Is Croatia in November a good destination to visit? Here’s a seasonal guide to help you decide!
Croatia is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, but how does that experience change in the winter months? Croatia is not a sunny year-round country, so what you see in summer is very different from what you’ll find in November. As a local who has explored my home country in every season, I’ve put together this guide to help you plan your trip to Croatia in November!
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IS IT WORTH VISITING CROATIA IN NOVEMBER?
That really depends on what you’re hoping to get from your visit to Croatia. If you want to experience the country the way most travelers do, with sunny beach days and swimming in the sea, then November isn’t the best time and you’d be better off visiting between June and September.
>>> Croatia in April // Croatia in August // Croatia in September // Croatia in October
But if you’d like to see Croatia in a quieter, more budget-friendly way without the summer crowds, November can be a lovely choice. It’s the perfect time to explore cultural landmarks, relax in cozy cafés, and try seasonal treats like truffles, freshly pressed olive oil, and hearty Croatian winter dishes. Just keep in mind that it will be colder, rainier, and the days are shorter.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN CROATIA IN NOVEMBER?
To be honest, it’s not the best. November is noticeably colder and wetter compared to the summer months. Along the coast in places like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar, daytime temperatures are usually around 13–18 °C (55–65 °F), and night temperatures are about 8–12 °C (46–54 °F).
Inland areas like Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes are colder, with highs of 8–12 °C (46–54 °F) and lows around 3–6 °C (37–43 °F). November is also one of the rainiest months, especially along the coast, so keep that in mind. Finally, the Adriatic Sea is around 16 °C (60 °F), which is too cold for comfortable swimming for most people!
WHAT TO PACK FOR CROATIA IN NOVEMBER?
When packing for a November trip to Croatia, focus on staying warm, dry, and comfortable. What you bring can vary a bit depending on where you’re going, but layers are key. Pack sweaters, long-sleeve tops, t-shirts, and jeans, along with a waterproof or water-resistant jacket and walking shoes or boots for exploring cities and coastal towns. An umbrella is also a good idea. Don’t forget accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves, especially if you’ll be spending time in inland areas like Zagreb where it can get quite chilly.
ARE THERE CROWDS IN CROATIA IN NOVEMBER?
November is the off-season, which means you won’t be dealing with the crowds of the busy summer months. Popular places like Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes National Park are still open to visitors, but they’re much quieter, so you can explore historic sites, scenic streets, and national parks at a more relaxed pace. Restaurants, museums, and attractions might be closed or run on shorter hours, so plan ahead. If you’d rather enjoy a peaceful atmosphere than deal with crowds, November is a great time to go.
IS CROATIA EXPENSIVE IN NOVEMBER?
Croatia is generally quite affordable in November because it’s the off-season. Accommodation prices drop a lot compared to the busy summer months, so it’s easy to find great deals on hotels, guesthouses, and AirBnBs. The only exception is Zagreb, which tends to stay about the same price-wise since it’s the capital. Flights and car rentals are usually cheaper too, and even restaurants can be more budget-friendly.
While some islands and tourist-focused businesses close for the season, the places that stay open often lower their rates to attract visitors, which makes November one of the most budget-friendly times to visit Croatia. We love exploring Croatia in the off-season because you can find beautiful rooms for around 50 euros right in the center of Split or Dubrovnik Old Towns. That would be impossible during summer!
WHAT PLACES SHOULD YOU VISIT IN CROATIA IN NOVEMBER?
In Croatia, November is perfect for exploring cultural cities, historic towns, and easy-to-reach natural sites. You can still stop by a few coastal towns, just keep in mind the atmosphere will be much calmer than in summer. Here are some of the best places to visit in November:
Dubrovnik
When visiting Dubrovnik in November, be prepared for rain, as this is typically the wettest month of the year, so chances are you’ll experience a few showers. Plan to use rainy days to explore the city’s museums, and save the dry days for wandering the Dubrovnik Old Town, walking the famous Dubrovnik City Walls, and taking nearby day trips.
It won’t be beach weather, but if the sun comes out, you can still enjoy a peaceful stroll along Banje Beach, Dubrovnik’s most popular beach. Here’s a suggested 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary to adapt to your own pace. You might not be able to do absolutely everything, but most non-seaside activities remain open in November. Just be sure to research in advance which restaurants are open and check for any attractions that may have shortened working hours during the off-season.
Split
Weather in Split in November is quite similar to Dubrovnik, so pack and plan with that in mind. You might get lucky with some beautifully sunny days, perfect for exploring the Split Old Town, wandering through the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, enjoying coffee at a seaside café, or walking through Marjan Park.
If the weather turns rainy, you can head underground to explore the basements of Diocletian’s Palace, visit museums, or treat yourself to a spa day at one of the local hotels. When you catch a sunny day, try booking a catamaran to Hvar for a quick day trip. It’s a great way to experience the island without the summer crowds.
Zagreb
November is actually one of the best times to visit Zagreb. While the coastal towns get quiet, the capital stays lively with cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, cozy cafés, and excellent restaurants. You’ll also catch the city starting to prepare for its famous Zagreb Christmas markets, with early decorations and festive spirit popping up around the center.
It is quite a bit colder than the coast, so bring a warm jacket, layers, and sturdy shoes. If you want to plan ahead, here’s a guide to the 20 best things to do in Zagreb, plus ideas for what to do on rainy days (perfect if the November weather doesn’t cooperate).
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes are always worth a visit, even in November. While the park won’t be as green as in summer, you can enjoy the autumn colors fading into early winter scenery. The foliage starts changing in September, and October is usually the peak, but November still has its charm depending on the weather. The best part is the crowds are almost gone, and tickets are much cheaper, around 10 euros per person. For more details and photos, check out my Plitvice Lakes Guide – many of the pictures were taken in December!
Istria
Istria might be my favorite part of Croatia to visit in late autumn. It’s peak truffle season, making it perfect for truffle hunting. You can also enjoy excellent wine tastings and explore charming towns like Rovinj, Grožnjan, and Motovun without the usual crowds. My top autumn activity is visiting Brijuni National Park. It’s beautiful, peaceful, cheaper than in summer, and if the weather’s good, you can spend the day cycling around the park. Check out my 5-day Istria road trip for all the details!
Slavonia and Baranja
Eastern Croatia is one of the most welcoming regions in the country, and November is a great time to visit. You can explore towns like Osijek, Đakovo, and Vukovar, enjoy wine tastings, and try the hearty local cuisine – čobanac, fiš paprikaš, kulen, and Slavonian sausages. This region is perfect if you want a friendly atmosphere combined with amazing food and wine!
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING CROATIA IN NOVEMBER
- It’s the off-season, and that means no crowds and lower prices.
- Many island ferries are less frequent or stopped, and beach clubs and seasonal attractions are closed or have limited hours.
- The weather is cooler and wetter, so pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.
- The Adriatic Sea is too cold for swimming.
- Focus on local events and seasonal activities.
