The Best Time to Visit Split 2024: the Ultimate Guide

Published by: BouncePosted
The best time to visit Split, Croatia

Undoubtedly one of the most popular cities to see in Croatia, Split's central location makes it the ideal gateway to the stunning Dalmatian coast. Surrounded by scenic splendor including Krka National Park and the Adriatic Sea, visiting Split lets you see both the natural surroundings that make Croatia so special and the fascinating culture and UNESCO World Heritage sites of this ancient country. Split Airport is the ideal starting point to see the nearby islands and the national parks a little further afield, including the legendary Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Whenever you visit Split, you're almost guaranteed a good time. However, choosing the best time to visit depends on what you want to do while visiting Croatia. If you're planning to go island hopping and enjoy the incredible weather of the Adriatic coast, the peak season of summer is the best time to do it. If you prefer a city break that lets you explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Split Old Town with its iconic bell tower and enjoy cultural events, you might be better off in the less busy shoulder seasons or even the winter.

Drop off your bags at a suitcase storage in Split, and you'll be able to enjoy the best of the second-largest city in Croatia whenever you choose to visit. Travel light, and you'll get to more tourist attractions and activities, making for the perfect trip to the Dalmatian Coast.

When to visit Split

Summer in Split

If you had to sum up the busy summer season on the Dalmatian coast in one word, it would be hot. And that's not just because of how popular Split is or a reference to the tanned bodies you'll find lining the gorgeous beaches along the Adriatic sea. Average temperatures in the summer are high, with daily highs in July and August easily passing 86°F (30°C). Perfect weather for a beach ball game or an island hopping tour, but a little on the warm side to be trekking around ancient cities where the sun bounces back from the stone to make things even hotter. Air conditioning can be hard to find in Split too, so be prepared for real heat during the summer months.

June, July, and August are the least rainy months in Split, and if you're looking to enjoy a summer festival and sea temperatures ideal for swimming, this is when you'll want to visit. Remember to pack at least one bathing suit along with your shorts and T-shirts, but you shouldn't need more than a light rain jacket in case you get a little rain during your trip.

The coastal towns around Split really come alive from early summer onwards, with wine bars and restaurants making great outdoor venues to enjoy live music and delicious Dalmatian cuisine. The summer peak season is also a great time to visit Croatia if you want to visit a national park or two on your trip.

When you should travel to Split

However, the summer months are popular with just about everyone. Therefore, visiting Split during peak season means navigating crowds.

Plus, you'll also find prices for hotels are higher during the summer months to take advantage of the tourist season. If you can handle the summer crowds in the stunning Old Town and the higher prices, you can enjoy fun activities like sea kayaking, snorkeling, and day trips to incredible national parks. But if you'd rather avoid crowds or aren't a fan of hot weather, summer might not be the best time to visit Croatia for you.

Fall in Split

The weather in Split is still warm during the fall months, with highs ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 82°F (28°C). The water temperature also remains pleasant for swimming in September and October.

Rainfall is a little higher in the fall than it is in the summer, but you can still expect relatively dry conditions if you visit Split in September or October. These months are ideal for city breaks and exploring all that Split has to offer without having to navigate large crowds.

If you love spending time outdoors, autumn is also a great time of year to go hiking or cycling around some of Croatia's incredible national parks. The leaves changing color in Plitvice Lakes National Park make for a stunning sight as well.

Early September in particular makes a great time to visit Croatia. You'll still get summer-y weather and plenty of activities still going on along the Adriatic Coast, but you can avoid the worst of the summer crowds by visiting after the kids have gone back to school. However, the later into fall you visit, the more you'll need to be prepared for a variety of different weather conditions. Swimsuits, shorts, flip-flops, hiking boots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella are all useful additions to your baggage. And with so much to carry, it's more important than ever to take advantage of a suitcase storage in Split to look after your things.

Best time to visit Split

Early October brings the grape harvest to the Dalmatian Coast, and this can be a great time to enjoy traditional cuisine while avoiding the crowds of high season. Fall is also the time when Split hosts several intriguing festivals such as the International Festival of Experimental Film and Video, so it's a good time to enjoy cultural events.

You're also more likely to find good deals on hotels and other accommodation once the weather starts to cool. If you're looking for great cultural events but still want weather warm enough to enjoy a boat tour or some time on a sandy beach, fall could be the best time to visit Split for you.

