Climate and monthly weather forecast
Croatia

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The climate of Croatia

Croatia mostly has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters (Köppen climate classification Dfb) in the northern Pannonian Plains, a cold and snowy alpine climate in the central Dinaric Alps at altitudes above 1200 meters and Mediterranean (Csa) along the Adriatic coast and the outer islands. The remaining minor part of the country borders between humid subtropical (Cfa) and oceanic (Cfb) climate types. Summers range from warm to hot, while winters are cold except in the coastal regions. Croatia shares borders with Slovenia in the northwest, Hungary in the northeast, Serbia in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro in the southwest. The temperate latitudes, altitudes, and distance from the Adriatic Sea primarily influence the climate.

Croatia has a diverse geography that consists of the northeastern plains of Slavonia, the hilly northern parts of Hrvatsko Zagorje, the central Dinaric Alps and the southern coastal region with many islands and islets that are part of the country. Major rivers such as the Danube, Sava, Kupa, and Drava traverse the country and create fertile lands, while karst formations make up a significant portion of the mountains. The country is home to numerous lakes, and deep caves and the forests are rich with a biodiversity of flora and fauna. The climate supports various habitats including wetlands, forests, grasslands, bogs, fens, coastal and marine. The famous Plitvice lakes exhibit exhilarating watercolors that range from green and blue to turquoise.

The best time to visit Croatia

The best time to visit Croatia is from May to September, while July and August are best for beach holidays. The peak summer months are uncomfortable for a few visitors who prefer to visit during the temperate months of May, June, and September. The plains and inland valleys can be particularly hot. Late spring, early summer, and early autumn are pleasant with relatively less rainfall and bright sunshine. Thunderstorms are frequent on the northernmost part of the coast during summer, while the rest of the coast has fewer incidents of rain and storms.

The worst time to visit Croatia

The worst time to visit Croatia is the harsh winter season from December to February, which sees many cold days and freezing nights. The winters are severely cold in the majority of the country except for the coastal areas where the climate is of the Mediterranean type. November sees heavy rainfall in the autumn with dark skies for the majority of the time. March is cold in the spring and experiences wet patches regularly while frost and fog still linger over the landscape. Snowfall and only a few hours of sunlight every day make the conditions gloomy.

Spring weather in Croatia

Spring in Croatia begins with cold temperatures but gradually warms up. The early phase of the season is characterized by frost and fog that slowly give way to milder and damper conditions. The average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), depending on the region. Precipitation during spring is relatively low, with the exception of occasional thunderstorms, especially in the northwestern part of Istria around Rijeka.

Summer weather in Croatia

Summers in Croatia are hot, with average temperatures in August reaching 27.2°C (81°F) in many places in the northern plains. In the mountainous regions, the temperature is slightly cooler, while along the coast, the climate becomes more humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, particularly in late spring and summer. Precipitation during the summer months is generally lower than other seasons.

Autumn weather in Croatia

Autumn in Croatia is characterized by heavy rainfall and frequent fog. The temperature in autumn fluctuates from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), with colder temperatures in the mountainous regions. The heavy rain is most common in late autumn and it often ushers in early winter frost.

Winter weather in Croatia

Winters in Croatia are cold, especially in regions with a continental climate. The mountainous regions of Gorski Kotar and Lika, including the Velebit and Pljesevica mountain ranges, experience cold and snowy conditions. The average winter temperature in these regions falls below 0°C (32°F). Along the Adriatic coast, winters are milder, with temperatures usually above 0°C (32°F). Snowfall is moderate in the plains, but it increases in the Alps. The harsh Bora winds can occasionally carry snowflakes even to the distant southern parts of the country.

Weather in January

January in Croatia is marked by the heart of winter, and it is usually the coldest month of the year. The climate varies considerably from the inland regions to the Adriatic coast. Inland, temperatures often dip below 0°C (32°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Croatia represents the tail end of the winter season, with temperatures starting to rise gradually compared to January but still generally low across the country. Similar to January, the weather varies significantly between the inland regions and the Adriatic coast. The inland areas, like the cities of Zagreb and Čakovec, still experience cold conditions, but February usually registers slightly warmer temperatures than January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In Croatia, March signals the advent of spring, although it still carries remnants of winter chill, especially in the early parts. The weather conditions continue to vary noticeably between the inland regions and the Adriatic coast. The inland areas, including cities like Zagreb and Čakovec, gradually shake off the winter chill as March progresses. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Croatia marks a definitive transition into spring, with temperatures increasing consistently across the country. Both inland and coastal regions see a noticeable improvement in weather conditions compared to the preceding months. In the continental regions, including cities such as Zagreb and Čakovec, the average temperatures typically range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Croatia fully steps into the spring season, displaying a significant shift towards warmer conditions and more sunshine. The landscapes burst into vibrant hues as the countrywide temperatures continue to rise. The inland regions, encompassing cities like Zagreb and Čakovec, typically experience average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June sees Croatia officially entering the summer season, bringing warmer weather and more consistent sunshine throughout the country. It is characterized by significantly fewer rainfall and longer daylight hours, which create ideal conditions for outdoor activities and tourism. In the inland regions such as Zagreb and Čakovec, the average temperatures usually range from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Croatia signifies the peak of the summer season, with temperatures across the country at their highest and long, sunny days becoming the norm. It is characterized by hot weather, minimal rainfall, and an atmosphere buzzing with tourists and outdoor activities. In the inland regions, including cities such as Zagreb and Čakovec, temperatures average between 22°C (71.6°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, the heat of the Croatian summer continues to prevail, bringing more warm, sunny days. Despite being the tail-end of summer, the weather remains largely consistent, and the outdoor atmosphere is vibrant and inviting. The inland areas, including the cities of Zagreb and Čakovec, continue to experience high temperatures, with averages ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Croatia is a transitional period from the peak summer season to the onset of autumn. The weather begins to cool down, but it remains pleasantly warm and sunny for most of the month, with fewer tourists, making it a more peaceful time to explore the country. In inland areas, including cities such as Zagreb and Čakovec, the average temperatures range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 25°C (77°F), a significant drop compared to the summer peak. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October ushers in a noticeable change in the Croatian climate as the country transitions into autumn in earnest. The temperatures drop further, the days become shorter, and the weather gets more unpredictable, marking the onset of the wet season. In the inland regions, such as Zagreb and Čakovec, the average temperatures decrease to a range of 12°C (53.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November arrives in Croatia, the country fully enters the autumn season. The temperatures continue to drop, and the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with more frequent rains and shorter daylight hours. In the inland areas, including Zagreb and Čakovec, the weather is noticeably colder with average temperatures ranging from 7°C (44.6°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Croatia signifies the onset of winter, bringing colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and a shift in the overall atmosphere of the country. Despite the chill, it's a festive time, especially in the cities, where Christmas markets spring up, filling the air with holiday cheer. Inland regions like Zagreb and Čakovec experience a significant drop in temperatures, with averages between 3°C (37.4°F) and 7°C (44.6°F). Weather in December »
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