July is high season in Croatia, and a visit would mean braving the crowds in most attractions.
This shouldn’t stop anyone from fully enjoying their trip though.
Croatia has a diverse landscape, and every region from the coastal parts to the central plains has plenty to offer. This is also a great time for road trips as the weather conditions are quite steady.
Explore new towns, discover hidden gems or try some local gastronomic fare — Croatia in July isn’t short of things to enjoy.
Make the most of your trip by taking note of what to expect when it comes to the weather. There are also suggestions on what to do and a few tips to ensure a hassle-free trip with this handy guide.
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Croatia in July: Weather, Things to See and Travel Tips
What is the weather in Croatia in July?
What is the average temperature in Croatia in July?
Temperature: From the coastal areas to the northern or interior plains, the average July temperature ranges from 11 °C to 28 °C.
Rain in Croatia in July?
The average rainfall in Croatia every July is about 50 mm in most regions.
Wind in Croatia in July?
Croatia in July gets an average wind speed of a steady 7.2 to 7.3 miles per hour.
Sun in Croatia in July?
The summer month of July gets an average of 10 hours of sunshine.
What to pack for Croatia in July?
July is a summer season so it is also the best time to go to Croatia.
Shorts — bring at least two: one denim and one thick cotton or linen. Goes well with a tank top and chambray shirt, even a scarf. You can wear these while hanging out or strolling around the beach or island hopping.
Tank tops — these could be paired with shorts, skirts or jeans, on its own or underneath a scarf or light jacket. Best for keeping cool during summer. This 4 tank tops pack is a good choice.
Swimsuits— bring two, as there’s plenty of opportunities to go beach hopping during summer in Croatia. Bring one in a plain color and another in cute prints. Check this swimsuit for options.
Cover-ups —- best to get a cover u that can be easily fixed to double as a dress. You can tie it this way and that to make it into a strapless or halter dress worn over your cute swimsuit while you’re on your way to the beach. Check out this kimono cover-up.
Maxi dresses — perfect for strolling around and a great outfit to wear when going to lunch or dinner. Like this Milumia floral maxi dress. This one looks great when taking photos with any of Croatia’s old city or castle in the background.
Chambray shirt — This is a versatile clothing item that looks dressy enough buttoned-up, paired with shorts or jeans. It can also be worn unbuttoned, over a tank top and jeans, giving your simple outfit a cool street vibe. Check out this unisex chambray shirt.
Flip flops — it is not summer unless you’ve walked around in flip flops. Choose one in a bright color to add character to your OOTD. These classic Havaianas won’t disappoint.
Ballet flats — versatile footwear for walking around, that you can wear with jeans and shorts as well as with a skirt. Choose one that’s slip-proof and made with memory foam for comfort and style.
Sandals — get these hiking sandals that are light and slip-proof, that will take you from a walk on the beach or cobblestone streets to an easy hike up a hill or fortress.
Sneakers — bring one in light colors that’ll look great with your shorts and jeans. Try these much raved about Puma sneakers. These are great for walking around the city and exploring Croatia’s best attractions.
Related Read: Packing List For Croatia For All Seasons
Things To Do in Croatia in July
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
When in Croatia, it’s a must to visit at least one of its national parks.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its network of sixteen lakes is among the best places to visit in Croatia in July. This 295-square-kilometer forest reserve and the national park is situated in central Croatia.
The sixteen lakes in the park are connected by waterfalls and truly a sight to behold.
There are trails and walkways where you can enjoy stunning views of these lakes. Plitvice also has a number of caves that you can explore. This place is ideal for a day trip.
For your comfort and convenience, the park also has several cafes, restaurants, and shops.
2. International Folklore Festival
If you’re headed to Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb, you might want to check out this ingenious festival.
This is essentially a celebration of the country’s rich folklore, featuring those that are unique to each region. These are showcased in a variety of performances from dance to puppet theatre.
This is one of the best things to do in Croatia that gives visitors a glimpse of their rich cultural heritage.
3. Diocletian’s Palace
Apart from national parks, you should also visit at least one UNESCO World Heritage Site when in Croatia.
One of these is the brilliantly preserved Diocletian’s Palace in Split. This structure goes as far back as the 4th century.
It was constructed for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It is actually closer in size to a fortress and occupies nearly half of Split’s old town.
Today, Diocletian’s is the only ‘complete’ Roman palace and one of the most important architectural features in all of Croatia.
Certain parts of the palace were also used in a scene in the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ do you might want to check that out.
4. Dubrovnik Summer Festival
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The coastal old city of Dubrovnik is easily one of the most popular and best places to visit in Croatia.
In July, this beautiful city hosts a music festival that’s mostly dedicated to the classics. The festival also features international acts along with local talents.
Aside from classical music, a variety of other genres are also performed. The event takes place in the old town and showcases not just concerts but also dance, theatre, and folklore.