Winter in Split

The weather in Split during the winter is cool and can be quite rainy at times. Temperatures usually range from 46°F (8°C) to 54°F (12°C). However, it's not unusual for temperatures to dip below freezing on occasion. Snow is rare but does happen occasionally.

Despite the cooler and rainier weather, there are still plenty of things to do in Split during the winter months. You'll find most of the city's museums and galleries are open year-round, and you can enjoy live music and theater performances throughout the season as well.

Plus, many of the restaurants and cafes in Split have indoor seating so you can warm up with a hot drink and a bite to eat after braving the outdoor temperatures.

Different seasons in Split

Winter is also a great time to enjoy some traditional Croatian cuisine. Dishes like strukli (a kind of baked dough filled with cottage cheese) and maneštra (a thick vegetable soup) are particular favorites during the colder months.

If you prefer a more active vacation, winter can also be a great time to go hiking in the nearby mountains. A visit to Krka National Park can be even more spectacular in the winter than it is in the summer, since the famous waterfalls will be carrying far more water. Additionally, the possibility of ice and snow makes these famous waterfalls even more picture-postcard perfect. And you'll have the park almost completely to yourself, so you can enjoy a far more serene time in the natural environment without having to battle with crowds.

One of the best things about traveling in winter is the opportunity to save money. Accommodation prices in Split in the winter can be less than half what they are in the summer, meaning you could stay twice as long. And being able to stroll along Split's waterfront promenade or climb the bell tower without navigating crowds certainly makes winter an attractive time to visit Croatia.

If you're a fan of the festive season, Split Old Town at Christmastime is a sight you won't soon forget. Christmas beneath the palm trees may seem a little odd, but with snowcapped mountains surrounding the city, you'll soon get into the spirit of the season. Split's Christmas market is a great place to catch some local crafts and delicacies, but if you're dreaming of a white Christmas, it's best to head north for that. Be warned that unlike the rest of winter, Christmas sees a bit of a spike in accommodation prices, so it's not the cheapest time for a city break in Split.

If you don't mind dealing with occasional bad weather, winter can be a great—and affordable—time to visit Split. Just be sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear to keep yourself warm and dry.

The best season to visit Split

Spring in Split

The weather in Split begins to warm up in spring, with average highs ranging from 59°F (15°C) to 68°F (20°C). The days become longer, and you'll start to see more people out and about enjoying the sunshine and blooming flowers.

If you love spending time outdoors, then spring is a great time to visit Split. You can take advantage of pleasant temperatures by hiking in the nearby mountains, strolling through the lush parks, or sunbathing on one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast. And if you're looking for some cultural events to fill your days with activity, spring is also when several festivals are held in Split. These include the International Festival of Documentary and Short Film and the International Puppet Theatre Festival, both of which attract performers and spectators from around the world.

Another major benefit of visiting Split in spring is that it's a great time for shopping. The city's many markets burst into life as farmers bring their fresh produce to sell, and you can find all kinds of locally made goods—including leather goods, handmade jewelry, and traditional Croatian food items.

Of course, with all the extra people in town for the festivals and markets, accommodation prices do tend to rise during springtime. But if you book in advance, you can still find some great deals on Split hotels.

Spring is an excellent time to enjoy the unique atmosphere and beauty of Split's Old Town. Sunny days are common, and the weather is often warm without being oppressively hot, so you can climb the iconic Bell Tower and explore Diocletian's Palace without sweating through your clothes. However, if you choose to visit Croatia in the spring, you will need to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Pack a good jacket and some closed-toe shoes along with your shorts and flip-flops to get the best out of the season.

In general, spring is a lovely time to visit Split. The weather is pleasant, the flowers are in bloom, and there's plenty to see and do around town. Just be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds than you'll find during other times of the year.

Visiting Split, Croatia

When is the best time to visit Split for you?

Choosing the best time to visit Split ultimately comes down to what kind of trip you want to have. It's a testament to how much the Dalmatian Coast has to offer that you'll find something to please just about everyone. If you want an active vacation full of swimming, hiking, and visiting national parks and nearby islands, summer is probably the best time for you to visit Croatia. On the other hand, if you'd rather avoid crazy crowds and oppressive heat, the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall offer good deals on accommodation and generally good weather so you can enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. Alternatively, winter brings great bargains, and when you head out of the city to visit the national parks of Croatia, you'll have the place almost yourself.

Whatever time you choose to visit Split, you'll find it much easier to enjoy your trip if you leave your bags behind at a Split luggage storage location. Drop off everything you don't need and get ready to explore this wonderful city.

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