Croatia is definitely a summer destination, but if you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Croatia in winter, this blog post is for you!
Most people plan their visit to Croatia during the summer months because Croatia’s main attraction is definitely its stunning Adriatic Coast. While you won’t be able to do the same activities if you visit Croatia in winter, this country is still worthy of a visit, even in the colder months.
Keep reading to find out more about the weather, winter activities, best places to visit, and why visit Croatia in winter!
CROATIA IN WINTER: WEATHER – WHAT’S IT LIKE AND WHAT ARE THE TEMPERATURES?
Croatia in winter has a few different types of weather, depending in the region you want to visit. The country has two main climate zones: Mediterranean along the coast and continental inland. Depending on where you’re going, the weather will vary.
If you’re visiting coastal Croatia (Dalmatia and Istria) you’ll find yourself in a Mediterranean climate with mild winters. The average daytime temperatures on the coast range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
There’s still a lot of sunny days, but there may be rain and strong winds, especially the cold wind “Bura”. There most likely won’t be any snow.
read more >>> BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA BY MONTH
If you’re visiting inland Croatia (Zagreb or Slavonia) you’ll enjoy a Continental climate. The temperatures inland are much colder, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F).
Inland, you’ll probably see some snow, particularly in the higher elevations (Sljeme in Zagreb for example!). There’s also lots of fog and frost. If you want the winter experience in Croatia, come inland.
There’s also a region in Croatia called Gorski Kotar which has an Alpine climate. That’s the region you’ll pass on your way to Plitvice Lakes, which are probably on your itinerary.
In Gorski Kotar, average winter temperatures often drop below 0°C (32°F), and there’s lots of snow. That makes this region perfect for winter sports!
IS IT GOOD TO VISIT CROATIA IN WINTER?
Croatia can be a great destination to visit in winter. How fun it will be really depends on your interests and expectations from this trip. Winter offers a much different experience from the popular summer season. That’s why you should check out these pros and cons of visiting Croatia in winter!
CROATIA IN WINTER: PROS
Fewer Crowds
Each year, Croatia is more and more overrun by tourists during summer. The crowds are often unbearable, and unless you’re really chill when it comes to big crowds of people, you might even hate Croatia during summer. Croatia’s coastal towns, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar are much quieter in winter. Winter months will allow you to explore their historic sites and stunning architecture without large crowds.
You can enjoy iconic landmarks like Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace in Split without the usual hordes of people, which is definitely a plus in my book!
Lower Prices
If you’re on a budget, you’ll definitely spend less during winter than during summer in Croatia. Hotels, restaurants, and activities are much cheaper in winter, so the trip will be more affordable. Obviously, it’s not going to be the same experience because during summer you can enjoy the sea. However, we all know Croatia has become more and more expensive over the years, so visiting during winter will do wonders for your budget.
Christmas Markets and Festivities
Croatia has wonderful Christmas markets, especially the one in Zagreb. The lovely Zagreb Christmas market has been named one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The festive atmosphere during December includes lights, food stalls, live music, ice skating, and holiday-themed events. If you’re a fan of Christmas markets, you definitely won’t be disappointed with Zagreb.
Other cities like Split and Dubrovnik also have smaller but charming Christmas markets totally worth checking out!
CROATIA IN WINTER: CONS
Colder Weather
The opportunities in Croatia are much different in winter than in summer. It’s quite cold in winter, with the temperatures reaching 15 °C only in the warmest parts of the country. That means that there’s no way you can enjoy the swimming and sunbathing joys while visiting Croatia. You’ll have to dress accordingly, often with a thicker jacket, or even boots and winter coats if you’re going inland.
Limited Activities
In winter, most tourist activities are closed because it’s off season. If you’re visiting in winter, you have to keep in mind that the tours, working hours of attractions, and ferry schedules are really limited so you’ll have to manage the best you can. They usually become less frequent in November and start up back in April. You’ll have to plan your itinerary very carefully to see some of the attractions in Croatia.
