What Is The Weather In Croatia Like During The Season?

Despite its relatively small landmass, Croatia experiences a coastal and continental climate. If you’re planning on spending your time along the beautiful Croatian coastline, especially on a Croatian Cruise, here’s what you can expect from the coastal climate.

Along the Adriatic coast you’ll find that the weather is a typical Mediterranean climate. This usually involves days that are hot and sunny through the summer and a temperament, occasionally wet winter with milder temperatures. It’s not uncommon for the summer weather to linger into autumn, with sunny, warm days that can have you comfortably exploring the versatile coastline during the off-peak seasons. If you’re planning on island hopping in Croatia, then read on to learn all about the weather in Croatia.

Croatia Temperature (Air)

Croatia doesn’t have the extreme weather differences that many European countries experience; however, there is still considerable contrast between pre-season & peak-season conditions. This will not only have an effect on your travel plans, but your overall holiday budget too. The very first Sail Croatia departures of the season are our luxury Croatia Cruises which depart at the start of April – a time when the maximum daily temperature hovers around 17°C, making it the perfect time of year to be relaxing and exploring in the sunshine.

Fast forward a couple of months to the peak season of July, and the mercury is at a consistent 30 degrees. The once quiet ports of Hvar and Korcula are well and truly buzzing, harbours come alive with travellers near and far, and the bars and clubs are heaving. It’s an awesome (and warm) time of the year!

Croatia Temperature (Sea)

Weather During High Season

The high season months of June, July and August bring the warmest air temperatures, sea temperatures, and of course, plenty of sunshine. These peak season months provide hot summer days and balmy evenings with average maximum temperatures reaching 32°C / (89.6°F). The sea temperature reaches its peak in August, hitting an average temperature of 25°C / (77°F) - the ideal temperature for swimming if you ask us! There is little rainfall during the high season, except for the odd thunderstorm.

Weather During Mid Season

The mid season months of April - May, and September - October, provide more moderate air temperatures, averaging a maximum of between 17°C / (62.6°F) and 25°C / (77°F). The sea temperature is still a little chilly, but for those who don’t mind a fresh dip, the sea temperature averages between 15°C / (59°F) in April and 23°C / (73.4°F) in September. The shoulder season brings more sporadic rainfall and ideal winds for sailors, making these months perfect for exploring, sailing and staying active.

Weather During Low Season

The low season months bring rainfall, lower temperatures, and even snow in inland and mountainous regions. Winter in Croatia is characterised by festive markets and cold weather sports such as skiing and snowboarding, with destinations such as Plitvice Lakes National Park turning into a winter wonderland! Weather during the low season is often milder along the coast, with central and inland locations having significantly lower temperatures and more rainfall.

Dubrovnik Weather

The weather in Dubrovnik is relatively similar to the country’s average temperatures, and is slightly cooler than its seaside counterpart of Split. If you’re looking to soak up the sunshine, the warmest months in Dubrovnik are July and August, which coincide with the peak tourist season. Dubrovnik boasts plenty of things to do, so regardless of the temperature or time of year there will be plenty to keep you occupied!

Split Weather

The weather in Split ranges from average high temperatures of 29.8 degrees celsius in July and August, to an average minimum temperature of 17.4 degrees in the pre and post season months of April and October. The weather in Split doesn’t differ too much from the national average temperatures, and is quite warm and pleasant throughout the summer months.

The weather in Croatia is as varied as our Croatia Cruises with something for everyone and every budget. Whatever time you decide to visit, you will still see and enjoy the beauty of Croatia whether you prefer the hotter or milder climate! If you’re heading to Croatia for a holiday, why not learn all about money in Croatia and check out our Guide to Croatia Currency?

Weather in Croatia in April

The weather in April is mild and pleasant, signifying the start of the tourist season with our ships starting to depart weekly. Temperatures rise to a pleasant level during the day, winds are milder and rain decreases overall, making it the perfect time to set sail on a Cycle Croatia Cruise. April is an optimal time to visit as the weather is fairly consistent and the tourist season hasn’t yet reached its peak. Daily average temperatures are 13°C in April, can reach a high of 17°C and only dip as low as around 11°C.

Average sunshine hours are almost 13 hours at the beginning of the month, increasing to 14 by the end. If you’re a swimmer, it might be too early to hit the beaches but you can be sure of many warm sunny days to soak up the sun on the deck on your ship.

