If Croatia is on your bucket list but you don’t know when is the best time to travel in Croatia, this blog post is perfect for you!
Croatia is a really popular European country which attracts more and more tourists each year. Croatia is a country great for visiting year-round. However, this blog post will bring you closer to different destinations and best times to visit each of them.
You might be a huge fan of the sea and sun, and you really don’t mind crowds. On the other hand, you also might be a person who doesn’t like high temperatures and wants to avoid the crowds at all costs. This guide will break down when during the year, according to your preferences, should you visit popular locations in Croatia!
Read more >>> ULTIMATE CROATIA BUCKET LIST
I am a Croatia native, so I’ve explored this gorgeous country during all seasons. These recommendations will help you choose the best time to travel in Croatia.
If you already know in which season you want to visit, check out the guide for that specific season. Summer is the most popular, but here are the guides to other seasons:
>>>CROATIA IN WINTER/CROATIA IN SPRING/CROATIA IN AUTUMN <<<
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BEST TIME TO TRAVEL IN CROATIA: INLAND DESTINATIONS
There are two very popular inland destinations in Croatia – Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Read more on when is the best time to travel to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia and Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s oldest and biggest national park!
WHEN TO VISIT ZAGREB?
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, and it’s usually on everyone’s itinerary, at least for a day or two. If you’re flying into Croatia, there’s a big possibility you’ll fly into Zagreb. If that’s the case, don’t forget to explore it. Zagreb is a city you can truly visit all year round, and in every season there’s something gorgeous about it.
SPRING
I think spring is a lovely time to visit Zagreb. The weather starts to warm up, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and outdoor events. Some of the best attractions of this city are its parks, so getting to explore them while the flowers are blooming will be a special experience. You can also visit outdoor markets such as Dolac market, and enjoy café culture without the summer crowds. The best times to visit in spring are late March to May.
READ MORE ABOUT ZAGREB:
>>> 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZAGREB
SUMMER
Spending summer holidays in Zagreb could be a hit or miss for you, depending on your preferences. Summer in Zagreb can be warm and pleasant, but there are days where the temperatures are through the roof. Unfortunately, unlike the coast, Zagreb is all concrete so the only break from the sun you’ll get will be the city parks.
Summer is also the peak tourist season, so it will be more crowded. You can expect the city will be filled with visitors, especially during various events like outdoor concerts, street performances, and cultural events. The accommodation will definitely be pricey during summer, so be prepared. The best months to visit in summer are July and August.
AUTUMN
Similarly to spring, early autumn could be another great time to visit Zagreb, especially if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer tourists. The city’s parks transform into vibrant shades of red and gold, making it perfect for scenic walks.
Early autumn still keeps the easy-going summer vibes, but as you get closer to winter, the events lessen and the weather drastically changes. If you don’t like the gloominess, rain, and cold – you might want to skip the late fall months such as late October and November.
WINTER
Winter in Zagreb is magical, especially if you don’t mind the cold. The city hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, so the holiday season is truly wonderful. During December, Zagreb is offering festive decorations, traditional foods, and entertainment.
The accommodation is especially pricey during this time of the year, so keep that in mind and book in advance! Additionally, if you enjoy winter sports, you can also visit nearby Medvednica mountain for skiing and sledding. The mountain’s highest peak Sljeme is perfect for beginner skiiers and children!
If I were visiting for the first time, I would choose either summer or winter to explore Zagreb. Summer is generally the best time to travel in Croatia, and Zagreb is no different. You either get lively and outgoing Zagreb during summer, or winter wonderland during winter. I don’t know which is better!
WHEN TO VISIT PLITVICE LAKES?
The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a stunning natural wonder, known for its cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. This famous national park is outstanding anytime of the year, but here’s what’s special about the NP in each of the seasons.
SPRING
Spring is an excellent time to visit Plitvice Lakes because the park is bursting into life with blooming flowers and vibrant foliage. The weather is mild in spring, perfect for hiking and exploring the park’s numerous trails.
Additionally, the waterfalls are at their fullest due to spring rains, offering spectacular views. If that wasn’t enough, the entrance tickets to the NP are significantly cheaper in March and April than during peak season!
SUMMER
Summer is a popular time to visit Plitvice Lakes as many people visit the NP on their way to the coast. The weather is warm, and the park is in full bloom, so it’s the ideal time to explore the park. However, it’s the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and longer wait times at the park entrances.
If you don’t feel like walking in lines of hundreds of people, may be skip summer. Despite the crowds, you can still enjoy the beauty of the lakes and waterfalls if that’s the only time you can visit. The tickets are the priciest this time of the year, reaching up to 40 euros per person in July and August.
AUTUMN
Autumn is the best time to travel in Croatia if you don’t like crowds. This season is a fantastic time to visit Plitvice Lakes because there are fewer crowds than in summer. The foliage begins to change color, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit.
Read more >>> PLITVICE LAKES: ULTIMATE GUIDE FROM A LOCAL
I would highly recommend visiting during this time of the year because the scenery is magnificent and absolutely one of a kind. In autumn, the weather starts to cool down, but it’s still pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities, so you won’t freeze. Bring an umbrella or a raincoat just in case, and a pair of good boots!
WINTER
Winter is not the easiest time to visit Plitvice, but it’s definitely the most magical. While Plitvice Lakes NP is open year-round, winter can be a challenging time to visit due to snow and ice. Some trails may be closed, so you won’t be able to explore the whole park.
