Best time to go on an activity holiday in Croatia

Get set for spring on freezing freshwater rivers; cool off in summer in the sea and under waterfalls; or just enjoy the ambience of autumn after the kids are back at school.
Our small group tours make the most of Croatia’s climate from April to October when the Adriatic is ideal for sea kayaking, snorkelling and SUP (stand up paddle boarding). Although inland rivers are fast and freezing either side of summer, you’ll be fully kitted out, and half the fun is the bracing shock as you plunge into the water before or after rafting the rapids. Summers are hot but there are plenty of ways to keep cool, including canyoning, waterfalls, or snorkelling in coastal caves. Spring or autumn are the best times to go on a multi activity holiday in Croatia, but even in the summer there are shaded pine forests and river canyons to avoid the heat and crowds.

Split Weather Chart

 
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
1
8
95
FEB
2
10
86
MAR
4
12
89
APR
8
16
82
MAY
12
21
69
JUN
15
25
74
JUL
17
28
46
AUG
17
28
64
SEP
14
25
75
OCT
10
19
102
NOV
6
14
134
DEC
2
10
127

Multi activity holidays in Croatia, month by month

January, February and March are great times to visit Croatia without the crowds but not so good for multi activity holidays, as local tour operators aren’t open for business until April, at the earliest. As soon as May is under way, it’s all systems go. Sea temperatures are fine for kayaking, and rivers, such as the Cetina River, will be flowing a lot faster for white water rafting. Land-based activities, especially mountain biking and hiking, are great at the start of the season as it’s not too hot and there’s hardly anyone else around other than local folk getting ready for the summer. The Vis Regatta takes place at the beginning of May and is a very local island event which not only includes sailing, but also concerts, local food and an environmental day. Well worth a Vis visit. June is warming up, but rivers are still cold as the water comes from deep underground. This is one of the best months to go on a multi activity holiday in Croatia and a world away from the crowds and temperatures associated with peak summer season in July and August. Summer in Croatia can equal cruise liners, packed public ferries, and traffic jams from Trieste to Split via Istria. The best way to avoid all of the above is to escape to the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik or the inland national parks closer to Split. There’s a reason why Croatia is jam-packed in summer and that’s because of the sun, sea and school holidays. Expect high prices in high season. Most Italian, Slovenian and Croatian children go back to school in the first week of September, which is good news for any multi activity seekers hoping for sunshine and sublime sea temperatures without the crowds. Early October is one of the best times to enjoy outdoor activities in Croatia, as the weather is still warm and there aren’t the tourist numbers associated with summer. Although several activity centres and island ferries will be slowing down in October, there’s still plenty of fun to be had against a backdrop of grape harvesting and fiery forest foliage. This is a good time to get to know islands like Vis, as it’s really, really relaxed at this time of year and everything is starting to get back to normal. November is very quiet on the Croatian coast and our multi activity instructors and guides will already have departed for the slopes of Slovenia. Zagreb in December is delightful, but the only activities you’ll find there are strolling around the Christmas markets and making the most of the gingerbread hearts, huge hot dogs and ladles of mulled glögg.

Our top Croatia multi activity Holiday

Vis Island activity holiday in Croatia

Vis Island activity holiday in Croatia

An active holiday on the beautiful island of Vis

From €1099 to €1699 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made from 1st of May – 30th of October
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Croatia multi activity or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Written by Chris Owen
Photo credits: [Page banner: Arnie Papp] [Autumn: Davide Cantelli]