For many people who know Croatia, September is the best month. At 23 to 24 °C the sea is still warm, and after the school holidays it gets quieter.
Sea 23 to 24 °C · temperature 14 to 22 °C · sun 6 to 9 h a day
Good swimming weather (sea 21 °C or warmer) in Hvar, Korčula, Split, Zadar, Rovinj, Pula, Dubrovnik and Rijeka.
The sunniest island in the Adriatic, with lavender fields and a lively harbour. For quiet, head to Stari Grad and Jelsa.
A medieval town laid out like a fishbone, surrounded by vineyards of grk and pošip. Local tradition claims it as Marco Polo's birthplace.
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.
Several times a week in summer; gala performance on 29 July
A sword dance that has been performed in Korčula Town for centuries. Two kings and their armies fight over Princess Bula, with real swords that send sparks flying. Performances are in the evening. On 29 July, the Feast of St Theodore and the town's day, there is a gala performance.
Every year on 16 September
Next: Thursday, 16 September 2027
The feast day of Rovinj's patron saint, which is also the town's day. Legend has it that the saint's stone sarcophagus once washed ashore here, and it still stands in the church at the top of the hill. Around 16 September there are Masses, concerts and parties on the square and by the harbour.
Dates and programmes can change from year to year. Check the official website shortly before you travel.
| Destination | Temp. | Sea | Sun | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hvar | 22° | 24° lovely | 9 h | 6 | Moderate | Medium |
| Korčula | 22° | 24° lovely | 9 h | 6 | Moderate | Medium |
| Split | 22° | 24° lovely | 8 h | 8 | Moderate | Medium |
| Zadar | 20° | 24° lovely | 8 h | 9 | Moderate | Medium |
| Rovinj | 18° | 24° lovely | 8 h | 8 | Moderate | Medium |
| Pula | 18° | 24° lovely | 8 h | 8 | Moderate | Medium |
| Dubrovnik | 22° | 24° lovely | 8 h | 7 | Busy | High |
| Rijeka | 19° | 23° lovely | 7 h | 10 | Moderate | Low |
| Zagreb | 17° | – | 6 h | 10 | Moderate | Low |
| Plitvice | 14° | – | 6 h | 10 | Moderate | High |
Temperature is the average over day and night; during the day it is a few degrees warmer. Crowds and prices are an estimate.