If you’re thinking of visiting Croatia in August, this blog post is for you!
Croatia in summer is one of the most magical destinations in Europe and a must-visit at least once in your life. The stunning, crystal-clear Adriatic Sea combined with breathtaking historic old towns is truly a sight to behold.
If you’re planning your Croatia itinerary for the summer, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Croatia in August.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WEATHER IN CROATIA IN AUGUST
Croatia has the best weather in summer, so visiting in August guarantees warm and sunny days. However, this also means it’s peak tourist season.
If you’re visiting the coast, be prepared for high temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), though a cool breeze will often provide some relief. Rain is rare, and the sea temperature stays between 24°C and 27°C (75°F to 81°F), making it perfect for swimming.
There’s plenty of sunshine, but also high humidity, so be prepared—you might not want to be outside during the peak hours from 12 to 3 PM.
If you’re heading inland (Zagreb, Plitvice, Slavonia), expect even hotter temperatures than the coast, with highs reaching 30-37°C (86-99°F). It can at times be quite unbearable. Rain is slightly more frequent inland and it often comes as an occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
WHAT TO PACK FOR CROATIA IN AUGUST
Packing for Croatia in August is easy since it’s the epitome of summer. When it comes to clothing, stick to light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Pack T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, dresses, and, of course, swimsuits. Keep in mind that walking around town in swimwear isn’t allowed, so bring cover-ups for the beach and restaurants.
For the evenings, bring a light sweater or a jacket. Evenings are still warm but cooler than the daytime, and if there’s a breeze, a light jacket can come in handy.
When it comes to shoes, make sure you have something very comfortable for exploring. Whether it’s sandals, hiking shoes, or sneakers, it’s important they’re suitable for cobbled streets, uneven ground, and national parks. For the beach, bring flip-flops and water shoes, as some beaches have rocky entrances to the sea.
No matter where you’re going in Croatia, be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat or cap for sun protection, and high-SPF sunscreen—the sun is extremely strong in August.
WHERE TO GO IN CROATIA IN AUGUST
POPULAR PLACES: Stunning destinations in Croatia which attract many tourists each season
DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is by far Croatia’s most popular spot, and for good reason. The stunning sea views and the incredible Old Town definitely live up to the hype, but it can get pretty crowded. If crowds don’t bother you, spend at least 3-4 days in the city—check out the Old Town, Mount Srđ, Lokrum Island, and Dubrovnik’s beaches.
TIP: check online for when cruise ships are arriving and try to avoid the Old Town on those days. On other days, Dubrovnik is way easier to explore.
SPLIT
Split is almost as popular as Dubrovnik and makes a great base for exploring the Croatian islands. You only need about 2 days to check out Split itself— the Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace, and Marjan Hill. However, you’ll want a few extra days for island hopping. From Split, it’s super easy to reach Hvar, Brač, and Vis, all of which are definitely worth visiting. While Split and its beaches can get pretty crowded, these islands still have some quieter spots to enjoy.
KORČULA
Korcula is, in my opinion, the most charming island in Croatia and definitely a must-visit. It’s popular with both tourists and locals, so you won’t find many deserted beaches or quiet attractions, but Korcula is so beautiful it’s totally worth dealing with the crowds. You can stay in Korcula Town, but if you’re after a little more privacy, explore the other villages on the island. If the crowds get too much, take a break and go island hopping—Korcula has some amazing nearby islands to check out.
HVAR
Hvar is Croatia’s most popular island, and it definitely draws a crowd. The island is home to several beautiful towns, like Stari Grad, Hvar Town, and Jelsa. Additionally, there are amazing beaches, beach bars, clubs, and lavender fields all over. You can easily catch a ferry from Split to get there. While it can be crowded, you can always find some quiet spots and secluded beaches for a more peaceful and relaxing holiday.
PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most popular national park, and it’s absolutely stunning. The 16 lakes and waterfalls create a truly picture-perfect scene. That said, Plitvice can get REALLY crowded in the summer, so while it’s beautiful, the crowds might affect your experience. Still, if you can’t go any other time, I’d say go for it and push through the crowds. Try to visit as soon as the park opens to beat the rush and enjoy it before most people arrive.
LESS CROWDED PLACES: Gorgeous places which are still popular, but attract less tourists than the previous locations
MLJET
Mljet is a beautiful island in Croatia, known for its stunning forests, gorgeous coastline, and the Mljet National Park, which covers a big part of the island. It’s perfect for nature lovers, with hiking and biking trails, saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero), and the historic Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s Island. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation without big crowds or busy towns, Mljet is definitely worth checking out.
ISTRIA
Istria is one of the prettiest parts of Croatia, but it’s way less crowded than Dalmatia. This charming peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Croatia, like Rovinj, Pula, Motovun, Grožnjan, and Labin. It’s stunning both along the coast and inland, with tons to do—whether you’re visiting beaches or going truffle hunting. If you love relaxation, beautiful scenery, great food, and even better wine, I highly recommend visiting Istria.