A plus in winter is that the waterfalls may freeze over, giving you a different but absolutely stunning landscape. If you’re interested in visiting during winter, be sure to check the park’s website for any updates on trail conditions and closures. Winter (December – February) offers the cheapest tickets to the NP, so if that’s important to you this might be a great time to visit!
If you’re thinking of visiting Plitvice Lakes, I would highly recommend visiting this NP during spring or autumn. The colors are the prettiest at those times of the year, yet there aren’t many tourists at those times.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL IN CROATIA: THE ADRIATIC COAST
WHEN TO VISIT ISTRIA?
Istria is a gorgeous region in Croatia known for its picturesque coastal towns, vineyards, and truffle-rich forests. The quaint villages of Istria resemble small Italian towns, and there’s a stunning national park Brijuni you really shouldn’t miss. Istria is amazing any time of the year, but here’s a short seasonal breakdown of Istria.
SPRING
I can promise you spring is a delightful time to visit Istria. Form March, the weather starts warming up, and the Istrian countryside is full of blooming flowers and greenery. If you love outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring charming villages, spring is perfect for you because there are no huge crowds of tourists. You’ll absolutely love Istria in spring. Try to visit this peninsula in March or April for the spring vibes!
Read more >>> TOP 5 DREAMY TOWNS IN ISTRIA
SUMMER
Summer is the peak tourist season in Istria, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This season is perfect for beachgoers, but terrible for anyone who hates crowds. The coastal towns such as Rovinj, Pula, and Poreč come alive with beach bars, water sports, and cultural events.
There’s plenty of things to do all around the peninsula, and the beauty of nature in the summertime will surely surprise you. Keep in mind that the most popular destinations like Pula and Rovinj are really crowded and the accommodation is quite expensive during summer.
AUTUMN
Many people, myself included, think autumn is the best time to visit Istria. While summer and spring are gorgeous, there’s something especially charming when it comes to the autumnal version of Istria. The weather remains warm, the sea is still pleasant for swimming, and the restaurants are full of great food and wine.
The best part is that Istria gets quite empty in autumn, so you’ll be free to explore it as you wish. We spent a few days in Rovinj in October and it was so quiet and peaceful, unlike any summer month. I would always recommend autumn for visiting Istria.
WINTER
Winter in Istria is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, but it’s not warm by any means. The temperatures go as low as 6 degrees, so you’ll need a warm jacket for sure. You won’t have any problems with crowds at this time of the year, but keep in mind that as the season ends many businesses close down. That means that there aren’t that many cafes, bars, and restaurants that are open in winter. For some people, this time of the year might even get too quiet and boring. On the plus side, the accommodation will be pretty cheap at this time of the year!
When it comes to the Istrian peninsula, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. I adore Istria in autumn and I would highly recommend visiting from September to early November.
WHEN TO VISIT THE DALMATIAN COAST?
The Dalmatian Coast is the most popular and most loved part of Croatia, and it’s known for the stunning coastline, historic towns, and vibrant culture. Croatia’s most famous cities like Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik, along with the islands Korčula, Hvar, and Brač are all situated in Dalmatia. Although you’ll probably be visiting Dalmatia during summer, here’s what you can expect in each of the seasons.
SUMMER
Summer is the peak tourist season in Dalmatia. It’s the nicest season to visit because you can full enjoy the perfect crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, but it’s also unbelievably crowded. Everyone loves that the weather is warm and sunny, therefore ideal for beach activities, sailing, and exploring coastal towns.
If you don’t like crowds, you might want to consider staying in a smaller, less known town. You’ll have much more privacy and peace there than in one of the bigger towns. Additionally, keep in mind that in popular destinations accommodation prices are much higher, often costing an arm and a leg.
SPRING AND AUTUMN
Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit the Dalmatian Coast if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and it might be possible to take a swim. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring historic sites without the summer crowds.
You’ll get to experience a way more relaxed and peaceful coast, and your accommodation will be more affordable in the shoulder seasons. The best time to visit Croatia when talking about the coast are April and May, as well as September and October.
WINTER
Winter on the Dalmatian Coast is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe. It’s also the quietest time for tourism. You won’t have anything particularly exciting to do – many bars and restaurants are closed, you can’t indulge in water activities, and other experiences are often paused until the next season. If you choose winter, stay in bigger cities which still have bars and cafes opened for the local population.
Winters are often rainy and windy, and the temperatures range from 6 to 14 degrees. The accommodation is cheap because there are little to no tourists on the coast during winter. Personally, I wouldn’t really choose winter to explore the coast, my favorite time would be late summer or early autumn because the crowds begin to depart and the sea is still enjoyable!
Generally, the best time to visit Dalmatia are April and May, as well as September and October. If you’d still like to enjoy the Adriatic Sea, I would highly recommend visiting in late August or September.
IF YOU DECIDED WHEN YOU’RE VISITING CROATIA, HERE ARE SEVERAL ITINERARIES WHICH CAN HELP YOU PLAN OUT YOUR TIP
>>> 10 DAY COMPLETE CROATIA ITINERARY
>>> 5 DAY CROATIA ITINERARY: DALMATIAN COAST
>>> 5 DAY CROATIA ITINERARY: ZAGREB, PLITIVCE, AND ISTRIA
