June – September — Adriatic summer : Coast and islands at peak season: warm waters (26°C) and guaranteed sunshine. June and September are ideal (with fewer crowds than July-August). Dubrovnik gets very busy in July and August.
April – May — Spring : Plitvice at its best (waterfalls at full flow), quiet coastline, pleasant temperatures (16–22°C). Ideal for inland areas.
Weather in Croatia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Zagreb.
Split: daytime highs from 11 to 31 °C depending on the season, 67 mm of rain per month on average.
Dubrovnik: daytime highs from 13 to 31 °C depending on the season, 89 mm of rain per month on average.
Zagreb: daytime highs from 5 to 28 °C depending on the season, 73 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Croatia?
Croatia is an Adriatic revelation: 1,778 km of coastline with crystal-clear turquoise waters, more than 1,000 islands including Hvar, Brač and Korčula, Dubrovnik's old town (UNESCO, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'), the Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO, turquoise waterfalls in the forest), and Split with Diocletian's Palace still inhabited after 1,700 years. Europe's trendiest Mediterranean destination.
Dubrovnik — the Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik (UNESCO) is one of the most beautiful cities in the world: its 15th-century medieval walls (a full 2 km circuit above the sea) overlook a perfectly preserved old town of white marble. The Stradun, Gothic palaces, Renaissance fountains and the view of the Elaphiti Islands from the ramparts are unforgettable. It was also a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Highlights : Walk the medieval walls (2 km) with views over the Adriatic, Stradun — the Old Town's main marble street, Lokrum Island by ferry (10 min) — gardens and peacocks, Srđ cable car — panoramic views over Dubrovnik from 412 m.
Plitvice Lakes — UNESCO waterfalls
Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) is one of Croatia's natural wonders: 16 cascading lakes linked by 90 waterfalls in a forest of beech and fir trees. The water has an almost unreal turquoise colour thanks to travertine deposits. The wooden boardwalks above the falls and the Great Waterfall (78 m) create a truly unique spectacle.
Highlights : Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap, 78 m) — the highest in Croatia, Wooden boardwalks between the lower lakes, Lake Kozjak by electric boat (the largest lake), Šupljara Cave — a cliffside opening above the falls.
Split — inhabited Diocletian's Palace
Split is unique in the world: its historic centre (UNESCO) IS Emperor Diocletian's Palace (305 AD) — and 3,000 people still live within its ancient walls. The palace cellars, the mausoleum turned cathedral, and the lively alleys packed with bars and restaurants make Split one of the Adriatic's most vibrant cities.
Highlights : Diocletian's Palace cellars (4th century) — beneath the city, Saint Domnius Cathedral — an imperial mausoleum turned church, Sunset stroll along the Riva promenade, Ferry to the islands of Brač, Hvar or Korčula.
Hvar — Europe's sunniest island
Hvar is Croatia's longest island (68 km) and its sunniest (2,724 hours of sunshine a year — among the highest totals in Europe). Its Spanish fortress overlooks the white old town and its 16th-century theatre, one of the oldest in Europe. Inland, lavender fields bloom in July alongside vineyards producing Plavac Mali, one of Croatia's finest red wines.
Highlights : Španjola Fortress — panoramic views over the archipelago, Brusje lavender fields (July — bloom season), Pakleni Islands — turquoise waters by water taxi.
Travel budget for Croatia
Croatia adopted the euro in 2023. Prices have gone up, especially on the coast in July and August when demand outstrips supply. Dubrovnik has become expensive. Inland areas (Zagreb, Plitvice) remain affordable. Travelling in May-June or September can save you 30-40%.
Flights from Paris : ~2h (Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, Air France direct from CDG to Zagreb or Split). Direct flights to Dubrovnik in season.
Visa : No visa required — Schengen Area (since 2023). A French national ID card is enough.
Currency : Euro (€ since Jan. 2023). Cards are widely accepted. Cash is still useful at rural markets.
Language : Croatian. English is widely spoken all along the coast. Italian is understood in Dalmatia.
Electricity : Type C/F (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
Health : No special precautions. The EHIC is valid. Jellyfish can appear on some beaches in summer.
Ferries : Jadrolinija runs all coastal routes. Book ahead in July and August (sailings can sell out weeks in advance). Arrive early for car ferries.
High season : July-August: extreme crowds in Dubrovnik and Hvar, with peak prices. June and September are better: about 30% cheaper and roughly half the crowds.