Many people say that the fall season is not a good time to visit Croatia. I disagree. From late September until mid-October, the country is still a fantastic destination for a rewarding vacation, and yes, that might also include some beach & sea time!
In this article, I’ll share what to expect if you come to Croatia in the fall: the weather, activities, seasonal traditions, and which towns and cities to visit.
Remember: September marks the beginning of the low season, which means that prices are lower and vacations are perfect for budget travelers, but the weather is still good for an enjoyable and unforgettable trip.
Quick Facts: Visiting Croatia in Autumn/Fall
- ☀️ Best months: Late September – mid-October.
- ???? Prices: Hotels & rentals drop up to 40% vs. summer. Check prices here.
- ???? Crowds: Beaches and ferries are almost empty.
- ???? Sea temp: Still swimmable in September, cooler in October.
- ???? Seasonal perks: Olive & grape harvest, figs, fresh olives.
Weather in Croatia During Autumn
The weather can be unpredictable, but most days are sunny and warm enough for swimming or sunbathing. Temperatures are a bit cooler than in July or August, but they remain enjoyable for most.
Water temperatures also drop, but dipping your toes – or even taking a swim – can still be possible in early fall, generally throughout the whole month of September.
Over the past 15 years, official data shows that daytime highs in October range from 18°C to 22°C on the coast, while inland (like Zagreb) it can be cooler, around 10–15°C.
October usually boasts 197 hours of sunshine, and if you head to Hvar Island or Dubrovnik, you can expect even more.
Sometimes, October brings an Indian summer, which is a period of above-average warmth. This means that sunbathing and swimming are possible too. However, it’s impossible to predict when an Indian summer will take place.
Note: If you’re visiting Split in October, I’ve already written a complete guide dedicated to the city during this month – make sure to check it out.
What to do in Croatia during autumn / fall?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, there are many sightseeing tours, activities, and attractions awaiting you in Croatia during this time of the year.
This is a time when tranquility returns again, the beaches are almost empty, ferry crowds are gone and all kind of accommodation can be found at much lower prices than just a few weeks prior.
This is a period when the nature pays off the hard work of the farmers with some locally grown products that have always had a long tradition in Croatia.
In the fall, you will start seeing big, juicy grapes available at local markets, as well as black and green olives and figs.
Can you go to the beach in Croatia during the fall season?
Fall officially begins in late September (the final third of the month), with September and October usually being very warm and pleasant overall.
In September, bathing in the Adriatic sea is still doable, as the water temperatures are around 25°C, dropping to around 21–23°C in October. Again, the southern coast is usually warmer.
However, starting late November and until the end of the fall season, although you might still get the occasional warm day that is warm enough to go to the beach, don’t expect this to happen too often – nor for the water temperatures to be warm enough for bathing.
Temperatures can go down to as low as 15 degrees starting in November, so soaking up the sun will no longer be as pleasant, while the sea water will get cold too.
But overall, for the first month of the fall season in Croatia, you can generally still get warm enough weather for sunbathing and even swimming.
Fall in Croatia: Olive picking
Olives and grapes have been cultivated here since Greek and Roman times. Harvesting is a social event, with families and friends working together.
- Olive picking usually begins in early November.
- In some regions, it continues until mid-January, thanks to the mild coastal climate.
- Most olive groves are in Istria and Dalmatia. In recent years, the government supported planting new trees through subsidies.
I recommend booking a tour if you want to spend a quiet afternoon getting to know some locals and a few other tourists while learning about olives, harvesting, and life in Croatia. There are multiple options available, depending on the region you visit.
Wellness and Spa Escapes
After a day outdoors or olive picking, autumn is also the right season to slow down and enjoy Croatia’s wellness side, also on a budget.
Hvar Island, for example, has developed into a wellness hotspot, with retreats focused on relaxation, local herbs, and spa treatments.
Inland, you’ll also find traditional thermal spas that offer hot mineral pools and treatments that are especially enjoyable once evenings turn cooler.
For a mix of nature and relaxation, head to the island of Lošinj, known as the “island of vitality” thanks to its clean air and pine forests.
Wine and Grape Harvesting
Wine lovers should plan a trip in early October, when grape harvests take place. Of course, great Croatian wine is available year-round, but this is when the vineyards are most lively.
On Hvar Island, visit renowned wineries such as Duboković and Tomić. Tasting wine is enjoyable, but learning about the winemaking process adds extra depth to the experience.
Explore National Parks in Autumn
Now that we’ve looked at local harvests and market life, it’s worth mentioning that autumn is also one of the best times to enjoy Croatia’s national parks. With cooler weather and fewer visitors, hiking trails and waterfalls are easier to explore without the summer rush.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park – Famous for its waterfalls and turquoise lakes, this UNESCO site is even more spectacular when framed by autumn colors. I recommend booking a guided tour like this one for the full experience.
- Krka National Park – Another park with stunning cascades, best enjoyed in early October when the weather is mild and walking paths are still easy. Check out this guided tour for options.
- Paklenica National Park – Perfect for hikers who want dramatic canyons, climbing routes, and mountain trails in cooler temperatures.
Visiting in autumn means you’’’ll have more space to yourself and better photo opportunities with the charming seasonal foliage.
What cities to visit in Croatia in Autumn?
Resort towns along the Adriatic coast become quiet once the beach season ends. If you want a laid-back holiday, you can still go there to relax.
However, for more variety and activities, larger cities are better choices in autumn. Here are my recommendations:
- Dubrovnik – impressive year-round.
- Zagreb – lively capital with cultural events.
- Split – combines history and coastal charm.
- Pula – Roman history and fewer tourists.
- Rijeka – a port city with a local vibe.
I’d avoid smaller summer-only resorts, since they don’t offer much beyond beach life once the season ends.
Hidden Gems and Quieter Spots
Now that we’ve covered the main cities, you might also want to consider smaller destinations that feel very different in autumn.
- Korčula Island – Known for its medieval streets and excellent wine, it’s far more peaceful after summer ends.
- Istria’s hilltop towns such as Motovun and Grožnjan are perfect for food lovers, with truffle hunting and small family wineries.
- Rastoke Village – Called “mini Plitvice,” this little town full of waterfalls feels magical in the fall and is much easier to explore than the national park itself.
And if you still want time by the sea, autumn gives you beaches without the summer crowds. Spots like Zlatni Rat on Brač, Šunj Beach on Lopud, or Sveti Jakov near Dubrovnik are quieter but still stunning to visit in September and early October.
Final words
Croatia during the fall season is much slower paced, a lot less crowded and even though you won’t get the same goodies you normally would during the summer season, you still have a lot of options, albeit a bit different than just going to the beach.
But the weather is still nice and rain not likely for the most part – and especially with the latest changes in weather patterns, you can get surprisingly pleasant weather and conditions, similar to the summer, up to the middle of October. And all for a huge discount!
Sure, there’s always the small risk that, if you visit for one week, for example, you’ll get a straight 7 days of rain, but that’s really unlikely. And even if it does happen, as long as you choose one of the large cities, there will be plenty of activities for you to do.
Have you visited Croatia in autumn? Let us know your impressions about the country and the cities you have seen in the comment section below.