The Best Time To Visit Dalmatia

The picturesque region of Dalmatia, located on the east shore of the Adriatic Sea in the European country of Croatia, has long been a destination of respite for travellers looking to indulge in Croatia’s historic culture and mesmerising coastal settings.

Composed of craggy hinterlands, pristine islands, and thriving cities, Dalmatia is one of the most popular regions of Croatia and is home to some of the country’s favourite tourist destinations.

Split, for example, is the largest city in the region and the second largest in Croatia, known and loved for its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the up-market scene which will leave any visitor feeling like an A-lister during their stay here. Or, the ancient fortification of Dubrovnik, with its labyrinth of age-old alleyways beautifully bordered by the bright blue Adriatic Sea.

So, if this region has piqued your interest and you’re planning to visit Dalmatia, a question that’s undoubtedly crossed your mind is what is the best time to go here, and the best time of year to visit Croatia in general?

Below, we’ve highlighted the best time to visit Dalmatia, based on what your priorities are during your trip, to make sure you make the most informed decision as to when you should embark on your Croatian adventure.

Weather in Dalmatia

So, what is the weather like in Croatia and, specifically, the Dalmatia region? One of the biggest desirable traits of the Dalmatia Coastline is that it offers blissful weather all year round. Scorching summers are common and paired with mild and warm winters to make for a pleasant holiday experience at any time of the year.

Regions set right along the coastline will experience winds from the sea all year round, which is why its destinations here are so popular amongst sailors and watersports enthusiasts! But if you visit in summer, and even in winter in Croatia, this is by no means a drawback, as it offers you a cooling break from the heat of the Mediterranean sunshine.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Croatia is between the months of June and August, as this offers the best weather with the lowest chance of rain. The weather in Croatia in July is the country’s best all year, offering an average daily maximum temperature of 31°C, and an average low of 23°C.

And finally, If you’re hoping to avoid rain on your next holiday to Dalmatia, it’s probably best to avoid the rainy season. This runs from mid-September until early May and there is a 22% chance of rain every day during this period.

Peak Tourist Season

Millions of tourists flock to the Dalmatia region of Croatia annually to savour its splendours, but if you’re wanting to avoid going during the peak season, we thought it best to reveal when this is in Croatia so that you can consider visiting at a quieter, and more likely cheaper, time of the year if possible.

Croatia’s tourist season runs from around mid-May until early October, and, of course, reaches its height in the month of August as families from Europe and further afield travel here for their summer holidays. You’ll find prices during this period to be much more expensive given that the demand to travel and stay in some of Dalmatia’s most popular hotspots is higher. And if you’re planning on travelling around, public transport will also be busier and car rentals will be in higher demand also.

However, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re visiting landlocked towns or much larger cities in the region, the effects of the peak tourist season are much less obvious as these areas are lesser-visited, or always busy, respectively.

Regardless of when you visit Croatia, we would always recommend planning your trip in advance to take the edge and stress off of booking your trip and ensure that you have everything ready to enjoy your holiday.

That’s why our team here at My Villa Breaks are on hand to advise you of any questions or queries you have in relation to planning and booking your Dalmatian holiday.

Festivals

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Taking place in mid-July until the end of August annually, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of Croatia’s most popular events and is not to be missed if you’re thinking of visiting this iconic Croatian city.

Each year, the festival puts on a plethora of events to arouse and allure visitors and locals alike. From theatre production to opera shows, and dance events across open-air theatres and venues in the city, this summer festival is a vibrant display of local and international talent.

Lastovo Carnival

The Lastovo carnival isn’t normally on the agenda for those who visit Dalmatia in January, but they’re missing out. The carnival season commences on Lastovo, hence the festival’s name, on the 6th of January, when the Feast of the 3 Kings takes place and ends on the night before Ash Wednesday.

The carnival itself, which dates back to the 16th century, takes place on one of the Adriatic and Croatia’s most remote islands in the Dalmatia region and showcases the deep-rooted traditional and cultural heritage of the country. The authentic carnival traditions involve the wearing of folk costumes, processions, circle dancing, and sword performances.

Feast day of Saint Domnius

The annual feast day of Saint Domnius, Split’s patron saint, takes place on May 7th in the city and is a centuries-old tradition. Saint Domnius was martyred alongside seven other Christians during the reign of Emperor Diocletian and is celebrated during this day with the hosting of a large community feast which is held to honour him.

If you consider yourself to be somewhat of a foodie, this annual celebration is a fantastic opportunity to savour some of Dalmatia’s regional delicacies and the delicious cuisine on offer in Croatia.

International Marco Polo Festival

Having been held on the island of Korcula in the Dalmatia region of Croatia since 1996, the International Marco Polo Festival attracts music and wine lovers from far and wide to the island’s borders as a way of celebrating and honouring the Venetian merchant traveller Marco Polo, who was born here.

