Croatia Climate

Climate of Croatia

Croatia, due to the great diversity of its terrain and the influence of the Adriatic Sea lapping its coasts, has several climatic zones. The northern and eastern parts of the country have a temperate continental climate, while the coastal regions and islands have a Mediterranean climate. The Dinaric Mountains and the Gorski Kotar region have a mountain climate.

Northern and eastern Croatia (Zagreb, Pannonian Plain, Slavonia) have a temperate continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and sometimes cold. In the warmest months, temperatures range from 23°C - 26°C, while in the coolest months they drop to around 0°C. Frosts and snowfall can also occur in winter. Precipitation oscillates between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm per year and occurs mainly in summer and autumn.

The Adriatic coast (Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia, islands) is a Mediterranean zone. Summers here are hot and relatively dry, with temperatures exceeding 30°C. Water temperatures are also high - around 25°C. Winters are mild and rainy - the temperature rarely falls below 5°C - 10°C, but the cold and dry "bora" wind blowing from the inland side of the island makes its presence felt. The north coast is slightly cooler than the south coast. Annual precipitation on the coast is 1,200 mm - 1,500 mm, the exception being Dalmatia (south of the country), where precipitation does not exceed 1,000 mm.

The Dinaric Mountains and the Gorski Kotar region are the coldest and rainiest areas of Croatia, and have a mountain climate. In summer, temperatures reach 15°C - 17°C, accompanied by rainfall, which fluctuates around 3,000 mm per year. In winter, temperatures drop below 0°C, and in the higher mountain ranges the weather changes rapidly and it often snows.