Perhaps you are also flirting with the idea of traveling to Croatia in the fall to extend the summer there. While it is already cold and uncomfortable at home in October, you can once again soak up the sun and swim in the sea on one of Europe’s most beautiful coasts. However, since the season ends in many tourist places at the beginning of October, it becomes very quiet. Whether a trip to Croatia in October is still worthwhile for you, you can weigh up for yourself in this article.
WEATHER
The first question most people ask is about the weather: how warm is it in Croatia in October? The average max daily temperature on the coast is between 18-25 degrees with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and 8 rainy days per month. However, there is a big difference between the temperatures in early and late October. While the thermometer more often reaches 25 degrees during the day at the beginning of October, it is usually a few degrees colder at the end of October and the probability of precipitation also increases.
Along the approximately 1,800 kilometers of coastline, which stretches from the Istrian peninsula via Zadar and Split to Dubrovnik, there are only small regional differences in climate. In general, however, the more southerly the region, the warmer it is.
In the interior of the country, however, it can quickly become cold. Our planned trip to the Plitvice Lakes in mid-October, unfortunately, fell through. 8 degrees, rain, and cold wind – yes, this also happens in Croatia in the fall, but mostly only in the interior. The weather on the coast is much warmer due to the Mediterranean climate.
Attention: From October onwards, cold fall winds, which are called bora, occur everywhere in Croatia. This means that it can be extremely windy and cool for 2-3 days at a time.
FAVORABLE LOW SEASON OR DEAD PANTS?
If you travel to Croatia in October, you should know that the low season starts almost everywhere from the beginning of October.
The big advantage: Many hotels, but also ferries and national parks offer discounted prices. In some cases, prices are up to 30-50 percent cheaper than in the high season. For example, admission to Krka National Park costs only 100 instead of 200 Kuna (13 instead of 26 euros). Falkensteiner hotels in Croatia also offer a 20 percent discount on all fall bookings.
Those who like it quiet will love the off-season. Mass tourism? Overcrowded beaches? No way! In October you can stroll through the old towns and enjoy the peace and quiet on the beach. However, there is a small catch: From the beginning, middle of October, the first restaurants and cafes close in many places, the ferries do not run as often and also some excursion companies say goodbye after a long season already in the winter break. During our sailing trip on September 30 to the Kornati Islands near Zadar, our skipper told us that he will no longer offer excursions by mid-October at the latest. So if you plan a lot of excursions, you should play it safe and book at the end of September/beginning of October.
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PERFECT FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES
If lying on the beach for hours is not for you, October is the ideal time to travel. The temperatures are ideal for hiking, cycling or morning runs. On the Dalmatian coast, there are several canyons, mountain ranges, and national parks that are perfect for a sporty day out. How about a bike ride in the Brijuni National Park, a hike through the Paklenica Gorge, where Winnetou was also filmed, or a hike through the Krka National Park?
At many Falkensteiner hotels in Croatia, you can also play tennis or work out in the gym if the weather doesn’t play along.
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TIPS FOR A TRIP TO CROATIA IN OCTOBER
We have already experienced Croatia in October and can only recommend it to everyone. However, you should keep a few tips in mind:
- Pack warm clothes! Most of the time it is still sunny and warm in October, but a rain jacket or a thin down jacket for the evenings should definitely be in your luggage.
- Research opening hours and ferry times in advance! Not all restaurants are open, the national parks open later and ferries do not run as often.
- Book a hotel with a spa and gym, so you can relax and be active even on rainy days.
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CONCLUSION
If you still want to swim in the sea and book one or the other excursion, you should rather travel to Croatia at the beginning of October or even at the end of September. From mid-October, many restaurants and excursion providers close and it becomes much quieter in Croatia. Therefore you can enjoy famous sights and the most beautiful beaches partly alone. The weather is usually still good in October and during the day you can often swim, but the Bora can also provide cold, windy surprises. If you are not planning a pure beach vacation, but also like to integrate sports, culture, or wellness into your Croatia vacation, then do not hesitate long and discover Croatia in October.
