At a glance
Croatia has two different climates. On the coast, the climate is Mediterranean: winters are pleasant and summers are hot. Further inland, winters are very cold and summers are hot and stormy. The best time to visit Croatia is between May and September: the weather is glorious and the sea is warm enough for swimming. For those who don't like crowds, avoid the touristic coast during July and August. And beware of the wind throughout the year!
Istria
Discover Istria, with its plains sheltering pretty little villages and charming hotels. You can enjoy delicious food and choose between the lively touristic coast and the quieter places inland. Go in April when asparagus is harvested, in July and August for the many music and arts festivals or
in September for … the white truffle season. You read right! A real treat.
Kvarner
A real tourist destination:
the climate is pleasant and the countryside is wonderful. You can relax on the beach but you must visit the surrounding area: Volosko and the national parks of Ucka and Risnjak as well as the islands in the area, a paradise dotted with creeks. Go in January and February: it is carnaval time in Rijeka! In May and June you can watch the dolphins and in July and August you have the DJs festival, fashion week and other events in Rab.
Travel around the Croatian islands.
If you are planning to travel around the Croatian islands
the best time to go is summer to be sure of having glorious weather. You will discover Hvar, the most famous island in Croatia. The town is lively and the island wonderful but be warned: it is the most popular tourist destination. Vis island is more remote however and is ideal for avoiding the crowds. You will also discover the islands of Brac and Mljet. Finally, the island of Cres with its medieval villages, superb scenery and capital is well worth the visit.
Zagreb and the centre
The best time to visit Zagreb and the surrounding area is summer.
The fine weather starts in April and many festivals take place during June. You can go until October, as the weather will still be fine. Head for the capital city, a wonderful mix of architecture, culture and gastronomy. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town and stroll through its lively streets, then escape to bathe in Jarun Lake at the southwest edge of the town.
The East
In the east of the country ,
springtime is absolutely splendid: the time to visit is April and May. The festival season is from June to September and reveals many surprises, don't miss it! The days are shorter between October and March, but no worries: you can go throughout the year. You will discover a different culture, with a blend of Hungarian, Serbian and German influences. Osijek, the largest town in the region, will inspire you with its river course and you won't forget the wetlands of Kopacki Rit.
Dalmatia
The best time to visit Dalmatia is in April and May. You will love the panoramic views of this wonderful region and enjoy walking around the Paklenica parks and the Plitvice lakes. Go to Zadar, the very lively main town. Dalmatia is the region with the most popular tourist sites in Croatia. You will enjoy it! And what about Dubrovnik ? You will love it, and here you can swim up until October ! Go in April and May for walking, and in June and July for the famous Children's Festival. Don't miss the many music festivals in August and September.
