Croatia is an Adriatic country located in South-East Europe.
It is a former Yugoslavian country known for its beautiful sea coastline and nearby islands.
It is a popular summer destination among the Balkan people, but it is also recognizable as a desirable holiday place all around Europe.
Tourism takes a big part in Croatia’s annual GDP, which means Croatia basically lives off it.
They take great pleasure in being hospitable and making sure you have a pleasurable stay during the holidays.
Croatia is a beautiful country to visit throughout the entire year.
Winters can be colder than you would probably expect.
Its capital Zagreb has a great Advent festival if you are planning to come during the Christmas holidays and spend New Year’s Eve there.
Croatia’s population is around four million citizens.
It borders Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Hungary.
It averages around 11 million visits a year, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Balkans.
Tourism is mostly based on the coastline and islands surrounding it.
Croatia also ranks the 23rd most popular destination in the world.
Croatia is usually divided into ten tourist areas depending on personal likings and aspirations during the stay.
Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Šibenik are the most popular cities of the Dalmatia region.
Dubrovnik is known as the pearl of the Adriatic and is a worldwide known city.
It gained great popularity after one of the greatest HBO shows of all time aired.
Game of thrones made Dubrovnik a true tourist place and fans of the show are usually dying to visit King’s Landing.
Šibenik is best known for the 189 islands surrounding it, along with many other beautiful sites.
Vransko lake is also very popular with tourists visiting Šibenik.
Split is known for its beautiful mountains surrounding the coastline.
Electronic music lovers should be familiar with Ultra festival, one of the greatest EDM festivals in Europe, which takes place in Split.
Zadar is a 3000-year-old city recognized for Pag island.
It is known for local food such as cheese and liquor made of local Maraska sour cherry.
What to know before visiting Croatia?
Croatia is a member of the European Union since 2014.
It also became a part of the Schengen zone at the beginning of 2023 and its currency switched from ‘Kuna’ to the euro.
It is the 127th country in the world when it comes to size.
Croatia has 11 nature parks, eight national parks, and two nature reserves.
People are kind and welcoming, especially when it comes to the Dalmatia region. Croatia has over 1.200 islands and a lot of them are able reached by boat with them being close to the seacoast.
Croatian people like to drink and are known for great wines and beer.
With alcohol, there is always music. For example, the famous Dalmatian Klapa singing is under UNESCO protection.
The weather in Croatia is determined by three territories.
The first one is the climate of Istria, which is a mild and usually rainy one, which includes the seacoast and local islands.
The second one is the climate of the Dinaric Alps, which is cold and recognized as a skiing location during winter.
The third one is the continental climate characteristic of the central area.
Croatian cuisine is a classical Mediterranean food with a lot of natural ingredients, fruits, and vegetables.
Balkan people, including Croatians, like to drink and dine well, so prepare yourself for a lot of homemade meals full of seafood, wine, and liquor.
Croatia is also known for its different types of beers which are popular all over the country.
If you truly want to experience Croatian cuisine you should befriend a local and find out their restaurant recommendations.
Best places to visit
Krka National Park – it is a protected nature area located in Central Dalmatia.
The National park itself is famous for its stunning scenery and breathtaking waterfalls.
It is a common and crowded tourist destination during the summer season and it is very easy to access.
Tourists often travel by bus or car from nearby cities such as Split.
There are a lot of secret trails that lead to natural water pools and other beautiful locations.
Korčula – Croatian island located around 50 kilometers from the Croatian seacoast.
It is possible to get there by boat and book your holiday stay. It is known as the birthplace of the famous traveler and merchant Marco Polo.
This beautiful island off the Croatian coast offers great scenery. It is known for great wine and olive oil, as well as sandy white beaches and green forests.
Islands tend to be more expensive in Croatia so make sure to check prices before you book your trip.
Pula – City located on the Istra peninsula.
Many great musicians held concerts in the famous Pula Arena and that hasn’t changed in years.
Many describe Pula as a vibrant city, with great nightlife and a host to a big Film festival in July.
Zadar – City located on the northern Dalmatian Coast.
Zadar is known for its 3000-year-old tradition and history, sightseeing attractions, and famous tourist places in Old Town.
It is also famous for its beaches and long promenade.
You can have a swim and learn new water sports.
Split – The second largest city in Croatia is a popular tourist destination.
It is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most visited cities during the summer season.
Split is known for its historical and cultural heritage but also for sports purposes. If you want to watch a good soccer game, you should visit the nearby Poljud stadium.
If you like seafood and great wine and liquors, you should definitely visit Split.
Plitvice national park – The national park is considered of 16 interconnected lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.
Visitors can explore Plitvice by foot or by boat and find the most outstanding scenery and wildlife in Croatia.
It is best to see for yourself and experience such beauty first-hand.
Hvar – an outstanding Croatian island close to the Dalmatian coast.
It is recognized for its food and quality wine, as well as beautiful beaches and nature. Just like every other Croatian city or island, Hvar offers a rich cultural and historical setting.
