Blissful summers and snowy winters in Croatia & Slovenia
From lazing on picturesque beaches to climbing medieval city walls to heading out into the countryside looking for truffles, Croatia and Slovenia are a rare mix of the dazzling and the different. With distinct seasons and widely varying temperatures, it’s prudent to know the ideal times to visit Croatia and Slovenia so that you can explore and experience these delightful countries to the fullest.
The best time to visit Croatia and Slovenia is typically from May to June, and September to October. During these months, it is sunny and the weather is pleasantly warm, which means you can comfortably explore their historic cities and scenic landscapes.
The months of July and August are also a good time to visit, with many cultural festivals taking place during the height of summer. However, the crowds are larger, the lines are longer, and the hotel prices tend to be higher.
Best Time To Visit
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
It’s the coldest time of the year. Average temperatures are in the low to mid-40s, with a fair bit of precipitation. Expect freezing temperatures and snow in the North.
we recommend
Witness Lake Bled in all its frozen glory
For some snow fun, head to Zagreb
overview
In Croatia, the coastal regions experience rain and the interiors see snowfall. Temperatures in southern towns hit the 50°F mark while further North, in Ljubljana, daytime highs are still only in the low 40s.
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It’s carnival time at Dubrovnik
For the most breathtaking winterscapes, head to the Plitvice Lakes National Park
overview
March heralds the beginning of spring with temperatures starting to inch up into the mid-50s and the snow melting. With considerable rainy days and winds, it’s an unpredictable month. Pack layers and rainwear.
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Spend time in Ljubljana’s impressive museum quarter
overview
Day time highs in Ljubljana averages around 65°Fwhile thesouthern cities of Croatia see temperatures in the low 60s. Rain persists through the month, but blooming flowers across the countryside are an indication of the soon-to-come warmer climes.
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Explore Ljubljana’s charming Old Town
Spend the day exploring the architecture, shops, and restaurants at the Diocletian’s Palace at Splint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
overview
With temperature readings breaking into the 70°F range and subsiding rains, May is a great month to visit Croatia and Slovenia. By the second half of May, the seas are warm enough to swim in. It’s still a quiet time of the year.
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Take a walk around Dubrovnik’s impressive city walls and forts.
Live it up at the upscale Hvar Island
Zadar’s architectural masterpieces, the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are must-visits.
overview
June is one of the best months to visit Croatia and Slovenia – day time highs are in the upper 70s, water temperatures are around 70°F and peak season prices are yet to kick in. Slovenia experiences some rain.
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Wander Zagreb’s alluring Upper and Lower Towns
Spend a day at Lake Bled exploring the romantic Bled Castle and Island
overview
It’s the hottest month of the year and a busy tourist period. With average highs in the 80s, it’s the perfect time to head to the islands of Hvar and Korčula. The Plitvice Lakes region also sees warm temperatures.
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Dubrovnik kicks off the holiday season with its famous Summer Festival
Enjoy island hopping in Croatia
overview
The coast is where the action is at with tourists and locals flocking to the beaches. Ljubljana sees a fair bit of rain during the month, so pack an umbrella and rainwear if you are planning to visit the city.
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Hike, swim under refreshing waterfalls and go on a boat ride at Krka National Park
Enjoy wine and food tasting in Slovenia’s wine country, the Goriska Brda wine region
overview
The crowds leave, but warm temperatures and perfect water conditions make September one of the best months to visit Croatia. It’s the rainiest month of the year in Slovenia but the days are still warm.
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Explore old villages and take in stunning vistas on one of Hvar’s many hiking trails
Indulge in an expertly brewed cup of coffee at one of the many cafes in Zagreb
overview
Stunning fall foliage makes the first half of October a good time to travel to Croatia and Slovenia. Temperatures drop into the 60s in Ljubljana while in the southern cities of Croatia, the average highs are still around 68°F.
we recommend
Savor the best of Istria’s food scene at Rovinj
Spend a day (or night) exploring the islands of Rovinj
overview
Cold and wet, November is when the transition from autumn to winter happens. It’s the rainiest month of the year in Croatia, and many beach resorts close for the season. It’s wine season in Croatia and Slovenia.
we recommend
Head out into the Istrian countryside to hunt for prized truffles
overview
It’s the start of the skiing season in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, and Ljubljana take on a festive spirit with Christmas and New Year celebrations during the second half of the month.
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Watch the sky over Ljubljana Castle light up with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display
Mulled wine, traditional crafts and Christmas desserts are part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival
Best Time to Visit by Season
Croatia has two fairly distinct weather patterns – the coast experiences warm summers and mild winters while the inland regions see slightly higher summer temperatures and freezing winters.
Summer in Croatia and Slovenia runs from June to August. It’s peak tourist season with glorious weather and warm sea temperatures, and everyone heads to the coastal towns. Day time highs average from 75°F in June to 85°F in August. Further inland, temperatures are in the high 70s.
Fall brings about dramatic change in scenery and provides some of the best weather conditions for sightseeing. September, mainly, is a great month to travel to Croatia and Slovenia. Temperatures drop from the mid-70s in September to 60°F in November and rainfall levels increase.
Winter, while cold in Croatia and Slovenia, is breathtaking with otherworldly landscapes. Temperatures on the coast are between 45-50°F while further inland, the mercury drops to below 40°F.
Spring is a good time for city exploration as the day time highs steadily rise from the low 50s in March to the low 70s in May.
What to Pack
With significant differences in temperatures and weather conditions across seasons, what you pack for your travels in Croatia and Slovenia depends on when you are visiting.
If you are heading to the beaches during summer months, then apart from your swimwear, you’ll need to pack sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses. For evenings when you want to explore the town, get a maxi dress or a smart top and skirt. A denim jacket or light shawl is advisable for times when it gets windy.
There is plenty of walking to do in Croatia and Slovenia, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. We also recommend getting an umbrella and a rain jacket to stay dry.
During autumn, the thermometer can drop low enough in the evenings to warrant a sweater or light jacket. Long t-shirts, pants and clothes that you can layer are recommended for the fall months. If you are traveling to Croatia and Slovenia during winter, then a heavy winter jacket, gloves, scarves, and warm clothes are a must.
Experience the best of Croatia and Slovenia with advice from our travel experts. We are happy to create a tailor made itinerary for you based on your preferences and interests.
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