Showcasing local as well as international music and some of the country’s best wines, the streets are decorated to look like they’re in the 13th century, when Marco Polo lived, and the event takes place in the month of July.

Festival of Dalmatian Klapa

Taking place throughout the charming town of Omiš, located roughly 40 minutes by car from Split, the festival of the Dalmatian Klapa is spread over a 3 week period in the month of July, and celebrates ‘Klapa’, a traditional form of acapella singing that has roots in Dalmatia.

The Klapa was even added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list due to its significance to Dalmatian, and Croatian, culture. The singing fills this small town's streets and squares with a sweet harmony that simply touches the soul, and is well worth seeing when you visit Dalmatia.

Dalmatia in…

January

Dalmatia and Croatia in January plays host to visitors who spend New Year’s in this region. Other than this, this is Dalmatia’s low season, so you’ll generally find hotspots to be less rife with tourists across the region.

The weather is also much milder at this time of year, and is in the rainy season, so this is worth taking into account if you’re willing to sacrifice Dalmatia’s better weather for a more exclusive experience. The average temperature along the coastline is 8°C during this month, making it the coldest month of the year.

February

February is still the winter season in Dalmatia and is within the rainy season. However, despite being amidst the wettest time of year for the region, February’s average temperatures along the Dalmatia coastline reach double figures at 10°C, so not too cold. But, still, be prepared for nippy evenings of around 3°C or 4°C! You may want to pack some extra layers…

March

At the start of spring and the end of winter, March witnesses average high temperatures of 12°C along the Dalmatia coastline, and the further you venture south, the more this eases up a notch.

Spring is a popular month for the beginning of outdoor activities in Dalmatia, including hiking, sailing, and cycling. So, if you’re a fan of an active lifestyle, this may be a great time for you to visit.

April

Seeing average highs of 16°C, April is an amicable spring month to venture to the Dalmatia coast. Amidst the period of the Easter holidays, visiting the Dalmatia coastline makes for a lovely, short break to get away with your family or friends. Here, you can experience warming Mediterranean weather, cultural and historic sights, and mesmerising coastlines.

May

May sees the beginning of the shoulder season in Dalmatia, meaning less expense if you’re planning on travelling here during this time of year for your accommodations and any activities and excursions. May sees average highs of 21°C and average lows of 14°C.

June

The beginning of the high season and the summer season, June is a sprightly month for those looking to endeavour on their summer holidays earlier than most and begin experiencing the start of Croatia’s best weather, at average highs of 25°C daily.

July

Right in the middle of summer in Dalmatia, the weather in Croatia in July is a prime time to visit if you seek sun, sea, and sand as the main priority of your holiday, with average temperatures reaching 28°C. However, this is peak tourist season, so if bustling crowds and busy tourist destinations aren’t for you, you’d best avoid this month.

August

The most popular month of the year in Dalmatia also sees the peak of the region’s weather, on par with July at a balmy 30°C. If a dip in the ocean or trying your hand at any of the coastline’s best watersports activities sounds right up your street, this is the best time for you to do so.

September

As summer draws to a close, so does the peak of Dalmatia’s weather. Temperatures begin to cool down in September to an average of 25°C. September is considered to be one of Croatia’s shoulder months, so you’ll likely find cheaper prices at this time of year as most people have travelled home after their summer holidays.

October

As the first full month of Autumn, temperatures only continue to decrease in October leading to average daily temperatures of 19°C. However, October is considered to be one of the best months to visit the Dalmatian national parks, as they erupt in autumnal colours.

November

November is the start of Dalmatia’s low season, as tourists venture home and to other, warmer destinations at this time of year. With an average daily high of 14°C and an average low of 8°C, you may want to dedicate November to visiting some of the region’s best indoor historic and cultural attractions, such as its museums, when it’s considerably quieter.

December

Each major settlement in Dalmatia hosts its own Christmas celebrations at this time of year, making for a truly magical time to visit the region if you’re looking to get into the festive spirit.

But, of course, be prepared for some of the coldest temperatures of the year with average highs of 12°C and average lows of 5°C!

Summary

When it comes to this Mediterranean country, the best time of year to go to Croatia and its Dalmatia region is, well, almost any time of year!

For those who dream of the sun, sea, and sand that the coastline is best known for, perhaps visiting during the end of the spring and the summer season would suit you. But those looking for quieter times to travel and to have the region practically to themselves may be best savouring the underrated splendours of Dalmatia during the autumn and winter seasons.

Regardless of when you’re planning to visit Dalmatia, here at My Villa Breaks, we offer a range of beautiful villas to be your ‘home away from home’ during your adventure to Dalmatia all year round. You can find more information on our website or contact a member of our team for more information.