About 18.5 million people head to Croatia each year. These tourists spend a total of 102 million overnight stays.
If you want to visit this beautiful country, you need to know when the best time to visit is. This will help you make the most of your trip.
Use this guide to figure out the best time to visit Croatia.
Weather
If you want the best weather for your trip, then plan to go between April and September. It starts warming up in April, though it’s still too cool to swim.
Spring rains are also frequent. By May and June, the weather is at its warmest, and the days are the longest. September still has warm temperatures, but it won’t be as sweltering as July or August.
Cost
You’ll experience the highest prices in July and August. It’s not unusual to find room rates double the cost of what they are in the offseason. Your food and train costs should remain steady, though.
If you’re hoping to save but still want warm weather, try for April, May, and September. This will put you on the fringe of the tourist season.
Tourist Crowds
If you travel to Croatia in September through April, then you’ll experience minimal crowding. This is the offseason.
Knowing where to travel in Croatia can help you avoid the heaviest crowds in July and August. The coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik experience the heaviest crowding as tourists and locals head to the shore. You can avoid a bit of the crowding during this time by heading more inland.
Cultural Events
Cultural events happen year-round in Croatia, but the biggest festivals and public celebrations happen between April and August. You could attend the Contemporary Music Festival in April to kick the season off.
There’s a film festival in May that brings in filmmakers from all over the world. In June there’s the Pop Music Festival. July hosts a month-long Summer Music Festival. There are nightly concerts and outdoor performances for you to attend.
There are also several food, wine, and art festivals that happen throughout the country in the summer months.
Outdoor Activities
May and June are the best time to visit Croatia for outdoor activities. This is when the weather is warm, and the spring rains have subsided. The Adriatic waters are perfect for diving, swimming, waterskiing, and sailing.
There are eight national parks full of hiking forest trails for you to explore.
Choose the Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to visit Croatia will depend on what you want to do, where you want to go, and the budget you’re working with. If you’re going to spend your time by the coast or doing outdoor activities, then the warmest months are the ideal time.
However, if saving money or avoiding crowds is more important, then visiting in spring or fall is a better option.
Check out the Europe section of our blog for more helpful articles on planning your next trip.