Croatia · December
Low seasonCroatia · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 12° (54°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)10– (50–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 24° (75°)18– (64–)29 (84) | 29° (84°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)26– (79–)36 (97) | 32° (90°)26– (79–)36 (97) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)22 (72) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)18 (64) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)12 (54) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)16 (61) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 4h | 5h | 7h | 8h | 9h | 10h | 11h | 10h | 7h | 6h | 4h | 4h |
🌊Water Temp | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 13° (55°) | 15° (59°) | 19° (66°) | 23° (73°) | 24° (75°) | 25° (77°) | 23° (73°) | 21° (70°) | 18° (64°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 8d96mm (3.8") | 7d92mm (3.6") | 7d84mm (3.3") | 6d65mm (2.6") | 6d72mm (2.8") | 4d60mm (2.4") | 2d27mm (1.0") | 3d35mm (1.4") | 5d88mm (3.5") | 5d95mm (3.7") | 9d149mm (5.9") | 8d130mm (5.1") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Croatia — with highs of only 14°C (57°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 14°C (57°F) during the day and drop to 7°C (45°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 18°C (64°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F). With 4 sunshine hours per day and 8 rain days (130 mm (5.1 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 16°C (61°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Dubrovnik is finally Dubrovnik: the old town, which suffers under cruise tourism in summer, belongs to a few visitors and the locals. Stone lanes in midday silence, the Adriatic view from the city walls undisturbed.
Packing list for Croatia in December
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Croatia?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Croatia (Score: 30/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Croatia in December?
- In December, Croatia sees daily highs of 14°C (57°F). Nights cool to 7°C (45°F), with a daily average of 10°C (50°F). Peaks reach around 18°C (64°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F).
- How much rain falls in Croatia in December?
- In December, Croatia receives an average of 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Croatia get in December?
- Croatia averages 4 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Croatia in December?
- Water temperature in Croatia in December averages 16°C (61°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.