Best Time to Visit Croatia

Summer can be the best time to visit Croatia as the weather remains ideal for sightseeing, hiking, swimming and all other enthralling activities.

Croatia is known for its unspoilt natural hot spots, unearthly pebbled beaches and historical cities. Nevertheless, before setting out for the country, you need to know the best possible time when you can enjoy all the outdoor activities comfortably.

Summer Season

• Time Period: June to September
• Temperature range: 21 to 26 degree Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 76 mm

June to September is the best time to visit Croatia. You get bright, sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and clear skies during this time. As a result, you can easily travel to attractive places in Croatia, including its mesmerising beaches, mountains, waterfalls, national parks etc.

Summer is also the peak time when you can see a crowd in almost every tourist destination in Croatia. Both locals and tourists all over the world hit the alluring sea beaches at this time. Other beautiful places in Croatia that you must visit to quadruple your summertime trip enjoyment are Lastovo Island, Vis Island, Cres Island, Peljesac peninsula, etc. The impeccable beauty, comfortable weather and tranquil breezes of these places will be rich feasts for all your senses.

Following are some of the joyful activities you can take part in to make your visit to Croatia thrilling:

1. Take a walk in Dubrovnik, the World Heritage Site, to explore its defensive wall, mediaeval towers, fortresses and canons.

2. Enjoy water sports and relish local seafood in Hvar Town

3. Explore the rich flora and fauna of Croatia in Plitvice Lakes National Park

4. Cruise on a boat along the spectacular Dalmatian Island

5. Go for parasailing in Cavtat

6. Witness lavender harvesting in Hvar

Spring Season

• Time Period: March to May
• Temperature range: 3 to 21 degree Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 75 mm

The comfortable weather and the fresh beauty of nature make Spring the second-best time to visit Croatia. During this time, nature awakens from the long slumber of winter. The sweet bird song, colourful blossoms and fresh leaves adorn the country with unearthly beauty.

In the welcoming weather of spring, you can engage in outdoor activities and explore the country comfortably. Some of the best tourist destinations in Croatia that you will enjoy the most during this season are picturesque islands Hvar, Korčula, Brač, Mijet, Cres islands and associated beaches. If you plan well, you can also take part in the wine/oyster festival and Easter celebrations.

To make your journey more rejuvenating and worth remembering, engage in the following activities:

1. Visit the Krka National Park to see Croatian flora and fauna

2. Stroll through Dubrovnik, the mediaeval town, to explore its grand palaces, forts and architectural wonders

3. Visit the ancient Trsat Castle and Gospa Trsat church in Rijeka

4. Take a hot spring bath in Tuhelj

5. Go water surfing at Zlatni Rat beach

6. Hike the Medvednica mountain to enjoy some quiet time in the lap of nature

7. Explore the remnants of the 2nd century B.C. Greek colony at Split

Winter Season

• Time Period: December to February
• Temperature range: -1 to 5 degree Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 100 mm

December to February is the lean season in the tourism and hospitality sectors of Croatia. Since the weather is near freezing, you may face difficulties going outside. The risk of hypothermia also prevails. This is why, when visiting the country this season, you also need to carry the additional load of thermal inner wear, winter vests, jackets, etc.

Moreover, you cannot also negate the chances of occasional rain, which can hamper your trip experience. However, if you are ready to bear all these inconveniences, you can witness the extraordinarily surreal view of snow peaks and frozen lakes. This is also the peak time for harvesting juicy mandarins. The hot spa during this chilly weather will also bring you unforgettable delight.

Autumn (September to November) is the shoulder season for tourism in Croatia and will be the best time to visit Croatia for budget travellers. You can grab discounts on the cost of booking hotels and flight tickets.

Nevertheless, the low price does not mean you have to compromise with sightseeing. Bright sunshine, clear blue sky and the comfortable temperature of 4 - 22 degrees Celsius makes the weather perfect for exploring the rich beauty of Croatia.

Here are a few aspects about Croatia that you need to know before visiting it:

• Drinking in public places is illegal and can attract fines.
• While visiting churches, you need to cover your shoulders and bare thighs. Also, you need to ensure that you have taken off your hats.
• Croatian roads can be difficult for you to drive owing to frequent cliffs and blind corners.
• Public transportation in Croatia is inexpensive. The vehicles also are clean.
• Croatians understand English fluently, especially in major economic hubs. Still, it is better if you learn some basic local phrases.
• You may find cobblestone roads in most places. This kind of road may damage the wheel of your luggage bags. This is why you need to ensure that your bag is light and you can easily carry it on your back.
• You need to dial 112 for your general emergencies, 194 for local ambulance service and 192 for contacting police.
• Tap water in the country is safe to drink.

Follow these basic tips to remember before embarking on your visit to Croatia to make the journey hassle-free:

• Research about Croatia's tourist places before setting out for those destinations.
• Keep all your documents, including visa, passport and government identity cards handy on your journey.
• Sanitise your hands before eating.
• Carry mosquito repellent and apply it as necessary.
• Refrain from drinking and smoking in public.
• Know the contact details of the Indian Embassy in Croatia.
• Keep your international trip protected with a travel insurance policy.
• Book your flight ticket and hotel in advance to enjoy a concessional price.

Here are some of the common Croatian phrases that you need to know to communicate with local people for basic things:

• Hello – Bok 
• Good Morning - Dobro jutro
• Thank you - Hvala
• How are you? - Kako ste?
• Goodbye – Doviđenja
• Yes/ No – Da/ne
• Excuse me – Oprostite
• Do you speak English? - Govorite li engleski?
• How much is this? - Koliko ovo košta?
• Where is toilet? - Gdje je toalet?

Now, after knowing the best time to visit Croatia, you can plan out your journey, make a budget and book your tickets accordingly. Nevertheless, before setting out for the international trip, you also need to ensure that the trip is covered with a travel insurance plan. It will help you get financial immunity against the expenses incurred due to emergency accidental/medical treatment. The policy also gives coverage for your financial loss owing to accidental disability/death, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, etc.