The best time to visit Croatia
The best time to visit Croatia for warm, sunny weather is May to August, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 81/100 with daytime highs around 26°C / 79°F. April and September are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 5 months a year, warmest in July at 27°C.
Croatia by month, averaged across 6 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 8° / 46°F | 92 mm | 14° | Poor |
| February | 10 | 9° / 48°F | 97 mm | 13° | Poor |
| March | 30 | 13° / 55°F | 83 mm | 14° | Mixed |
| April | 57 | 17° / 63°F | 73 mm | 16° | Very good |
| May | 78 | 21° / 70°F | 78 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| June | 80 | 26° / 79°F | 64 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| July | 84 | 29° / 84°F | 47 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 81 | 29° / 84°F | 59 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| September | 72 | 24° / 75°F | 108 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| October | 66 | 19° / 66°F | 102 mm | 21° | Very good |
| November | 36 | 14° / 57°F | 131 mm | 18° | Mixed |
| December | 14 | 10° / 50°F | 112 mm | 15° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: May to August — Croatia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 81/100, ~26°C / 79°F days). Shoulder season: April and September — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~29°C / 84°F. Wettest: November (131 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Split (2,559 h/yr), Dubrovnik (2,534 h/yr), Pula (2,419 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Croatia month by month, the hottest places in Croatia, or every Croatia destination with a full climate card.