August is the busiest month of the year. It is hot and the sea is at its warmest at 25 °C, but around the public holidays everything is full.
Sea 25 °C · temperature 18 to 26 °C · sun 9 to 11 h a day
Good swimming weather (sea 21 °C or warmer) in Rijeka, Hvar, Korčula, Rovinj, Pula, Zadar, Dubrovnik and Split.
Croatia's largest port city, with a lively Korzo, Trsat Castle high above town and a strong beer and culture scene. An ideal base for Opatija, Istria and the islands of the Kvarner Gulf.
The sunniest island in the Adriatic, with lavender fields and a lively harbour. For quiet, head to Stari Grad and Jelsa.
A medieval town laid out like a fishbone, surrounded by vineyards of grk and pošip. Local tradition claims it as Marco Polo's birthplace.
Local festivals and traditions worth planning your trip around.
Several times a week in summer; gala performance on 29 July
A sword dance that has been performed in Korčula Town for centuries. Two kings and their armies fight over Princess Bula, with real swords that send sparks flying. Performances are in the evening. On 29 July, the Feast of St Theodore and the town's day, there is a gala performance.
Around the full moon in late July or early August
On the Riva the street lights are switched off and only torches and candles burn. Lit-up boats along the quay serve local dishes and fresh fish, and stalls sell regional products. With music and folklore, a few minutes' walk from the Sea Organ.
Every year from 10 July to 25 August
Next: Saturday, 10 July 2027
More than six weeks of theatre, classical music, opera and dance at open-air venues in the old town, such as Fort Lovrijenac and the Rector's Palace. The festival has run since 1950 and always opens with the raising of the Libertas flag in front of St Blaise's Church.
Every year on a Sunday in early August, with preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday
Next: Sunday, 8 August 2027
What the Palio is to Siena, the Alka is to Sinj. Riders in 18th-century uniforms gallop down a 160-metre track and aim a lance at the alka, a 13-centimetre iron ring hanging above the course. The tournament commemorates the victory over an Ottoman army in 1715. The preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday are free to watch.
Every year on the second Sunday of August
Next: Sunday, 8 August 2027
For one day a year Grisia, the steep street that climbs through the old town to the church of St Euphemia, becomes an open-air gallery. Hundreds of artists, from professionals to amateurs and children, hang their work on the walls and doors. The show has been held since 1967.
Dates and programmes can change from year to year. Check the official website shortly before you travel.
| Destination | Temp. | Sea | Sun | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rijeka | 24° | 25° lovely | 9 h | 9 | Moderate | Medium |
| Hvar | 25° | 25° lovely | 11 h | 4 | Busy | High |
| Korčula | 25° | 25° lovely | 11 h | 4 | Busy | High |
| Rovinj | 22° | 25° lovely | 10 h | 7 | Busy | High |
| Pula | 22° | 25° lovely | 10 h | 7 | Busy | High |
| Zadar | 24° | 25° lovely | 10 h | 6 | Busy | High |
| Dubrovnik | 25° | 25° lovely | 11 h | 5 | Busy | High |
| Split | 26° | 25° lovely | 11 h | 5 | Busy | High |
| Zagreb | 21° | – | 9 h | 10 | Moderate | Medium |
| Plitvice | 18° | – | 9 h | 8 | Busy | High |
Temperature is the average over day and night; during the day it is a few degrees warmer. Crowds and prices are an estimate.