When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?
Whether you plan on visiting the more mountainous interior of the country, the Adriatic coast, or even better – both, it’s important to know what to expect on your luxury vacation in Croatia. See below for information on the four seasons.
- Spring (March – May): Spring is pretty mild in Croatia. Any snow on the ground begins to melt in March, and you can expect the average daytime temperature to be around 50°F. If you appreciate flowers, April is a fantastic month to visit Croatia. By late May, the weather is almost warm enough (average daytime high of 70°F) to begin to enjoy the coast and the islands. Although if you’re set on swimming when the sea is warmest, you’ll want to visit in the summer.
- Summer (June – August): July and August are the busiest months, and you can expect island hopping to be in full swing at this time. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle (although things will be busy in Dubrovnik) consider visiting in June when the average daily temperature is around 78°F. By the end of August, the average daily temperature is in the mid-80°s and reservations are a must because everyone and their mother are out making the most of what’s left of summer.
- Autumn (September- November): We recommend visiting in September if you want to pay shoulder-season rates and still be able to swim in the sea. October and November are cooler (expect temperatures to be in the 60°s and 50°s) and many of the coastal properties close for the season. These months are a great time to explore the cities which are filled with neat cafes, galleries, and shops. It’s worth noting that fall is harvest season so expect to find the tastiest citrus, grapes and olives.
- Winter (December – February): Rain along the coast is common during winter, while snow is common in the interior. January is chilly with average daily temperatures ranging from 37°F in Zagreb to 52°F in Dubrovnik, but there couldn’t be a better month for hitting up the country’s ski areas. In February, the country goes all out to celebrate Carnival and there is never a shortage of parties to join. That said, we recommend reserving a hotel room in advance if you’re planning on visiting during Carnival week. Temperatures may be lower, but so are prices, so don’t write off a winter vacation to Croatia!
What to Pack for your Croatia Vacation
Obviously, what you end up packing will depend on when you plan on traveling, but below are three things that you should pack for your Croatia luxury travel vacation, regardless of when you visit!
1. Electrical Converter
The voltage in Croatia is 220 whereas it’s 120 in the U.S. so if you plan on packing electronics, you’ll need to pack accordingly. This means that you may need an electrical converter in addition to the outlet adapter that you’ll need (outlets in Croatia have the standard Continental Europe two-pin plug). It all depends on what you plan on plugging in and if it works universally in the U.S. and Europe. Read your product manuals-especially if it’s an electric shaver or hair dryerand unless you want to replace an electronic, err on the side of caution!
2. Dramamine
It’s hard to visit this coastal country without traveling by boat. Whether you’re taking a public ferry or island hopping via a chartered boat, you may want to pack Dramamine to combat the possibility of motion sickness.
3. Comfortable Footwear
No one likes sand in their socks, so flip flops and/or sandals are a must for the beach. If you’re planning on exploring the cities and villages, pack close-toed shoes like tennis shoes or hiking boots. Finally, for nights when you want to dress up, keep in mind that many streets are cobblestone so consider packing flats instead of heels.
Travel Tips for Visiting Croatia
When it comes to travel tips, sharing is caring, so we’re happy to pass on a few pointers on how you can best experience Croatia.
1. Best Bar in Dubrovnik
Care to have a beer while gazing at the deep blue sea? Then you’ll want to hit up this bar which is found in the cliffs in the old town area of Dubrovnik. It’s called Buza (meaning ‘hole’ in Croatian), and you enter through a small door in the seaward-facing city walls. If you decide to climb down the rocks and go for a dip, do it before you order your drink!
2. Slow down and Sip
Croatians love their ‘kava’ a.k.a. coffee. They drink it all day, and it’s a beloved ritual that is much more like an art form than a quick caffeine pick-me-up. To blend in with the locals, have a seat in a ‘kafic’ a.k.a. cafe, sip your brew and partake in the people-watching. Do so as if you have all the time in the world it’s what the Dalmatians do!
3. Suit up in the South
Yes, Croatia has plenty of nude beaches, but the southern beaches tend to be more modest, so keep that in mind before you drop your top!
