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Best time to visit Croatia

Croatia calling? Here's when to go.
Not only is it the driest part of the year in Croatia, but at this time, temperatures hover between 24 and 31 degrees. The coastal country also laps up an impressive 10 hours of sunshine a day. And while these months are great if you want to bask in the sunshine, beaches are only part of the deal on a holiday to Croatia. It’s also home to terracotta-topped cities, tree-blanketed national parks and historic sights.

Once you’ve decided when to go, start planning your trip and check out our last-minute deals on Croatia holidays.

BEST TIME FOR BEACHES

Croatia’s hemmed by the Adriatic Coast, so standout beaches are part of the package. And they’re not limited to the mainland, either – you’ll find plenty of sandy spots on Croatia’s islands, which are scattered just off-shore. Beaches in Croatia come in all shapes and sizes – you’ve got the pick of iconic pebbly numbers, like Zlatni Rat Beach in Brac, and soft-sanded numbers on the island of Rab. If you’re heading on holiday to Croatia in search of a healthy glow, summer’s the best time to go to the coast. The warm, dry weather in the months of July and August is perfect for sunbathing by the sea – which by the way, is as clear in real life as it looks on postcards.

Book your time in the sun on Brac Island

BEST TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING

Just like the beaches, Croatia’s terracotta-topped cities bask in the summer sunshine. And as sought after as toasty temperatures are, they don’t make the best conditions for wandering around ticking off all the sights. The shoulder months of May and October offer up the kind of ‘just right’ weather that even goldilocks would approve of – not too hot and not too cold. The temperatures sit in the early 20s at this time of year, so you can explore the cobbled streets of Medieval Dubrovnik without breaking a sweat. Dubrovnik’s on the coast, too, so you’re never far from a refreshing swim in the sea.

Fancying ticking off Croatia’s top sights in one trip? Try a TUI Tour

BEST TIME FOR NATURE LOVERS

Croatia’s home to some of Mother Nature’s best work. Think bottle-green national parks and lakes that belong on travel magazine covers. To make the most of this natural beauty, plan your trip so you can travel in the autumn, when the temperatures are cooler and the woodland colours put on their best show with a palette of emerald greens and warm ambers. Krka National Park, near Sibenik, is perfect for hiking – en route, you’ll spot waterfalls with up to 17 cascades flowing between the tree-clad hills. Or try Plitvice Lakes National Park if you’re staying on the Istrian Riviera – here, there are 16 lakes to tick off.

Find out about the world’s best national parks – hint, Croatia’s got one of them…

BEST TIME FOR FESTIVALS

In recent years, Croatia’s music festival scene has been turning heads across Europe. So much so that partygoers scrabble for tickets to the likes of Ultra Europe, Soundwave and Hideout each summer. It’s only becoming more popular, too, with new musical festivals joining the ranks each year. Wondering when to book your break? The festival season in Croatia starts in June, or in May some years, and the beats carry on until mid-September – check the latest festival line-up.

Here’s everything you need to know about Croatia’s music festivals
Decided when to travel? Now it’s time to book your holiday to Croatia.

Plus, discover where to stay in Croatia and take a look at the beaches you just have to tick off while you’re there. Or, if you’re looking to get away in the winter instead, check out our very best winter holiday deals.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Danielle Penny

Last updated: 27.06.2019

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Destination

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