Why September is still my favourite time to visit Croatia

By Ana K.

Over the decade and a half, I’ve made it a priority to visit Croatia almost every year, having missed only one or two years.

With family ties and a deep affection for the country, I’ve experienced it in nearly every season—celebrating Easter in April, enjoying the warmth of summer in June, July, and August, and even experiencing Advent during Christmas and New Year’s.

However, it wasn’t until 2019 that I visited in September, and that’s when I became convinced that it’s the best month to explore Croatia.

Since then, I’ve sung September’s praises, highlighting the reasons why in a previous article.

With some dynamics changing recently I decided to revisit this opinion to see if it stands, and yes, I still firmly believe that September holds the crown as the ideal month to visit Croatia.

A side note, however, if it keeps getting hotter each year then October maybe the new September.

Here are my reasons why I love September the most.

Weather

This month on the coast has started out hotter than typical, but the weather is still gorgeous in September. Once this current heat subsides, apparently later this week, then the cooler mornings and cooler nights than in July and August will mean a great night sleep.

The days in September are warm, but there will be no constant sweating and need for cold showers hopefully during the night like in August.

There seem to be less mosquitos too.

Sea

Like the weather, this is a reason I had to revise. This summer has seen record temperatures set and the Adriatic has never been warmer in parts.

Swimming though in September is ideal, with temperatures usually around 24-25°C. October will be just a but too chilly for my liking.

If you come before the summer heat, say in May or June, you do not get the sea this warm. When I visited in one year in early June, the air temperature was great, highs similar like now of 27°C, but the sea was still chilly and only 20°C.

Not as crowded

Perhaps my strongest point in the case for September was always the crowds, or lack of them.

This summer has not felt as crowded as other years, but the older I get the less of a fan of crowds I am becoming. September is the time kids go back to school in Europe so most families have departed.

Crowded ferries and terminals can be stressful in peak season. 

It is so pleasant and relaxing to stroll around the town with no crowds. I can rock up to my favourite cafe and grab a seat with a view. I can even choose now which newspaper or magazine on offer to read at the cafe.

There are no problems getting a table at a restaurant and no big queues in Konzum and other supermarkets. The beaches are much quieter also. I love it, it is so relaxing. 

Locals have more time

The locals tend to have more time. A lot of my family work in tourism and it is great to go to the beach and out for drinks with cousins as they have a bit more time now compared to hectic July and August.

I aways noticed more locals at the cafes and the atmosphere feels a lot more relaxed. This may change however as Croatia’s strategy to stretch out the season and make the shoulder seasons more busy.

Figs, Šipak…

September is great for produce. If you come early enough in the month you will get a great fix of figs. Šipak, or pomegranates, are also starting to ripen.

Don’t forget the grapes too. You can participate in grape-picking activities, visit vineyards, and enjoy fresh, locally-produced wines.

Events

One thing I love about July and August are all the events and feštas that are on. September also has some great events, such as the Truffle Days in Istria, and the fig and strudel festivals to name a few.

Until things change, the charm of September has won me over for now.