Croatia (Zadar) · 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°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)28 (82) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)25– (77–)36 (97) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)35 (95) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)31 (88) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)20 (68) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)9 (48) | 3° (37°)-5– (23–)10 (50) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)17 (63) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)14 (57) | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)11 (52) |
☀️Sunshine | 4h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 10h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 4h UV 3 | 3h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 13° (55°) | 12° (54°) | 13° (55°) | 15° (59°) | 18° (64°) | 22° (72°) | 24° (75°) | 25° (77°) | 23° (73°) | 20° (68°) | 18° (64°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d95mm (3.7") | 6d84mm (3.3") | 6d76mm (3.0") | 6d64mm (2.5") | 6d79mm (3.1") | 4d47mm (1.9") | 3d44mm (1.7") | 4d57mm (2.3") | 6d124mm (4.9") | 5d100mm (3.9") | 9d143mm (5.6") | 9d120mm (4.7") |
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 (Zadar) — with highs of only 13°C (55°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 13°C (55°F) during the day and drop to 4°C (39°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 17°C (63°F), the coldest nights around -4°C (25°F) — frost does occur. With 3 sunshine hours per day and 9 rain days (120 mm (4.7 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 15°C (59°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.
Packing list for Croatia (Zadar) 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 (Zadar)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Croatia (Zadar) (Score: 25/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Croatia (Zadar) in December?
- In December, Croatia (Zadar) sees daily highs of 13°C (55°F). Nights cool to 4°C (39°F), with a daily average of 9°C (48°F). Peaks reach around 17°C (63°F), the coldest nights around -4°C (25°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Croatia (Zadar) in December?
- In December, Croatia (Zadar) receives an average of 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Croatia (Zadar) get in December?
- Croatia (Zadar) averages 3 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Croatia (Zadar) in December?
- Water temperature in Croatia (Zadar) in December averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.