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Best time to visit Dubrovnik
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Best time to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5-12°C, frequent rain and wind, occasional sun. | low | low |
⚠ Bura winds can be intense. | |
| February | 6-13°C, rain and wind common, some sunny spells. | low | low |
⚠ Sea is still cold for swimming. | |
| March | 8-15°C, mix of sun and rain, cooler winds. | low | low |
⚠ Water temperatures are still low. | |
| April | 12-19°C, variable with sunny days and showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Some tourist facilities may still be opening. | |
| May | 17-24°C, plenty of sunshine, occasional brief showers. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| June | 21-28°C, sunny and warm with low humidity. | high | high |
⚠ Book accommodations and flights well in advance. | |
| July | 24-31°C, hot and sunny, very little rain. | peak | peak |
⚠ Can be uncomfortably hot for extensive sightseeing. | |
| August | 25-32°C, very hot and sunny, minimal rain. | peak | peak |
⚠ Heat can be intense; seek shade and hydration. | |
| September | 20-27°C, warm and sunny with fewer crowds than summer. | high | high |
| |
| October | 15-22°C, pleasant with sunshine, but increasing chance of rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Sea temperature starts to cool. | |
| November | 10-17°C, cool, wet, and windy, with limited sunshine. | low | low |
⚠ Many tourist facilities begin to close. | |
| December | 6-13°C, cold, damp, and often windy, with short days. | low | low |
⚠ Bura winds can be very cold. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Carnival (Poklad)
A traditional carnival with parades and masked balls, often held in the last week of February.
September
Libertas Film Festival
An international film festival showcasing independent cinema, usually held in late September.
July
Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Gradske Ljetne Igre)
A major performing arts festival featuring theatre, opera, and ballet performances in historic outdoor venues.
October
Good Food Festival Dubrovnik
A culinary event celebrating local gastronomy with tasting menus, workshops, and wine pairings.
December
New Year's Eve Celebration
A lively public celebration in the Old Town with live music and fireworks.
Insider timing tips
- •The shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) offer a balance of good weather and manageable crowds, with prices often more reasonable than mid-summer.
- •July and August are peak season. Expect high prices, significant crowds, and very hot temperatures, which can make extensive walking tours uncomfortable.
- •The 'Bura' wind, common in winter months, can bring sharp drops in temperature and strong gusts, impacting comfort and outdoor activities.
- •While winter offers the lowest prices and fewest crowds, many hotels and restaurants outside the immediate Old Town may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.
- •The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into September, extending the beach season beyond the typical summer months.
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