Weather in Croatia in May

The weather in May is starting to get warmer as tourists and locals alike begin to soak up the outdoor lifestyle Croatia is famous for. During May, the towns and ports are filling up with tourists, restaurants and bars begin to come alive, museums open and extend their hours, and the weather triumphs it all by warming up considerably.

Average temperatures reach a very pleasant high of around 23°C and reach a low of a very manageable 15°C. The amount of sunshine per day in May is about an average of 14 and a half hours. Over the course of May, the amount increases about 1 hour.

Even with the warmer weather, the average rainfall during May is around 75mm over 10 days, so although it is likely to be generally dry and warm, there is still a risk of showers during your trip. We highly recommend that you pack something waterproof just in case. The average sea temperature during May is 18°C, so the braver among you may be tempted to head out for a swim – and for those of you who aren’t, the bars are always warm and inviting!

Weather in Croatia in June

The weather in June sets the tone for the oncoming peak season in July. The sun is gradually becoming warmer, more so than May, and the days reach delightful highs.

Daily average temperatures in June are about 22°C, highs reaching up to 27°C and lows plummeting to about 19°C. Over the course of the month, the hours of sunshine remain pretty constant, with an average of about 15 hours per day. In June the summer solstice occurs, where the shortest day of the month is the 1st with 15.06 hours of daylight and the longest being June 21 receiving 15.20 hours of daylight. In terms of rainfall, it’s quite sparse with the average amount only 75mm over 6 days, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be getting wet from precipitation during this month. Instead, you can expect dry, warm and glorious weather.

With the average sea temperature in June around 22°C, you’re likely to be in the water more often than not, so don't forget to pack your swimwear!

Weather in Croatia in July

Sunscreen at the ready – July in Croatia is extremely hot and dry, and typically the hottest month of the year with average daily temperatures reaching around 30°C and only go as low as 22°C. July is well and truly into peak season and it’s no surprise as to why. July arguably delivers the ‘best weather’ and certainly channels the Mediterranean climate. Sea temperatures rise to a beautiful 25°C which attracts travellers near and far. The weather in July see’s even islands like Hvar and Korčula receiving the most hours of sunlight!

This is when you really want to pack your beachwear and swimwear and enjoy the Croatian coast!

Weather in Croatia in August

The weather in August is extremely hot and dry. August is typically the hottest month of the year and also brings the warmest sea waters of the year which is typically around 25°C. During August, the days are generously long and there is, on average, 14 and half hours of sunshine daily. With extended longevity of sunlight, sunsets are also much later and tend to set from 8pm onwards - so enjoy all of your blissfully sunny hours!

Overall, the daily average temperature sits at 25°C with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Chances of precipitation are about 25% on average and is fairly consistent over the month.

Weather in Croatia in September

The weather in September is still extremely warm from the summertime, although it is usually much wetter than July and August. It’s generally a good time to visit if you’re thinking about joining on an Elegance Croatia Cruise as many of the 18-35year olds have vacated the ports for the season. The water is still pleasantly warm for swimming, and the restaurants and bars are yours for the taking given the sparse crowds!

September’s average daily temperatures range from 18-24°C, with the highest still a lovely 25°C and the lowest temperature reaching around 18°C. Despite being a shoulder month for the travel season, September sea temperatures average at around 23°C making it ideal beach weather. The coastal breeze will keep you comfortably cool through September, although it is still recommended that you cover yourself in light clothing. You will find yourself in t-shirts, shorts and sandals during September so sunscreen with a high SPF is essential to avoid the autumn sun!

Weather in Croatia in November

Throughout November, watch the colours of Croatia shift into warm autumn hues across the country with dynamic seasonal changes. November begins to see a drop in temperatures but there isn’t a stark difference from October. The daily temperatures average around 16°C which is still pleasant enough to enjoy exploring, however there is a significant drop in daylight hours. With 9 available hours of sun, the amount of sunlight drops and averages anywhere from 5-7 hours.

Lows can drop to around 10°C which is a noticeable change from the previous month and a decent jacket is advisable for the evenings. Despite this, November in Croatia, especially along the coast, is quite warm compared to mainland Europe with sunny days sprinkled throughout the month and highs potentially reaching 17°C. November is also Croatia’s wettest month with 198mm of rain falling over 16 days and an umbrella on hand is recommended if you’re planning to take in the sites.

Surprisingly, the sea temperature doesn’t drop too significantly throughout November, averaging around 18°C, whilst it’s no-where near close to early autumn temperatures, it’s not uncommon to find those taking a dip at the beach! Don’t be too surprised that you may need both a warm jacket and a bathing suit in November! Regardless of when you decide to travel, we recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip.