The climate of Zagreb
Positioned in the northern part of
Croatia,
Zagreb, the country's capital, lies on the banks of the river Sava and on the slopes of Medvednica mountain. The city's climate is labeled as oceanic under Köppen climate classification (Cfb), but it also borders with humid continental (Dfb) and humid subtropical (Cfa) due to its inland location.
Zagreb witnesses warm summers and cold winters, with varying levels of rainfall and humidity throughout the year. The warmest month in the area is
July with an average high temperature of 26.7°C (80.1°F), while the coldest is
January, registering average low temperatures of -3°C (26.6°F).
Rainfall in Zagreb takes a unique pattern. The heaviest downpours are seen in
June with approximately 95mm (3.74") of rain falling over 13.7 days. On the other hand,
February experiences the least volume of rain with only 39mm (1.54") falling over 9.4 days. Relative humidity varies from 70.3% in
March down to 67.5% in
April and then gradually rises to peak at 84.8% in
December.
The best time to visit Zagreb
For ideal weather conditions, it is recommended to visit
Zagreb between
May and
September. This period sees average high temperatures range from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F), allowing travelers to enjoy outdoor activities without strain from excessive heat or cold. It's important to note, however, rainfall reaches its maximum in
June, despite it being one of the warmest months of the year.
Sunlight hours during these months fall between 14.9 to 15.3 hours a day, offering plenty of daylight for exploration. The UV index ranges from 7 to 8, suggesting that sun protection measures are a must, particularly between June and
July, the peak summer months.
The worst time to visit Zagreb
January and
February can prove to be challenging months for visiting
Zagreb. Lower temperatures, reaching as low as -3°C (26.6°F) in January, combined with increased snowfall days, can make sightseeing less comfortable. There is an average of 10.3 snowfall days in January and 7.1 in February.
Sunlight hours shrink to their lowest at 8.7 to 9.1 hours a day in these months. The UV index is at its lowest too, causing limited brightness and reduced warmth, which might not suit everyone's preference.
Spring weather in Zagreb
Spring tempts with a significant rise in temperatures in
Zagreb. Average high temperatures range from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F) between
March and
May. With predominantly clear weather, the chances of rainfall also increase, reaching 73mm (2.87") in May. The city enjoys an average increase in daylight during spring, from 11.9 to 14.9 hours a day, making it favorable for all tourist activities.
Summer weather in Zagreb
Summers in
Zagreb feature warm temperatures, with average highs peaking at 26.7°C (80.1°F) in
July. July and
August have the highest average daily sunshine, with 8.9 and 8.3 hours respectively. Rainfall levels are relatively high for summer months, with
June observing the heaviest rain of approximately 95mm (3.74") over 13.7 days. The humidity is moderately high, rolling between 69.1% and 72.1%.
Autumn weather in Zagreb
The autumn season in
Zagreb witnesses a downward trend in temperature, falling from an average high of 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 8.9°C (48°F) from
September to
November. Rainfall during these months decreases from 86mm (3.39") to 80mm (3.15"), while the daylight hours gradually lower from 12.5 hours in September to 9.5 hours in November.
Winter weather in Zagreb
Winter descends upon
Zagreb inviting cold weather, with an average high of only 4.6°C (40.3°F) in
December and dipping to -3°C (26.6°F) by
January. Snow is a common feature during 10.3 days in January and 6.7 days in December. Despite these wintry conditions, relative humidity rises to approximately 84.8% in December, making it the most humid month of the year.
Weather in January
In
Zagreb, the chill of winter extends well into the new year, marking
January as the month with the coldest average minimum temperature at minus 3°C (37.4°F). Snowfall is quite frequent this month, dressing the city in white.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, the influence of winter persists, but the city witnesses a subtle rise in temperature, making it slightly more bearable than
January. The city experiences an increase in daylight to 10.4 hours, a trend that will continue in the coming months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As winter gradually recedes,
March brings with it milder temperatures, highlighting the arrival of Spring. The city records an average maximum temperature of 11.9°C (53.4°F), a significant departure from
February's cooler climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Zagreb is marked by a transition from spring chill to the warmth of impending summer months. The daylight stretches to 13.6 hours, allowing more daytime exploration of the city. The progression from cold to warm season is accompanied by an uptick in rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the advent of summer in
Zagreb, treating the city to warm temperatures and verdant landscapes. At an average maximum temperature of 21.5°C (70.7°F), May records the highest temperature spike so far in the year. Daylight peaks at almost 15 hours, offering lengthy, sunlit days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the full swing of summer in
Zagreb, shining the city with plentiful warmth and sunlight. The average maximum temperature stays steady from the peak in
May, offering across the month a warm and welcoming weather for visitors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the hottest month in
Zagreb, recording the highest average maximum temperature of the year at 26.7°C (80.1°F). The warm weather combined with extended daylight hours contribute to a vibrant summer atmosphere. Despite the welcome warmth, a relative increase in rainfall is observed.
Weather in July » Weather in August
While
August in
Zagreb sees a slight dip from
July's peak temperatures, it still comfortably retains its summer charm. With similar conditions to the preceding month, the climate remains dry with a slightly elevated level of humidity.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a shift in weather in
Zagreb as the city transitions from warm summer to mild autumn. An average maximum temperature of 22.1°C (71.8°F) denotes a notable decline from the previous month's warmth. As
October approaches, temperature and rainfall increase owing to the autumnal transition.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The mild and enjoyable climate of
October in
Zagreb serves as a timely preamble to the cold months that lie ahead. Both temperature and rainfall go through a downward trend, signaling the arrival of colder months.
November will bring even cooler weather, and gradually, the city will start preparing for winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signifies the onset of winter in
Zagreb, with temperatures dipping and the city preparing for the upcoming chills. A sharp decrease in daylight to 9.5 hours marks a significant change from
October. As
December approaches, the city grapples with further decline in temperature levels.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The weather in
Zagreb in
December is unmistakably winter-like, freezing cold, but undeniably beautiful. In a reversal of
July's trends, this month records the coldest average maximum temperature at 4.6°C (40.3°F), reaffirming the peak of winter season.
Weather in December »