CROATIA IN WINTER: THINGS TO DO
Croatia in winter is really special and it offers various activities, depending on the region you decide to visit. Here are the best things you can do in Croatia in winter!
Explore Christmas Markets
Croatia has stunning Christmas markets, so if you’re visiting Croatia in December, definitely check them out.
Zagreb’s Christmas market is one of the best in Europe, and the biggest one in Croatia. It’s spread over several locations all throughout the city and each location has Christmas stalls selling food, drinks, and handcrafted goods, as well as gorgeous Christmas decorations. The most popular location is the King Tomislav Square with a huge ice rink. I would recommend visiting Zagreb during December even if you haven’t planned it!
Split and Dubrovnik also have Christmas markets, if you’re visiting Dalmatia in winter. Though smaller than Zagreb’s, these cities still have charming Christmas markets with local foods, crafts, and festive decorations.
There are several other cities with lovely Christmas markets as well, such as Opatija, Varazdin, and Osijek.
Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town
If you hate the crowds, you’ll love Dubrovnik in winter. Usually, people visit Dubrovnik during the summer, and the hordes of tourists are not for the weak. In winter, Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town is much quieter, allowing you to stroll along the ancient city walls and explore UNESCO-listed sites like Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and Stradun street without the summer crowds.
If you’re visiting in winter just make sure to check the working hours of the landmarks, since they’re quite limited.
Go Skiing and Snowboarding
While Croatia is not popular for winter sports like Austria or Italy, there are a few places where you can still experience some winter wonders.
If you’re in Zagreb, there’s Sljeme. It’s located on Mount Medvednica, just outside of Zagreb, so it’s a convenient spot for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. It’s especially popular with families and beginners because it’s not that big and there aren’t various or multiple skiing trails.
If you’re exploring the country and can reach Gorski Kotar, you’ll have an even better time. This mountainous region offers excellent skiing opportunities in resorts like Čelimbaša and Begovo Razdolje. It’s perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the snowy scenery.
Explore Plitvice Lakes in Winter
While Plitvice Lakes is a popular summer destination, visiting the national park in winter offers a completely different and magical experience. If you’re visiting in the thick of winter, you’ll get to explore frozen waterfalls, ice-covered lakes, and snowy trails which make the park look like a winter fairy tale. There’s also much, much less tourists, so you’ll have the park almost to yourself. Keep in mind that some trails and boat services may be limited due to snow, but the experience will still be unforgettable.
Try some great Croatian cuisine
Winter is the perfect time to try as many dishes as you’d like because you’ll need to warm up in restaurants anyway. Some great traditional Croatian dishes you can try (especially in winter) are sarma, pašticada, mulled wine, fritule, strukli, and cobanac.
Visit Castles and Museums
To occasionally hide yourself from the cold, it might be a good idea to check out castles and museums in the region you’re visiting.
The two most visited castles in Croatia are Trakošćan castle and Veliki Tabor. They are both located in northern Croatia, and they look especially beautiful in winter surrounded by snow. Inside, you can explore the museums and learn about Croatia’s noble families and other folklore.
When it comes to museums, you’ll find great ones in almost every city in Croatia. Most of them are in Zagreb, and these are the most popular: the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Mimara Museum, and the Zagreb City Museum. They’re perfect for indoor exploration on a cold day.
If you’re staying in Dalmatia, there are several museums in Split and Dubrovnik as well, such as the Split Archaeological Museum, the Split Ethnographic Museum, the Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik, Red History Museum Dubrovnik, and so on!
Enjoy Spa and Wellness Retreats
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in spa treatments, and there are several you can check out in Croatia. Istria and Kvarner regions are popular for their thermal spas and wellness resorts, offering everything from hot springs to massages and luxurious wellness treatments. Opatija is the center of wellness and spa hotels in that region!
If you’re staying in Zagreb, there are Terme Tuhelj and Terme Sveti Martin fairly close, and they are ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation during the colder months.
Explore Istria and its Wine Routes
Finally, you can explore Istria, which is home to excellent wine and olive oil. Winter is a great time to visit local wineries and sample Istrian truffles. You’ll keep warm, and the great wine will make you even warmer. Towns like Rovinj, Motovun, and Pula, which are crowded during summer, offer fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace for exploring during winter.
BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN CROATIA IN WINTER
Zagreb
Zagreb is the best city to visit if you’re coming to Croatia in Winter. Croatia’s capital is vibrant in winter, especially because it has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. There are tons of Christmas decorations, outdoor ice skating, and stalls selling mulled wine, traditional food, and handmade crafts. There are also various museums and events you can visit in the city. Here are the 20 best things to do in Zagreb!
Dubrovnik
Croatia’s most popular town is definitely Dubrovnik, and it can be a good place to visit in winter. Dubrovnik is known for its medieval walls and stunning architecture, and it will be much easier and more enjoyable to explore the Old Town during winter without the crowds. Dubrovnik is also often very sunny even in winter, so you might have a really nice day even though it’s winter. Keep in mind that rain and wind can be frequent in Dalmatia, so the sun cannot be guaranteed.
Split
Split is the second biggest city in Croatia, so even during winter there are plenty of locals enjoying mild weather and fewer tourists. If you don’t mind the chillier than usual weather, this is the perfect time to explore the old town of Split, particularly Diocletian’s Palace. Rarely will you ever find Split as empty as it is in winter, so make sure you use that to your advantage. On top of the usual attractions, make sure you check out Split’s Christmas market.
Zadar
Zadar is another lovely coastal town which would be great to visit during winter. This city is home to both historical and modern attractions, and while it’s crowded in summer, it’s almost completely quiet and relaxed in winter. You can visit the famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation with barely any people, and wander through the Zadar’s Old Town without the summer crowds.
Osijek
For a different experience in eastern Croatia, visit Osijek in the Slavonia region. Osijek is known for its baroque architecture and for its relaxed and authentic atmosphere. This town is less visited than most other Croatian towns, but it’s worthy of a visit in both summer and winter.
Osijek has a gorgeous Old Town “Tvrđa” and has a charming promenade along the river Drava, which you must visit. If you decide to visit in winter, you can enjoy the gorgeous Christmas market they have each year, as well as some incredible winter Slavonian food such as kulen or čobanac!
FAQ ABOUT CROATIA IN WINTER
WHAT’S THE WARMEST PLACE IN CROATIA IN WINTER?
Croatia is not an all-year-round warm country such as Tenerife or certain parts of Spain in winter. The warmest place in Croatia during winter is typically along the southern Dalmatian coast, particularly in Dubrovnik. This region has a Mediterranean climate, which makes the winters there mild compared to the colder inland areas. In Dubrovnik, the average winter temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), although it can get cooler at night.
Other warmer destinations in southern Croatia during winter include Split and the islands of Hvar and Korčula, which experience similar mild weather. None of these places are beach weather warm, but they offer pleasant conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities in winter.
CAN YOU SWIM IN CROATIA IN WINTER?
Swimming in Croatia during winter is generally not recommended because of the low water temperatures. While Dalmatia might have milder weather than the rest of the country, the Adriatic Sea’s temperature drops significantly in winter and it’s not appropriate for swimming.
In the coldest months (December to February), the sea temperature along the Croatian coast ranges from 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F). These temperatures are quite chilly for most swimmers and are not suitable for casual swimming.
However, if you’re used to cold temperatures and still want to have a short swim, be cautious not to stay in the water too long due to the risk of hypothermia.
ARE BUSINESSES OPEN IN CROATIA IN WINTER?
It really depends where you’re visiting and what are your expectations. If you’re visiting some of the bigger cities such as Zagreb, Split, or Osijek, there are loads of restaurants, bars, museums, and shops open because a lot of Croatians live there all throughout the year.
If you’re visiting some of the smaller coastal towns, the open businesses might be limited but there are still some open for the locals who live there. The majority of seasonal businesses such as tours, boat rentals, and certain attractions will be closed due to the lack of tourists and because of the weather.
Split looks like such a beautiful city. Awesome pictures. Thank you for sharing!