Travelers Guide For The Best Time to Visit Croatia

Here is the Best Time to Visit Croatia, Croatia is such a lovely country with a booming tourist industry for a nation so small. Considered to be one of the safest places to be in Eastern Europe, more than a few tourists visit Croatia at different times of the year. Therefore, when planning a trip to Croatia, it pays to know the best times to arrive for a visit if you want to make the most of your trip. Like any place you plan to visit away from home, knowing more about the times and seasons will help you know when to visit and when not to visit.

When planning a trip to Croatia, here are some factors to consider. First, to arrive at a suitable time, the area’s climate has to be recorded based on the geography, which is the Adriatic Coast of the country and the Inland regions.

Adriatic Coast

The Adriatic Coast of the country encounters mild winter months and very hot summers. When planning a trip, we would like to let you know that the best time to visit Croatia is between the months of May and June and September to October. During these two cycles, the weather is temperate and sunny. These are the period cycles when many are open to coming out and engaging in outdoor activities. Swimming and sunbathing are common during these times of the year.

Furthermore, it is also common for public spots to be empty during the months of July and August due to the heat, especially in the afternoon. Expect to find many of the locals outside the country at this time of the year, and this is the period when many of them take a vacation abroad to escape the heat. Therefore, resorts, parks, and pools, along with other tourist attractions, will be closed. The month of December is the month with the most rain.

Inland Croatia

The second region in the country is Inland Croatia. The temperature here is different from that of the Adriatic Coast. During winter, the weather here can be very cold, especially in highland areas, with daily temperatures hitting freezing levels. However, during spring, the weather is more temperate, with outdoor activities witnessing a spike like cycling, touring, and hiking. August is the month it rains the most.

When to Visit Croatia

What then is the best time to visit Croatia? First, we review the best times based on monthly cycles.

March/Mid-May

Spring is at its highest point in Mid-March and continues into May. At this time of the year, the weather is warm and dry. This is the best time to make a trip to Croatia because you will be safe and able to engage in outdoor activities. Vacation trips, hiking, touring, picnicking and cycling are common activities many engage in. The tourist industry is also less expensive at this time of the year, just before a spike in tourist entries.

Easter also occurs during this cycle and is an important festival for citizens. The islands of Hvar and Korcula are not left out of the Easter fever. The capital Zagreb also hosts the Music Biennale Festival every two years. Here, they showcase classic music by famous international artists. The month of April is also the best time to visit Croatia for the shoulder season. Bargain fees for flights and hotel rates are common at this time of the year.

Best time to visit Croatia in Summer

MayJune

The months of May and June are perfect for sunbathing because of the balmy temperature common at this time which ranges from 23-27 degrees Celsius in the coastal regions. Despite the moderate weather, many beaches are not as full as they should be. Then by late May, the weather warms up for swimming to be possible along the Dalmatian Coast. Outdoor activities are also more common because of the outdoor-friendly weather. If you visit Croatia this time of the year, you will enjoy your time out because public spots will not be too crowded.

JulyAugust

The months of July and August represent peak season in Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. This is a time when many foreigners visit Croatia to interact with the locals, enjoy the scenery and learn more about the area’s culture. In addition, you will enjoy the posh cafes and restaurants along the coast because the weather is more conducive due to the calming sea breeze. Moving inland, though, may be uncomfortable because of the soaring heat.

The peak season is also the best time to visit Croatia’s popular islands via ferries that transport people from the mainland. But expect to witness rising prices for just about anything you can think of due to high demand. In sharp contrast, inland cities tend to be less crowded with little social activities going on, which is the opposite of what is obtainable in the coastal areas. If you find yourself around the inland cities, this could be a good time to visit any of the national parks like Northern Velebit and Risnjak.

Autumn Visits

September – November

If you prefer vacationing in warm weather, the best time to visit Croatia is September. The weather is often warm so you can enjoy the beaches and sea life. Island hopping is also common at this time of the year for many tourists. Towards the end of November, many bars and restaurants begin to close up for the year in preparation for the winter season. Furthermore, autumn is also one of the quietest seasons. If your itinerary involves making trips to parks in the hinterland, autumn is the best time to travel to Croatia.

By October, the temperature around the Adriatic Coast gets slightly warmer, with the coastal towns becoming very quiet. This is the ideal time to also engage in watersports and other outdoor activities.

Winter Visits

November -February

As the year winds down to a close, Winter gradually sets on the Adriatic Coast. At this time of the year, you can go for urban sightseeing at any of the historical sites like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar. Another great benefit when you visit Croatia is that you get to enjoy cheaper hotel rates if you are in the Coastal region. While the coast is not too impacted by the winter, the inland areas are. Transportation disruptions are common during this time of the year; however, this is the time of the year when picturesque views come to life.

When to Visit Croatia for Festivals

If you plan to visit for their Festivals, you will have to plan your trip so that your arrival will coincide with the packed festival calendar. Croatia is blessed with a loaded calendar that includes beach parties, DJ events, art gatherings, and fairs. Then there are cultural events that take place in the capital during spring and autumn. Split, Rijeka and Dubrovnik are the places to be with almost every region having their own film and music events for music and drama lovers. At different times of the year, there are religious holidays and feasts you may want to enjoy during your stay as well.

Plan your trip based on the festival calendar

Cultural/Religious/Traditional Events

There are loads of events taking place all year round. Some of them are

February – Zagreb International documentary Film Festival

February/March – Carnival and masked processions all over the country

February/March – Shrove Tuesday

April – Easter Procession

July/August – Motovun film festival

June – Animafest

April -September – Animation Film Festival

April-September – Classical music biennale

May/June – Contemporary Dance Week

June – Split Summer Music and Theatre

July – Rab Fair medieval extravaganza

July/August – International Folklore Festival

Early July – Dubrovnik Summer Festival

July – Pula Film Festival

July – Omis Klapa Festival

July/August – St Donat Musical Evenings by classical musicians

July/August – Astav Cultural Summer of literary events

July/August – Osor Music Evenings

September – Festival of World Theatre

November – St. Martin’s Day

November – Zagreb Film Festival

December – Advent in Zagreb during Christmas

These are the months when festivals, events, and processions are held in Croatia, so if you plan to visit to enjoy any of these events, it will be in your best interest to visit when they are ongoing or about to start. In order not to miss any of the excitement, you may want to book your flight and hotel early before your trip. If you book early, you may be lucky to enjoy price discounts. Moreover, early bookings will help you avoid rushing in a desperate attempt to get the best rooms at hotels and seats at good restaurants.

Conclusion

Before you visit Croatia, bear in mind that the weather on the Adriatic Coast and the inland areas are not always the same. Furthermore, the population in one region may differ from the other region at certain times of the year. So if you want to visit, make sure that you plan your trip to coincide with the activities you will like to enjoy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post

Guide For The Best Time To Visit Egypt

Next Post

Travelers Guide For The Best Time to Travel to Puerto Rico