If you’re thinking of visiting Croatia in April, this blog post is for you!
Croatia, though known for its sunny coast, is not one of those “sunny-all-year” countries. Depending on what you’re looking for in a holiday, it’s important to research the best time to visit Croatia. However, if you’re planning a trip in April, you might have chosen the perfect time, as spring in Croatia is absolutely breathtaking.
If you’re coming to Croatia in April, keep reading this blog post to find out more about the weather, what to pack, where to go, and what to see!
Weather in Croatia in April
The weather in Croatia in April is usually very mild and it’s the beginning of the warmer spring season. It’s going to be warmer than March, but it’s still quite far from the summer
On the coast, daytime temperatures are usually between 15–20°C (59–68°F), while at night it can drop to around 8–12°C (46–54°F). Most of the time, days are sunny or partly cloudy, but rain showers are still possible. The sea temperature is nowhere near ready for swimming, averaging around 15°C (59°F).
If you’re travelling inland, you’ll find the daytime temperatures to range from 12–18°C (54–64°F), with cooler nights at around 5–10°C (41–50°F). There’s more rain and less sun inland, so be prepared.
What to pack for Croatia in April
With Croatia’s ever-changing weather in April, there are quite a few things you definitely need to pack and bring with you!
Firstly, layered clothing is essential. One day you might enjoy sunny weather in shorts and a T-shirt, but the next day it could be 10°C with rain and wind. You’ll definitely need a light jacket or a sweater for cooler evenings, maybe even a windbreaker if you get caught in the wind. I also recommend bringing an umbrella or a raincoat because rain is always possible in April.
If you’re visiting inland destinations, such as Zagreb or Plitvice Lakes, bring more long-sleeved shirts and warm jackets. There are times when it’s unusually warm in Zagreb, but in general, it’s always colder in Zagreb than on the coast.
When it comes to footwear, make sure you bring something comfortable because you’ll do loads of walking in Croatia and some of the locations have plenty of stairs, cobbled streets, or uneven ground. If you’re travelling inland, it would be great to have water-resistant shoes since there’s a big possibility of rain. If you think you’ll be brave enough to swim, bring your water shoes as well.
Last April, we took a road trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik during the first week of the month. Most of the days were cloudy and windy, and we had to wear our coats the entire time. The first sunshine we experienced was when we reached Korcula in the south.
Where to go in Croatia in April
There’s no better time to explore Croatia than in spring, so if you decide to visit Croatia in April, here are the destinations you must include in your itinerary!
COASTAL TOWNS AND ISLANDS
Dubrovnik
I’m sure I don’t need to give you more reasons to visit Dubrovnik, but the fact that it’s uncrowded is certainly another great one. The stunning “Pearl of the Adriatic” and its Old Town are less crowded in April than during the summer, so April is the ideal time for walking the ancient city walls, exploring historic sites, and enjoying scenic views in Dubrovnik.
In Dubrovnik, the season slowly begins in April, so you’ll most likely be able to do anything you wish without thousands of people around you. Read this ULTIMATE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE to find out everything you need to know before visiting.
Keep in mind that Dubrovnik won’t be empty – the city attracts tourists all throughout the year, but there will be less tourists in April than during the peak summer season.
Split
Split is packed during the summer season, so visiting it during April might be the best thing you could do. Tourists start arriving from late May, so you’ll be able to enjoy the Old Town with the locals. Explore the Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva, and Marjan peacefully and on your own time.
Split has many restaurants open all throughout the year, and in April there are already outdoor terraces ready, so you can enjoy lunches and dinners by the sea.
Read this SPLIT 2-DAY ITINERARY to know more about this popular Croatian city.
Hvar
Croatia’s most popular island is filled with party tourists during summer, so if you’d like to see the island in a more relaxed way, April is the best time to do it. Hvar in April is calm, perfect for exploring various towns on the island.
The daily temperatures are not high enough for swimming in the sea, but they’re perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the calm beaches. If you’re not brave enough for a swim, you can still sunbathe and enjoy the views at Hvar’s stunning beaches!
Korčula
Maybe my favourite place on this list, Korcula is a stunning island where you’ll absolutely enjoy your time. This historic island is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and it also has one of the prettiest old towns in Croatia.
Korcula is very loved by both Croatians and international tourists, so there are plenty of people there during summer. In April, however, there are almost no people there. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the Old Town, explore the island by car or scooter, and eat incredible food.
Here’s a guide of MUST-DO THINGS ON KORCULA. Check it out and use it to form your own itinerary.
We visited Korcula at the start of last April and there were absolutely no tourists. We had the Old Town all to ourselves, which was a pretty mind-blowing experience.
