Croatia In September: Why It’s One Of The Best Times To Visit

I have lived in Croatia for over ten years, and when people ask me, “What is Croatia like in September?” I say over and over again, “It is the best!”

Hands down. The best month to travel to Croatia is September because the crowds have dissipated, prices have reduced a little, and the weather is still sunny and gorgeous. 

July and August are pretty hot and busy months to visit anywhere in Europe. Not only do you sweat for most of the day and night (even with air conditioning), but you can’t really get out and see what you want to see because there are so many other people trying to do the same things.

Take Dubrovnik, for example. It can be extremely crowded in July and August, which makes sightseeing slower and less enjoyable, especially during peak cruise ship hours.

And it’s for this very reason that I love being in Europe in September.

For me, it’s the ideal piece of middle ground. The weather is still warm, but it’s cooled enough to avoid constant sweat patches, and the evenings are a little more comfortable for sleeping. In addition, prices are a little lower, and even better, there are fewer crowds, so I can get out and explore much more quickly.

It’s a win-win all around, really.

Now, I appreciate that if you’re traveling with school-age children, this isn’t going to be possible for you as they’ve gone back to school at this time…

…..but if you’re child-free, or your children are young enough not to be in school yet, September is the ideal time to head to Croatia and explore to your heart’s content.

Let’s explore why I love the match-up between Croatia and September. 

What Is Croatia Like In September?

September is one of the best times to travel to Croatia, and one of the reasons is that you get all the perks of summer but with fewer crowds, lower costs, and less stifling heat.

The other plus point is that if you want to go to Dubrovnik, you’ve got more chance of actually enjoying yourself without getting stressed by the crowds. There are generally fewer cruise ship arrivals compared to peak summer, especially mid to late September, which usually means fewer crowds.

We all know it’s not much fun to walk around when it’s really hot, and that’s why September is good too.

You can actually get out and see things; walking around means you get to find hidden gems, and you can do that at this time of year, while locals have a lot more time, so you’re more likely to meet people and learn from them.

July and August typically have the highest prices, and from mid-September onwards, you can often find better deals on accommodation and travel. And don’t worry; it’s still very much summer at this point; it’s just slightly tailing off from the craziness of peak season, which is never that much fun if you ask me.

Croatia Weather In September: What To Expect

when visiting Croatia in September you’ll need know a few things about the weather.

If you visit at the start of September, temperatures can still reach the high 20s to low 30s°C, especially along the coast. It’s not like August ends, and someone flicks a switch! However, as the month progresses, you’ll see a definite cooling effect, and it’s very welcome.

Remember, Croatia has slightly different weather across the country.

Most people tend to go to the Dalmatian Coast, where the sun is hottest, and the sea is ideal for swimming, and that’s still totally possible in September. The main tourist season runs from May to mid-October, so most places are still open in September, although some seasonal businesses may begin to reduce hours toward the end of the month.

Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar often see daytime temperatures in the high 20s°C, with sea temperatures around 22–24°C, making it ideal for swimming and beach days. Evenings are much more comfortable at about 20 degrees and sometimes a couple of degrees lower, especially as the month progresses.

If you want to visit the north-western region of Istria, it will be a little cooler than the south coast but still very warm, and it will be much easier to walk around and try wineries and local produce centers.

Zagreb is also delightful during September, as it’s much cooler and a lot easier to walk around.

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Best Places To Visit In Croatia In September

Many tourist areas in Croatia begin to see a gradual drop in prices from early to mid-September, which will continue as the month goes on. It’s possible to get a terrific deal at this time of year, which means you can stay in a high-quality hotel for a fraction of what it could cost in July and August.

Here are some of the best places to check out during September:

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting In September?

The number one spot would be Dubrovnik. As mentioned, you can hardly move during peak season, which doesn’t lend itself to an enjoyable time. As September rolls in, it’s much easier to explore, and you can walk around the famous walls and take photos with fewer crowds, especially earlier in the morning or later in the day.

Is Split Worth Visiting In September?

Split is also a great place to visit in September, and you’ll have more beach space, and exploring the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace is generally easier with fewer crowds. You can also take ferries to Brač, Korčula, and Hvar.

Is Hvar Worth Visiting In September?

Speaking of Hvar, at this time, a lot of the party-made people have gone home or back to university, so you’ll find it a lot calmer, although still a great place to visit. Beaches will be a little quieter, and it’s much easier going with a chilled vibe.

Is Krka National Park Worth Visiting In September?

If you’re into nature, you must also head to Krka National Park. As September progresses, the crowds ease, and you can explore the park and its waterfalls more comfortably, following the many nature trails.

Is Istria Worth Visiting In September?

Istria is fantastic during September as this is harvest season and an especially great time for truffles and olive oil.

Medvednica Nature Park

You could head to Medvednica Nature Park in the center of the country and go mountain biking or trekking. With the temperatures cooler, it’s much easier to do, but not too cold at the same time.

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Festivals And Events In Croatia In September

There are several events and festivals that take place during September, and if you happen to be in Croatia for any of them, try and check them out if you can.

• Goulash Disko Festival (typically mid-September) – A relaxed music festival held on Vis Island.
• Croatian Walking Festival, early September – Events and competitions take place on several walking trails around Lika-Senj County, and it’s a great way to check out the local countryside and scenery.
• International Puppet Festival, early September – Zagreb sees the 56th International Puppet Festival this September, with both local and international performances
• Ston Wall Marathon, late September – If you’re feeling energetic or you want to watch, head to Southern Dalmatia for the Ston Wall Marathon.

 

 

Is September A Good Time To Visit Croatia?

Personally, I would say go for it. It’s cheaper, cooler yet still very warm, more comfortable at night, and there are fewer crowds. That’s the perfect combination, in my opinion.

Wouldn’t you agree this is the best time to visit croatia?