LASTOVO
Lastovo is a remote, stunning island in Croatia, just a short distance from Korcula. It’s known for its untouched nature, clear waters, and peaceful vibe—perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. The island also has its own charm with unique chimneys (fumari), Venetian-style architecture, and the Lastovo Islands Nature Park. If the crowds in Korcula get too much, you can easily reach Lastovo by ferry for a more relaxing experience.
OMIŠ
Omiš is a charming little town not far from Split. It’s the perfect spot if you want to explore Split but avoid the crowds. You can visit Split for the day and then head back to a peaceful place in the evening. Besides being close to Split, Omiš has beautiful beaches, a cute old town, and two amazing fortresses to check out. If you’re into adrenaline, Omiš also offers some awesome activities, like rafting and ziplining.
THINGS YOU CAN’T DO IN CROATIA IN AUGUST
Expect empty beaches and tourist spots
Croatia is definitely a summer destination, so if you’re planning to visit in August, be ready to share it with about a million other tourists. August is peak season—the busiest month of the year—and beaches, cities, and national parks get super crowded. It’s nearly impossible to find a quiet spot in the popular towns or parks unless you go really early in the morning. If you’re after a peaceful summer holiday, you’ll need to check out some lesser-known spots.
Ignore the sun and heat
The midday sun in Croatia can be really intense, so it’s best to skip any strenuous activities like hiking or sightseeing between 12 and 4 PM. I’d recommend using that time for lunch or just relaxing. Even the beach isn’t the best spot during those hours since you risk getting a bad sunburn or even sunstroke. Always carry water with you and wear sunscreen, even in the morning or afternoon—the sun can still be pretty relentless.
Expect cheap accommodation
Like any other country, Croatia is most expensive during peak season, so don’t expect anything to be cheap in August. Hotel, Airbnb, and campsite prices are at their highest, so your best bet for a good deal is to book well in advance—ideally up to 6 months ahead. Booking last-minute will leave you with fewer options and higher prices, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Walk around in a swimsuit in town
Walking around in just a swimsuit (especially in historic city centers like Dubrovnik, Hvar, or Split) is frowned upon and can even result in fines, so make sure to always have a cover-up with you. The locals aren’t fans of it, and find it disrespectful, and you probably won’t be able to enter restaurants or bars if you’re just in your swimwear.
Expect restaurants to be empty
Croatia has a lot of great restaurants, and many of the top ones require reservations. Don’t expect to just walk into some of the most popular spots in cities like Split, Hvar, or Dubrovnik and easily find a table. You might get away with it in the shoulder seasons, but in the summer, it’s not realistic.
CROATIA IN AUGUST – FAQ
Is Croatia good to visit in August?
Yes, Croatia is an awesome place to visit in August, but there are a few challenges to keep in mind. The weather is pretty much perfect—hot, sunny, and with warm sea temperatures—so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, island hopping, and tons of other activities. The vibe along the coast is lively, with stunning cities, islands, and beaches all full of life.
However, if you’re not a fan of crowds, Croatia in August might not be your ideal spot. The Croatian coast is full of tourists every August, and that’s something you can’t really avoid. If crowds aren’t your thing, you might want to consider visiting Croatia in the fall or spring instead.
How hot is it in Croatia in August?
It gets pretty hot in Croatia in August. The sun is intense, humidity is often high, and temperatures usually range from 30-35°C, sometimes even hitting above 40°C. If you’re planning to sightsee or do outdoor activities, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. But if you have to be out between 12 and 4 PM, make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Is Croatia expensive in August?
Yes, Croatia is more expensive in August since it’s peak tourist season. Accommodation, transportation, food, and activities all cost more due to high demand. But if you’re traveling on a budget, it’s still doable with a little planning. Check out these blog posts for prices in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
How to avoid crowds in Croatia in August?
It’s not easy to avoid crowds in Croatia in August, but here are some recommendations which can help you out.
First, try visiting less touristy spots. I know everyone wants to see famous places like Dubrovnik and Split, but you won’t be able to escape the crowds there. If you’re looking to avoid them, check out Vis, Mljet, Lastovo, Pelješac, or Istria instead of Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar.
Second, try to go early or late wherever you visit. Popular spots like Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Plitvice Lakes, and Krka National Park get crowded during the day. If you want to enjoy them in peace, aim to explore before 9 AM or after 5 PM to miss the peak hours.
Next, skip the famous beaches if you’re after some privacy. Everyone crowds around Banje Beach, Bačvice Beach, or the beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera. Do a little research and find some quieter, lesser-known beaches nearby for a much better experience
Finally, stay in smaller towns. Croatia has tons of charming little towns that are perfect for anyone looking to avoid the crowds of popular spots. Consider places like Cavtat (near Dubrovnik) or Trogir/Omiš (near Split) for a quieter experience. Check out this list of 10 beautiful small towns in Croatia to escape the crowds!
