THE SEASON AHEAD
We’re now in the peak summer season in Croatia, and the country is shining in all its glory. The deep blue waters of the Adriatic glitter in the sunshine, and the Dalmatian coast comes into its own as a glorious natural playground. You can enjoy its wonders from a boutique hotel base on one of the islands, or as part of a luxury yacht cruise. Back on dry land, outdoor dining and drinks carry on late into the evening in places like Split and Hvar, and the atmosphere is always lively.
The arrival of September is always a time I look forward to. Many of the peak summer visitors start returning home, but the days are still usually very warm and sunny – and the waters are perfect for swimming! As September progresses into October, there is still plenty to enjoy in Croatia. The harvest brings tempting ingredients to restaurant menus, such as truffle inspired dishes from Istria. And even on cooler days, time exploring the historic wonders of Dubrovnik and Split is always well-spent.
Clare –July 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
The best time to visit Croatia is between May and October. So much of the country’s beauty is appreciated by being outdoors; the drier weather and longer, sunny days of this season therefore allow you to experience the country in all its glory. This is also the time of year with the most international flights to Croatia.
May and June are the start of the summer season in Croatia. There may still be occasional rain showers, and evenings can sometimes feel cooler (particularly in May), but daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm – 22C – 26C on average (72F – 79F). This is glorious weather for hiking and e-biking in rural areas, which are alive in shades of green and colourful wildflowers. You can also enjoy long leisurely lunches al fresco, and explore the cultural treasures of Dubrovnik and Split with fewer visitors than during the peak months.
July and August are the height of the summer season in Croatia, and this is the most popular time of year to visit. Warm sunny days are in abundance, and calm waters deliver perfect conditions for island hopping, time on the beach, or a luxury yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast. Average temperatures sit between 26C – 32C (79F – 90F) depending on where you are in Croatia, but there are plenty of opportunities to cool down in the sparkling Adriatic waters.
The late summer and early autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Croatia. The sea is at its warmest meaning you can spend plenty of time in the calm, clear waters of the Dalmatian Coast. A private yacht or gulet charter is an excellent way to experience this, as you can access the best places for swimming and snorkelling without having to cross sometimes pebbly beaches. You can also dry off quickly in the late summer sunshine – temperatures can still peak at around 28C / 82F in September. October sees the gradual arrival of cooler temperatures, but there are still many mild days. Croatia’s historic cities will once again feel quieter, and there is plenty of activity around the wine harvest in both September and October.
Where are the best places to visit in Croatia?
With countless attractions on both the mainland and Croatia’s many islands, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start when planning a holiday to Croatia. If you are visiting the country for the first time, some of the key highlights to consider include:
- Dubrovnik – Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is a city of extraordinary presence, where limestone streets and towering medieval walls meet the shimmer of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik's baroque churches, shuttered palaces, and elegant piazzas echo centuries of maritime power and cultural exchange. Walk the fortified city walls for arresting views over terracotta rooftops and quiet coves, and discover hidden stairways leading to sea-facing cafés carved into the cliffs. Despite its popularity, Dubrovnik retains a powerful sense of place, and our expert local guides will help you delve deeper into the city’s wonders.
- Split – With both cultural treasures and irresistibly easy access to the islands of the Dalmatian Coast, it is no surprise that Split is one of Croatia’s most visited destinations. No matter how busy the city is when you visit, it is impossible not to be struck by the grandeur of the Diocletian Palace, one-time residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The Palace has the feel of both an open-air museum and a walled, living city, where local people still live and work in its maze of medieval alleyways. Venturing out towards the Riva, Split’s elegant seafront promenade, the city’s dual identity as gateway to the Dalmatian Coast becomes immediately apparent.
- Dalmatian Coast – Stretching over 350 miles from Zadar in the north to the border with Montenegro in the south, the Dalmatian Coast is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. The section of coastline between Split and Dubrovnik is particularly rewarding, as this is where you will find some of Croatia’s most picturesque and accessible islands. Each have their own distinctive character, but common attractions include crystal-clear coves, picturesque harbour towns or fishing villages, and tranquil interiors intersected by vineyards, wildflower meadows, and pine forest.