Hvar is also praised for its nightlife and clubbing scene, especially during the summer season.
Dubrovnik – Famous King’s Landing or Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a very popular tourist place in Croatia.
Its old city is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the entire Balkans. Besides Old town, Dubrovnik is known for stunning beaches that are packed during summer.
Since the debut of Game of Thrones, one of the most popular HBO series, Dubrovnik has become a world tourist center.
Dubrovnik is also known for its great food and drinks, especially seafood and local wines.
What to wear in January?
The weather in January is mostly cold and usually windy.
Depending on the part of the country you are going to visit, you should pack winter clothes alongside warm and cozy scarves, hats, and gloves.
Hotels at the seacoast are usually closed in January. Croatia in January is considered a winter sports center.
The country itself is recognized in the skiing world for famous ski racer Janica Kostelić.
Croatia’s ski centers are smaller in size and cheaper which makes it a great destination to spend winter holidays.
Depending on the part of the country, you should prepare yourself for colder weather.
In mountains is snowing, and the average temperature in the seacoast goes around 10 degrees Celsius.
It is considered a cold and rainy period in Croatia and generally all Balkans, which means you should pack warm clothes and an umbrella for sure.
What to wear in February?
Croatia in February is a very affordable destination to travel to.
If you are European you should know that many low-cost airlines such as Wizzair and Ryanair offer good deals and cheap flights to Zagreb, which is Croatia’s capital.
Zagreb is usually cold during February, as it averages 7 degrees Celsius, compared to Šibenik, which is more to the South of the country, where the average temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius.
Also, it is possible to snow in the northern area of Croatia, following very cold and windy weather. That means you should pack warm and cozy clothes, such as jackets, hoodies, and jumpers.
It can get pretty windy in February which means you should not forget to bring scarves and gloves.
Flying with low-cost airlines usually means cheap flights but very little baggage, which can be a problem if you plan on visiting during February.
That means you should consider adding extra luggage so you make sure you do not miss anything during the trip.
What to wear in March?
There is a slight change in temperature in March as spring is approaching.
It gets warmer and the average temperature in Zagreb, which is in the North, is around 12 degrees Celsius, while Šibenik averages around 19 degrees Celsius.
It is a good time to take long walks on the seacoast as it is usually sunny during March.
The summer tourist season is not at its start in March, which means most hotels are closed, but if you want to make a one-day trip to see the beautiful Croatian coast, you should definitely do it because it is worth the travel.
You should bring warm clothes you can layer, alongside fashionable accessories and shoes, mostly boots or sneakers if you plan some outdoor activities.
Also, you should consider making a trip to beautiful Dubrovnik during this month and experience the true King’s Landing vibe it offers on TV screens.
What to wear in April?
The weather in April is quite moody and depends on the destination. It can be rainy or perfectly sunny within hours.
In Zagreb, the average temperature during this month goes around 16 degrees Celsius, while the warmest part is the Šibenik area with an average of 23 degrees Celsius.
You should consider wearing layers of clothes, according to the city you plan on visiting.
It is mostly sunny during April, but you should prepare for occasional rain. Bring warmer clothes, including colorful jackets and coats, long sleeve shirts, and fashionable pants.
You might still need some winter shoes such as boots in April, even though it is getting much warmer than in March.
On average, there are around ten rainy days during April, which means that if you mind getting a little wet you should plan your trip to Croatia from May to September.
What to wear in May?
May is a perfect month to plan your visit to Croatia. It is usually very sunny and has little to no rain.
It is also a good month to visit the seacoast as hotels are reopening and the prices don’t go very high.
This pre-season month is great for cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik, as it is sunny and perfect for daily outdoor activities.
There is also less crowded in comparison to summer months like July and August, which makes it a perfect time to visit Croatia.
You should pack layering clothes, including sneakers and tennis shoes if you are interested in long walks by the beach or some other type of outdoor activities.
Weather change in May is announcing that summer is officially coming, so you should prepare yourself for often changes in temperature or some type of rain in advance.
You will probably be able to go for a swim at some point in the month due to sunny weather which means you must pack a bathing suit.
It is mostly sunny in all parts of Croatia during this month of the year so you should pack colorful and loose clothes so you can snatch a good photo for your Instagram and other social media.
What to wear in June?
If you plan on visiting Croatia, June is the perfect month for it.
With the upcoming summertime, temperatures rise but it is still not extremely hot as in July or August.
The average temperature goes from 16 to 28 degrees Celsius depending on the area.
It is the beginning of the peak of tourist season in Croatia so you should pay attention to special hotel deals and offers and find the cheapest and most efficient solution for your travel.
You must pack sun protection, hats, sunglasses, and anti-mosquito sticks.
Also, you should pay attention and try to stay hydrated during your stay.
Very warm weather is expected in southern areas by the seacoast.
You should not expect much rain because June is a rather dry month of the year.
