather, but whether it’s a busy time. Let’s explore the best season to visit Croatia.
Spring in Croatia is when it starts to warm up, particularly in May, when there is more sun. During Easter, there is a range of local festivities, and this is an amazing time to go hiking and explore the national parks of Croatia. You may need a jacket for evenings, which can be cooler. You can discover so much of Croatia in our Croatia Uncovered tour, which is ideal during spring.
Here are our top tips for what to do in Croatia in spring.
March |
April |
May |
|
North – Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
11 |
17 |
21 |
Avg temperature °F |
52 |
63 |
70 |
Central – Split, Zadar, Hvar |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
12 |
17 |
21 |
Avg. temperature °F |
54 |
63 |
70 |
South - Dubrovnik |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
12 |
16 |
21 |
Avg. temperature °F |
54 |
61 |
70 |
Summer in Croatia is reliably warm, particularly in July and August, but it's also when the country is busiest – especially on and around the coast. Summer in Croatia is the best time to visit for basking in the sun, boat trips, exploring captivating islands, and taking part in fun activities like water sports. Our Croatia Island Hopping is perfect at this time of year.
Here are our top tips for what to do in Croatia in summer.
June |
July |
August |
|
North – Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
24 |
26 |
27 |
Avg temperature °F |
75 |
79 |
81 |
Central – Split, Zadar, Hvar |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
25 |
28 |
28 |
Avg. temperature °F |
77 |
82 |
82 |
South - Dubrovnik |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
25 |
28 |
28 |
Avg. temperature °F |
77 |
82 |
82 |
Autumn in Croatia is a beautiful time to visit, particularly in September when it’s still very sunny and warm, but less busy than in peak season. You’ll find that as autumn goes on, it will get cooler with fascinating changes in the natural environment. Foliage will be changing colour in the national parks and outdoor activities may be more enjoyable in the cooler weather. It can be the perfect time for exploring historic sites.
Here are our top tips for what to do in Croatia in autumn.
September |
October |
November |
|
North – Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
22 |
16 |
9 |
Avg temperature °F |
72 |
61 |
48 |
Central – Split, Zadar, Hvar |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
25 |
19 |
15 |
Avg. temperature °F |
77 |
66 |
59 |
South - Dubrovnik |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
24 |
19 |
13 |
Avg. temperature °F |
75 |
66 |
55 |
Although we don't visit Croatia in its winter months, we would be remiss, not to mention the stunning beauty you can find on the coast or inland when you visit Croatia during this time. These cooler months can bring snow to inland areas, while on the Adriatic coast, it can still be mild enough to do sightseeing trips. Winter is usually the quietest time to visit Croatia, as temperatures drop, but Croatia is also lively around the festive period with homes full of lights, decorated trees and deliciously warming mulled wine.
Here are our top tips for what to do in Croatia in winter:
December |
January |
February |
|
North – Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
4 |
3 |
6 |
Avg temperature °F |
39 |
37 |
43 |
Central – Split, Zadar, Hvar |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
10 |
8 |
10 |
Avg. temperature °F |
50 |
46 |
50 |
South - Dubrovnik |
|||
Avg. temperature °C |
8 |
7 |
9 |
Avg. temperature °F |
46 |
45 |
48 |
Best for: Rijeka Carnival, snowy sightseeing
The quietest months for tourists, January and February in Croatia are cold – especially inland where you could get snow – but still bursting with cultural activities and great food and drink.
Best for: Sailing the beautiful coast
March and April are when the tourist season begins to take off, with temperatures rising and visitors starting to arrive. You can still avoid the biggest crowds as it’s not yet peak season, but the weather can be changeable.
Best for: National parks, hiking and beaches
Arguably the best time to visit Croatia is in May and June. The weather is warm, but perfect for being outdoors. Enjoy the coast and beaches, or head inland to the national parks to marvel at the rivers and lakes.
Best for: Island hopping and water sports
The hottest time of year to visit Croatia is in July and August. It’s also the busiest time to visit and the time of year when coastal resorts and islands are at their most lively. Fantastic weather is almost guaranteed — making it an ideal time for a Croatia island hopping holiday or visiting Croatia's Opatija Riviera.
Best for: Seasonal food and wine harvests
Early autumn is a great time to visit Croatia, with crowds dispersing but the warm weather sticking around. This makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities like cycling, or you could enjoy a local food market as they celebrate the harvest.
Best for: Quieter attractions
November and December in Croatia are festive and welcoming, with Christmas traditions and cultural gatherings. You’ll see a different side of the country at this time of year, and the weather can still be mild on the coast.
Croatia is a great place to visit all year. Summer is sunny but can be crowded. Spring and autumn are nice, less crowded, and colourful. Winter is unique with Christmas markets and cosy towns. Use our guide to create an unforgettable Croatian adventure tailored to your preferences.
Explore the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split and admire the beauty of four picturesque islands as you cruise aboard an exclusively chartered ship.
Discover the best of captivating Croatia as you travel by both land and sea to explore medieval cities and magical islands.
The best time to visit Croatia for hot weather but fewer people is May or June.
Winters are mild on the coast and colder inland, often with snow. Spring starts off cooler and starts to warm up to around 20 degrees in May. Summer can peak at 28 degrees, being warmer on the coast. Autumn is mild but cooler, averaging at around 15 degrees.
Peak season offers the hottest weather and is the most lively time for outdoors activities and enjoying the water. Off-season is a great time to visit to still enjoy good weather and explore attractions.
There is no bad time to visit Croatia, but the country will be quieter in winter and the cooler months.
To avoid crowds and have a great experience in Croatia, we recommend you visit outside the peak season, either from May to June or in September. A tour can be a wonderful way of exploring a range of different destinations without crowds.
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