Dubrovnik has a classic Mediterranean climate: hot, sunny summers, mild but wetter winters and a long swimming season from late spring to early autumn. Expect plenty of sunshine from May to October, with the hottest months in July and August when average daytime temperatures sit in the mid to high 20s °C, and the coldest month in January when daytime temperatures are usually around 9-10 °C.
Knowing how the weather changes through the year helps you plan when to visit, using the Dubrovnik travel guide, what to pack and how to balance your time between sightseeing in the Old Town, relaxing on Dubrovnik beaches and planning day trips around Dubrovnik.
Key weather facts for Dubrovnik
- Climate: hot-summer Mediterranean, with dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
- Hottest months: July and August, with average daytime temperatures around 25–28 °C.
- Coldest month: January, with average daytime temperatures around 9–10 °C.
- Wettest period: November and December usually bring the most rainfall.
- Sea warmest: July and August, with average sea temperatures around 24–26 °C.
- Typical swimming season: roughly June to October for most visitors.
Dubrovnik weather overview
Dubrovnik enjoys warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. July and August are generally the hottest months, with average daytime temperatures around 25 °C and many days reaching near 30 °C. January is typically the coldest month, with daytime temperatures near 9 °C and nights that can fall to around 5 °C.
Rain falls mostly between late autumn and early spring, with November and December usually being the wettest months. Summer is much drier, especially July, which often has the fewest rainy days of the year.
The Adriatic Sea is usually warm enough for swimming from late May or early June until October, with sea temperatures peaking around 25-26 °C in July and August.
Overall, Dubrovnik is a pleasant year-round destination: summer is best for beach time, while spring and autumn offer comfortable sightseeing and fewer crowds.
For a broader look at Dubrovnik’s climate and how it compares with the rest of Croatia, you can also check the weather overview on Absolute Croatia.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik for weather
The ideal time to visit depends on whether you prefer warm sea temperatures, comfortable sightseeing weather or quieter months with fewer visitors. Below is how the weather typically feels in each season.
Spring (April-May)
Spring is mild and very pleasant for exploring Dubrovnik. Daytime temperatures rise from around 15 °C in April to about 20 °C in May, with cooler evenings that may require a light jacket. Rain is possible but generally less frequent than in winter, and crowds are still moderate, making it a great period for walking the city walls and enjoying things to do in Dubrovnik.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is hot, sunny and busy. Average daytime temperatures in July and August are around 25 °C, with many days reaching 30 °C or slightly above. Rainfall is low, evenings are warm and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. This is the best season for beaches, island-hopping and day trips from Dubrovnik by boat, as well as enjoying many outdoor activities that are most popular in the warmest months.
Summer is also the peak period for water sports, including diving, sea kayaking, sailing and a wide range of boat tours, which all benefit from calm seas and long, sunny days.
Heatwaves are possible, and temperatures above 35 °C do occur, so outdoor activities are best planned early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Autumn (September-October)
Early autumn is often considered one of the best times to visit. Sea temperatures remain warm, usually above 20 °C, and daytime air temperatures stay in the low to mid-20s °C in September before cooling in October. Sunshine is still common, though showers become more frequent later in the season. It’s an excellent time for combining sightseeing with ferries from Dubrovnik and coastal trips.
Winter (November-March)
Winter is mild compared to much of Europe. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 10-13 °C, nights are cool, and rainfall is more frequent. Snow is very rare. While not a beach season, winter brings quieter streets and relaxed sightseeing, especially during the Dubrovnik Winter Festival.
Dubrovnik Super Saver: Cable Car Ride and Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls
Explore the city of Dubrovnik, famous for its captivating architecture and deeply rooted history.
Wander through the intricate labyrinth of streets in Dubrovnik's Old Town, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find yourself amazed by the stunning vistas from the famous city walls. Elevate your journey with a cable car trip up Mt. Srd, providing you with amazing panoramic views over the city, sea and islands.