Istria
If you’re visiting Croatia in April, I would highly recommend you dedicate a few days to Istria. Istria is a Croatian peninsula with some of the most charming coastal and inland towns in the country. They resemble some of the popular Italian towns with pastel-colored buildings, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Adriatic. Istria is almost completely empty during early spring, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore it unlike anyone else.
Some of the towns you must visit are Rovinj, Pula, Gožnjan, and Motovun. If you have time, one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia is near Pula – Brijuni NP.
Check out this 5-DAY ISTRIA ITINERARY for the ultimate Istrian holiday.
INLAND TOWNS AND NATIONAL PARKS
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Another destination I’m sure it’s on your itinerary is Plitvice Lakes National Park. This NP is the biggest, oldest, and prettiest national park in Croatia and you just can’t miss it.
It’s a must-visit in April when the waterfalls are at their fullest due to spring rains. The park is gorgeously green and there are some to no crowds during April. Another plus is the fact that the tickets to the park are 50% cheaper in April than they are in the summer months.
Here’s a detailed GUIDE TO PLITVICE LAKES BY A LOCAL.
Krka National Park
If you don’t have time to visit Plitvice, try and visit Krka National Park. While both parks are famous for their waterfalls, Krka’s waterfalls are much different. Krka has lower but stronger waterfalls, showcasing the power of nature all throughout the park.
In this national park the crowds begin to accumulate during summer season when tourists come to Šibenik/Split. In April, you can enjoy the beauty of Skradinski Buk and other scenic spots with way less crowds.
Here’s ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KRKA NATIONAL PARK.
Zagreb
Finally, the last city on this list is the capital city, Zagreb. Zagreb offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, and it doesn’t matter which season it is, Zagreb is always lively. While you’re here, visit the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), St. Mark’s Church, and the Zagreb Cathedral.
If you’re there in April, make sure to check out some of Zagreb’s charming parks which are stunning in the spring. Explore Zrinjevac, Botanic Garden, Maksimir Park, and Jarun.
Here’s 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZAGREB.
Things you can’t do in Croatia in April
Swim in the sea
The Adriatic Sea is still quite cold in April, with average water temperatures around 15°C (59°F). If you’re brave and cold doesn’t bother you, you might want to try and take a dip. However, you won’t be able to stay in the sea for long, or participate in summer activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and so on.
Have unlimited ferries available
Some ferry routes to smaller islands operate on reduced schedules or not at all until the peak tourist season begins in late May or June. That means that you have to plan very carefully how you’re going to reach a certain island and strictly follow the ferry schedules.
Expect everything’s open
Many tourist facilities, beach bars, and restaurants on smaller islands like Vis, Mljet, and Lastovo may still be closed. Even the bigger islands only have a certain number of facilities open, while the rest open later in the year. Moreover, even some sightseeing attractions might be closed or work reduced hours. Research carefully what’s open and what’s closed in April before you decide to visit.
Enjoy beach clubs and parties
Party season starts later in the year, so if you’re planning on partying at some of the famous beach clubs in Split, Hvar, or Pag, April is not the month for you. Partygoers usually come in the summer season, starting in June. In April, you can enjoy all those locations but without the parties.
Expect crowded or lively atmosphere
If you’re looking for the bustling, vibrant energy of Croatia’s peak season, you won’t find it in April. Instead, many places are quieter and calmer. On the other hand, if you prefer the relaxed and peaceful side of Croatia, April is the best month for your visit.
Croatia in April – FAQ
Is it worth visiting Croatia in April?
It’s absolutely worth visiting Croatia in April. In my opinion, Croatia is the most beautiful in spring. You get to enjoy the sun and the gorgeous nature in full bloom, yet the number of tourists is nowhere near close to the crowds in the summer. It’s not worth visiting if you want to enjoy the Adriatic Sea, because the sea is not warm enough to swim in.
Is it hot in Croatia in April?
It’s not hot, but it’s moderately warm. The temperatures on the coast are 15-20°C and get higher by the day. It’s the perfect weather for exploring, but not for enjoying the beaches.
Are the sea and beaches warm in Croatia in April?
No, the sea is not warm enough for swimming. If you like a challenge, you might try and go for a quick dip but you won’t be swimming for hours or participating in water sports. That kind of temperatures you get at the end of June. The beaches will often be warm enough for sunbathing.
Is April a good time to visit Croatia?
April is a perfect time to visit if you want to actively explore the country and enjoy the sights, food, and national parks. It’s not a good time to visit if you want to spend your whole holiday at the beach, because the sea is too cold.
Can you swim in Croatia in April?
You cannot comfortably swim in April. You might try and go for a quick swim, but soon enough you’ll realize that the sea is just too cold. If you want to fully enjoy the sea and the beaches of Croatia, don’t come in April, come in the summer.
