Croatia in summer is like stepping into a postcard — crystal-clear turquoise waters, historic seaside towns, fresh seafood, and the kind of laid-back island life that makes time slow down. While summer may be peak season in Croatia, it’s also one of the best times to visit, with the pristine weather creating the idyllic conditions for spending time in the sun and sea.
At Rewind Dubrovnik, we love to see everyone flock to Croatia in the summer and explore as part of our Private Dubrovnik Boat Tours. However, traveling during this time also requires a bit more planning due to how busy it can get. We’ve created this guide to how to prepare for summer in Croatia for your best vacation yet! If you have any questions about tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
What Croatian Summers are Like
In Croatia, summer falls between June and August, when the skies are cloudless and the temperatures range between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather simply couldn’t be better for swimming and snorkeling in Croatia’s famed Adriatic waters, and during this time, Dubrovnik is absolutely pumping. However, we don’t think this is a reason to avoid Croatia during this period at all. The bustling streets and beaches full of adventurers brings a thrilling atmosphere that can only be experienced in summer!
Not convinced? Any time of year is great to visit, even winter! Read our guide to Visiting Dubrovnik in the Winter if you want a true off-season experience.
Booking Accommodation and Transport in Croatia
First things first, if you do decide to travel in summer, you’ll have to book your accommodation and transport far ahead of time. July and August are especially busy. Ferries between islands can fill up quickly, and popular hotels or Airbnbs are often booked months in advance. If you want to avoid large crowds and high prices, consider going in June or September, when the weather is still gorgeous but the vibe is more relaxed.
What to Pack for Summer in Croatia
When it comes to packing, it’s important to keep things light and breezy, but you’ll also want to be prepared for some outdoor adventures. Here’s an idea of what to pack:
- Good walking shoes for the cobblestoned streets
- A couple of swimsuits, since you’ll likely be frequently in the water
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for protection and can be expensive to buy
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid plastic pollution
- Water shoes will help you explore pebbled beaches and rocky coastlines
- A dry bag will keep your items safe if you go on a boat tour or kayaking
Summer Events and Festivals in Croatia
Croatia is also famous for its summer events and festivals, which you’ll certainly want to consider. These are an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and food, so plan accordingly!
- Zagreb Pride: This June event is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, as hundreds take to the streets.
- Sword Dance Festival: Taking place in June in Korčula, this festival is a unique opportunity to observe this historic tradition.
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival: A highlight of July, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival features theater productions, music performances, and art exhibitions.
- Zagreb International Folklore Festival: A celebration of traditions, this July festival focuses not only on Croatian culture, but folklore from around the world.
- Pula Film Festival: Held in a Roman ampitheater, the Pula Film Festival in July is a celebration of Croatian art and the oldest film festival in Croatia.
Skip the Crowds on a Private Tour with Rewind Dubrovnik
Of course, the crowds may be anyone’s biggest deterrent to visiting Croatia in the summer. In fact, we delved into this issue with our blog about just How Crowded is Dubrovnik in Summer. It gets pretty crowded! Popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Zagreb are teeming with visitors, but there are plenty of islands and hidden gems to explore.
Rewind Dubrovnik has a special solution to the crowds: private tours. We offer Private Dubrovnik Boat Tours that will bypass busy ports and boats and take top sites and secluded havens for you to explore. We visit everything from the Blue Cave to the Elaphiti Islands, with our skippers ensuring you depart at the optimal time to discover at leisure.
If you want to take your experience beyond a day trip, we can create a multi-day bespoke journey for you with our Custom Tours in Croatia. Lasting anywhere from six to 17 days, we’ll explore on land and at sea, even going as far as Slovenia and Montenegro.
In the company of our professional private guides, you’ll enjoy a seamless Croatian journey in the summer, seeing everything on your bucket list without compromising on your time. If you want to learn more about our tours or start planning your summer adventure, get in touch with us.