Monthly weather averages in Dubrovnik
The table below shows approximate monthly climate averages for Dubrovnik, including typical daytime highs, night-time lows and average rainfall. These values are long-term climate norms used for planning, but actual conditions can vary year by year.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Avg rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 4 | 110 |
| February | 10 | 5 | 95 |
| March | 13 | 7 | 100 |
| April | 16 | 10 | 95 |
| May | 21 | 14 | 75 |
| June | 25 | 18 | 50 |
| July | 28 | 21 | 30 |
| August | 28 | 21 | 40 |
| September | 25 | 18 | 100 |
| October | 20 | 14 | 140 |
| November | 15 | 10 | 180 |
| December | 11 | 6 | 160 |
These rounded monthly averages are intended for general planning only. Day-to-day weather can differ, especially during heatwaves or unsettled winter periods.
Sea temperature and swimming season in Dubrovnik
The sea around Dubrovnik is usually warm enough for swimming from late May or early June until October. In June, average sea temperatures are often around 21-22 °C, rising to about 24-26 °C in July and August, before slowly cooling to around 22-23 °C in September and close to 20 °C in October.
Most visitors find July and August the most comfortable months for long beach days and swimming, but confident swimmers often enjoy the sea from early June and well into September. In May and October, the water can feel refreshing rather than warm, so a quick swim is usually pleasant on sunny days, especially in the afternoon.
Beaches and swimming spots are spread along the coast and on nearby islands, so you can easily combine time in the Old Town with a few hours by the sea or a short boat trip to Lokrum Island or the beautiful Elaphiti Islands.
| Month | Avg sea temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 14 |
| February | 14 |
| March | 14 |
| April | 16 |
| May | 19 |
| June | 23 |
| July | 26 |
| August | 26 |
| September | 24 |
| October | 21 |
| November | 18 |
| December | 16 |
These sea temperatures are long-term monthly averages and should be used as a guide only. Actual water temperatures can be a little higher or lower in any given year.
What to pack for Dubrovnik by season
Packing smartly for the weather in Dubrovnik means focusing on layers, comfortable footwear and good sun protection. The basics stay similar throughout the year, but a few items change with the season.
Packing for spring and autumn
In spring and autumn, temperatures can change quickly between daytime and evening, so light layers work best. Pack T-shirts or light long-sleeve tops, a thin sweater or fleece, a light waterproof jacket, long trousers and comfortable walking shoes for the cobbled streets and city walls. A compact umbrella is useful as showers are still possible, especially in October and November.
Packing for summer
For summer, prioritise light, breathable clothing and strong sun protection. Bring T-shirts, shorts, light dresses, swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Comfortable sandals or trainers are helpful for walking, and water shoes can be useful on pebbly beaches. A light cover-up is handy for churches and for cooler evenings by the sea.
Packing for winter
Winters are mild but can be wet and windy, so pack long trousers, warm tops, a jumper or fleece and a medium-weight jacket that can cope with rain. Closed shoes with good grip are useful on wet pavements, and a scarf, hat and umbrella make city walks more comfortable on cooler days.
Weather tips for visiting Dubrovnik
In summer, the combination of heat, strong sun and stone streets can feel intense, especially in the middle of the day. Plan walks on the city walls and longer outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, drink plenty of water and take regular shade breaks. A hat and sunscreen are essential, particularly for children and older visitors.
Outside summer, be prepared for changeable weather. Autumn and winter can bring periods of heavy rain and strong wind, and some boat trips may be cancelled in rough sea conditions. It is sensible to keep at least one flexible day in your plan so you can adjust your activities if the weather changes.
In recent years, heatwaves and very high UV levels have become more common in southern Croatia, especially in July and August, so always check the latest forecast and any heat alerts before planning long periods in the sun.
For day-to-day forecasts, check a reliable local or national weather service shortly before and during your stay. This is especially important if you are planning boat trips, long hikes or drives along the coast.
Data About Weather in Dubrovnik
Weather forecasts are produced and transmitted by the State Hydrometeorological Institute. The VHF frequencies of coastal radio stations and harbor master's offices regularly broadcast weather forecasts. They are also broadcasted on FM stations, at the end of the news or within broadcasts for seamen. Harbor master's offices constantly send weather reports and warnings in four languages on their VHF operating channels. Forecasts presenting the synoptical situation can be obtained in marinas and harbor offices along the Croatian coast.
7 day weather forecast for Dubrovnik
Nautical Radio Service and Communications Service
The Croatian coasts coverage by radio communications is satisfactory. The radio service for the protection of human lives and safety of navigation is provided by Plovput from Split through radio stations Split and Dubrovnik, which cover the southern Adriatic, and Rijeka, which covers the northern part of the Adriatic sea.