Also, do not forget to pack your swimsuits and bikinis because it is a great opportunity to go for a swim or maybe try some water sports.
What to wear in July?
Croatia probably gets the most tourists during July and August because of the great weather conditions.
For example, the average maximum temperature in Zagreb is around 27 degrees Celsius which makes it a great month of the year for planning your trip.
It is also the most crowded during these two months so you should pay attention to that when booking.
July is considered the peak month of the year, especially when it comes to the seacoast and island areas.
For example, in Zagreb, the minimum night-time temperature drops to 22 degrees Celsius, which means you should also pack a light hoodie in case it gets chilly in the evenings.
July is a perfect month for beach getaways and experiencing your dream holiday.
It is also one of the warmest months of the year so do not bother packing layers of clothes.
You should consider bringing dresses, t-shirts, crop tops, basically, everything you wear during the summer so you can achieve the ever-loving beachy glam look.
What to wear in August?
August is considered one of the two hottest months of the year in Croatia.
It is also the peak summer season and a very popular time of the year for making your trip to this Adriatic country.
Zagreb averages around 27 degrees Celsius, whereas Split in the south of Croatia averages around 30 degrees Celsius.
August is a great month to visit Croatia if you do not mind a little crowd.
There is almost no rain during this month when it comes to the seacoast and local islands so make sure you book your trip on time.
You should pack loose clothes made of natural materials.
Don’t forget to bring bathing suits, accessories, jewelry, and beach clothes to complete your summer look during your holiday in Croatia.
You should also pack sunscreen and something to fight the mosquitos off.
What to wear in September?
September is a post-season month of the year when you can grab great booking deals and plan your trip.
It is also less crowded compared to July or August.
The average minimum temperature goes around 16 degrees Celsius, and the average maximum one is around 25 degrees Celsius.
The Adriatic Sea is still warm which means you can enjoy it on the beach without feeling hot or getting too sunburnt.
On the other hand, you should always have sun protection by your side, a good amount of water, and other refreshers.
Restaurants and bars are still open and ready to serve you the national cuisine.
You should pack light clothes, shorts, sandals, and preferably some kind of special sports shoes if you plan on running or hiking.
Also, it is recommended to pack something like a hoodie in case evenings get a bit colder than usual.
You should always have in your mind that some rain is possible to occur, but it is compared to the usual summer rains that are not making a huge difference in air and sea temperature.
You should be fine with packing dresses, blouses, and other clothes of such kind.
What to wear in October?
The average minimum temperature in October is around 14 and the average maximum temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius which means it is still fair to say that Croatia is warm during this month.
The weather can change over the month which means you should definitely check the weather forecast before booking your trip to Croatia in October.
Hotels are starting to shut down as the summer season approaches to end, but you should be able to book your visits in the first half of October.
Post-season deals are much cheaper than ones in July and August and you can have the same fun and enjoyment without the well-known crowds.
You should pack layering clothes depending on the area of your stay.
It is also a month when you can expect some rain from time to time or some serious cloudy and rainy days as the month comes to an end.
On the other hand, if you catch the sun you shouldn’t worry about getting a cold if you choose to go for a swim.
What to wear in November?
November sparks in true fall colors as it approaches after the sunny, warm days.
It is known for a month of the rainy season, which means that summer vacations are finally over in Croatia, and being replaced with winter ones.
The average temperature during the day is around 16 degrees Celsius, and you can also expect some rain.
That means that you should also pack an umbrella among coats, jackets, cardigans, and shirts.
The minimum average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius which is just a way of saying that you need to pack warmer clothes and find a cozy place to drink your warm coffee or tea in Croatia.
Despite having almost 16 rainy days in November, Croatia’s seacoast is still a warm place to go for relaxing walks.
Even though it is much colder compared to September and October, the sea temperature is still around 18 degrees Celsius, which means that you shouldn’t necessarily say no to a swim.
To conclude, you should pack different types of clothes and November isn’t the easiest to pack for in Croatia.
It may happen that you would want to go for a swim during the day, and then change into warmer clothes and jackets so you do not catch a cold.
Always make sure you travel under health insurance, and check your medications before booking a trip.
What to wear in December?
December is a typical winter month in Croatia.
Although it is a very beautiful country to spend your Christmas holidays in, you should beware of the cold temperatures, occasional rain, and cold winds.
Zagreb is famous for its Advent time of the year which makes it a great Christmas holiday destination.
Many young travelers choose to spend New Year’s Eve in the capital of Croatia because it is a fun, vibrant clubbing spot.
On average, the minimum temperature in Zagreb is around 5 degrees Celsius, which means that you should pack winter clothes, thick jackets, and cozy cardigans.
On the other hand, mild temperatures and weather can be found for example in Dubrovnik, a city that averages 14 degrees Celsius.
The coldest city during December is for sure Zagreb, which means you should also prepare yourself for potential snowing and ice.
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