Croatian summer going nowhere as heat rolls into September

No sign of cooling down

As September approaches, one might expect the first hints of autumn to appear in Croatia. However, this year, summer seems to be in no hurry to leave.

The country’s long, hot summer is set to continue well into September, with above-average air and sea temperatures showing no signs of easing.

Inland Croatia will bask in fine, sunny weather with temperatures consistently hitting the early 30s degrees Celsius during all of the first week of September.

Coastal areas will experience even warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from the early to mid-30s, maintaining the trend of a scorching summer that has seen many days in the upper 30s.

Lows at night will also remain as high with temperatures not dropping below 27 degrees Celsius on the coast.

This extended period of high temperatures is notable even for a country accustomed to warm summers. Typically, the intense heat begins to taper off by late August, but this year has been an exception.

Dubrovnik

The persistent heatwave is the result of a combination of factors, including high-pressure systems that have settled over the region, trapping hot air and preventing cooler weather from moving in.

For tourists, particularly pensioners and those seeking to avoid the peak summer heat, the prolonged warmth offers a unique opportunity. With summer extending its stay, the traditional tourist season may stretch further into the shoulder months.

September, often seen as a quieter period for travel, could now become an attractive time for visitors who prefer sunny weather without the high-season crowds and October could be the new September.

Early September forecast on the Croatian coast (Image: Yr.no)

Coastal towns and cities, which typically see a dip in tourist numbers as autumn approaches, might find this extended summer beneficial.

Warmer sea temperatures, which are also above average, mean that swimming and beach activities remain appealing well into September and even October. This summer has seen record sea temperatures in Croatia.

While an extended summer might seem like a boon for tourism, it also highlights the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. Croatia’s agricultural sector, for example, may face challenges with crops and water resources if these hotter, drier conditions become the new norm.

As Croatia enjoys—or endures—this late-summer heatwave the focus remains on making the most of the warm weather.