December is all about Advent. Zagreb has one of the best-known Christmas markets in Europe, and towns on the coast decorate their centres too.
Sea 14 to 16 °C · temperature 0 to 11 °C · sun 2 to 4 h a day
No real swimming weather yet: the sea is 14 to 16 °C.
A capital of café culture, markets and Habsburg architecture. In December the city becomes one of Europe's best Christmas markets.
A walled old town on the sea, with marble streets and fortresses. Walk the city walls early in the morning, before the cruise ships arrive.
A city that lives inside Emperor Diocletian's palace. The ideal base for ferries to Brač, Hvar and Vis.
Local festivals and traditions worth planning your trip around.
From late November to early January
One of Europe's best-known Christmas markets, voted the best by European Best Destinations three years in a row, from 2016 to 2018. The whole city centre joins in, with stalls and lights on Ban Jelačić Square, an ice rink in front of the Art Pavilion and mulled wine and fritule in Zrinjevac park. Come on a weekday evening, when it is less crowded.
Dates and programmes can change from year to year. Check the official website shortly before you travel.
| Destination | Temp. | Sea | Sun | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | 2° | – | 2 h | 9 | Busy | Medium |
| Dubrovnik | 11° | 16° cold | 4 h | 13 | Quiet | Low |
| Split | 9° | 16° cold | 4 h | 12 | Quiet | Low |
| Zadar | 9° | 16° cold | 3 h | 12 | Quiet | Low |
| Rovinj | 7° | 14° cold | 3 h | 9 | Quiet | Low |
| Pula | 7° | 14° cold | 3 h | 9 | Quiet | Low |
| Rijeka | 7° | 14° cold | 3 h | 11 | Quiet | Low |
| Plitvice | 0° | – | 2 h | 10 | Quiet | Low |
| Hvar | 10° | 16° cold | 4 h | 12 | Quietmany places closed | Low |
| Korčula | 10° | 16° cold | 4 h | 12 | Quietmany places closed | Low |
Temperature is the average over day and night; during the day it is a few degrees warmer. Crowds and prices are an estimate.