The nearby Fort Lovrijenac meanwhile, holds a yearly traditional production of Hamlet.
5. Dubrovnik Cable Car
While in Dubrovnik and especially in July, you must take in its old-world vibe.
If you’re pressed for time but wanted to see more, try the cable car.
This is one of the most fun activities to do in Croatia where you get to see its most famous city from above. The cable car takes you to a plateau that’s 778 meters up. The ride takes four minutes and allows you to view the old town and the coast.
From the top and especially during summer, you can even see miles and miles of nearby places and the Adriatic.
Opening Hours:
January -9:00 am- 4:00 pm
March, November -9:00 am – 5:00 pm
April, October– 9:00 am -8:00 pm
May- 9:00 am -9:00 pm
June-August– 09:00 am -12:00 am
September -09:00 am -10:00 pm
December 9:00 am -4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
adult round-trip ticket-170,00 kn (€22.84)
adult one-way ticket -90,00 kn (€12.09)
children round-trip ticket -(4 – 12 years) 60,00 kn (€8.07)
children one-way ticket- (4 – 12 years) 40,00 kn (€5.38)
children up to 4 years of age- free of charge
Contact Information:
Address: Ulica kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Phone:+385 20 414 355 /+385 20 414 321
Email: info@dubrovnikcablecar.com
6. Musical Evenings in St. Donatus
A unique thing to do in Croatia has to be a concert inside a church.
In particular, the St. Donatus Church in charming Zadar is known for its great acoustics.
Whether you’re into the classical genre or not, you’d simply appreciate how it sounds particularly good inside the 9th century St. Donatus.
Concerts take place several times a week every July, a definite must experience that you shouldn’t pass up.
7. Sea Organ
While in Zadar, be sure to head to the seafront in the early morning or late afternoon. That’s the best time to hear the one of a kind music that’s produced by the Sea Organ.
The Sea Organ is both an art installation and a musical instrument. It is made up of a series of tubes laced under large marble stairs that extend to the sea waters.
When the waves move and hit the shore, a hauntingly beautiful sound is produced.
The Sea Organ is a brainchild of artist Nikola Basic. It is a part of a project that aims to revitalize Zadar after all the devastation it suffered during World War II.
It is now among the top attractions in Zadar that’s truly worth a visit
8. Watch an endless sunset in Rovinj
One of the best things to see in Croatia is the seemingly endless sunset in Rovinj. This coastal town in the Istrian peninsula is a must-visit during summer.
It’s a great alternative to Dubrovnik or even the island of Hvar. There’s plenty to see and do here but you shouldn’t miss the sunset.
For some reason, the sun during this time of the day seems to linger in the sky longer than in most places. Find a spot by the beach or harbor to watch this spectacle.
Better yet, join a sunset cruise. This cruise takes visitors to an archipelago where dolphins play as dusk appears.
9. Explore Osijek
Located in the region of Slavonia in Eastern Croatia, the city of Osijek is a complete departure from the usual destination in the country. It has the river Drava instead of the Adriatic or the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice. There are a picturesque street and Rivas that stretch for several kilometers instead of islands.
And there are culinary delights, wineries, breweries and strong coffee culture in place of castles featured in TV shows or quirky museums.
Travel Tips for Croatia in July
1. Buy travel insurance, even if Croatians are a helpful bunch and the country has a great medical system.
All sorts of problems could arise during travel and while you’re in another country. It is best to have that security that there’s something to rely on to sort out your troubles.
2. Pack light clothing. July is the middle of summer in Croatia. It doesn’t matter which part of the country you’re in, light clothes is a must.
A warm cover-up or jacket would be handy, but for the most part, bring clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably.
3. Take lots of photos! July is high season in Croatia, which means that most attractions are accessible to the public.
Don’t forget your trusty camera, spare batteries, and a travel charger. Encase them in waterproof bags, too. Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and type C & F plugs so get the right adapter and converter as well.
4. The best way to travel around Croatia is by car. If you have a license and you want to really explore the country, consider renting a car.
This way, you can really take in the sights at your own pace. You get to visit off the beaten paths, too.
Car rental in Croatia is seasonal though, so be sure to book in advance if you’re planning to drive around this breathtaking country.
5. Make the most out of your Croatia trip by planning accordingly. If you only have less than a week, pick one destination and stick to it.
For example, you can just stay in Zagreb or Split and just take day trips from there.
This way, you get to really explore one destination and still see other parts as well. This is much better than rushing from one city to another. You’ll only exhaust yourself and not enjoy yourself as much.
6. Tipping is not required in Croatia as service charge is normally added on the bill. But even if the service charge is not added, it is not expected to give tips. However, feel free to give tips if you think the service is good. For a complete guide, you can check out this tipping etiquette on Croatia.