According to the standards of the GMDSS system (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), the channel for automated receipt of digitalized distress calls is the channel 70, after which the communication is transferred to the operating channel of the coastal station, i.e. a harbor master's office (16 or 10). GMDSS system has been in use since 1st February 1999, and on the present VHF channel for distress calls, the channel 16, constant listening will be possible still for some more time.
For a direct call to a harbor master's office, the channel 10 is used.
In Croatia, there are three commercial systems of wireless telephony: Hrvatski Telekom/Croatian Telekom (Mobile prefix 098, 099), A1 (Mobile prefix 091), Telemach (Mobile prefix 095).
Winds
Bora (Bura) is the strongest wind along the Adriatic coast, blowing with enormous strength in some locations, mainly in the northern parts of the Adriatic. It is a dry and cold downward wind, blowing in bursts from the north-northeast to the east-northeast direction. The direction in which the wind blows is mostly influenced by the configuration of the shore. The strength of bora is explained by the existence of warm air over the surface of the sea, and a cold layer of air above mountain ranges in the littoral, which cause a strong streaming due to equating of the pressure. Cold air tends to fill the void, which occurs due to the rising of the warm (lighter) air from the sea surface. Bora blows mostly in the winter. In the summer, it usually lasts for a day or several hours, while, in the winter, it can blow as long as 14 days.
Sirocco ( jugo, šilok) is a warm and moist wind which blows from the direction east-southeast to south-southwest. Its consequences are high waves and rain. Sirocco is a characteristic wind for the southern Adriatic, where it blows longer and stronger than in the northern part. In the summer, it usually blows as long as 3 days, and in the winter even as long as 3 weeks. The signs of the oncoming sirocco are the calm at the sea, weak changeable winds, dimness of the horizon, the increase of the temperature and moisture, and the gradual decrease of the pressure. Waves from the direction of the southeast become bigger.
The landward breeze ( maestral) is a daily, thermic wind blowing from the direction of the northwest, and it occurs as the consequence of the difference in the speed of warming up of the land and the sea. It is present from the spring to the autumn, and, during the day, it often changes the direction of blowing. The landward breeze is more present in the southern Adriatic than in the northern Adriatic, and it starts to blow earlier there.
The stiff breeze (burin) is a wind blowing contrary to the landward breeze. It blows during the night from the direction of the north, north-east in the northern Adriatic, and in the southern Adriatic, from the east or south-east. It is the strongest before the dawn, and after that it stops soon.
Weather in Dubrovnik can change quickly, especially during autumn and early spring, so it’s helpful to stay prepared when travelling around the region. For added peace of mind during unexpected conditions, keep the important phone numbers for Dubrovnik saved, including emergency services, transport and local information contacts.
Dubrovnik weather FAQ
What is the weather like in Dubrovnik most of the year?
Dubrovnik has warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. From late spring to early autumn you can expect plenty of sunshine, with the hottest months in July and August. Winter brings cooler temperatures and more frequent rain, but it is still milder than many other European destinations.
When is the best month to visit Dubrovnik for good weather and fewer crowds?
Many visitors find May, June, September and early October the best months to visit. During these periods the weather is usually warm and pleasant, the sea is often suitable for swimming and the city is less crowded than in peak July and August.
Can you swim in Dubrovnik in May and October?
Swimming in May and October is possible but depends on your tolerance for cooler water. On sunny days the sea can feel refreshing rather than cold, and some visitors enjoy a quick swim, especially in the afternoon. If you prefer warmer water for long swims, June to September is more comfortable.
Does it rain a lot in Dubrovnik?
Most of the rain in Dubrovnik falls between late autumn and early spring, with November and December usually the wettest months. Summer is much drier, especially July and August, when rain is relatively rare. Even in the wetter months you can still expect some bright, clear days between showers.
Does it snow in Dubrovnik in winter?
Snow in Dubrovnik is rare. Winters are generally mild, with daytime temperatures usually above freezing. Light snow can occasionally fall, but it does not happen every year and it tends to melt quickly.
Other useful weather links:
Croatian Meteorological Service, https://meteo.hr/
Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia, Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia
The Weather Channel, The Weather Channel