The Best Time to Sail in Croatia

The official sailing season in Croatia is from late spring to early fall. Summer is the most popular time to sail because of the warm weather, hot air temperatures, and abundance of activities onshore. Another great time to sail is in the spring and mid-fall. Some reasons for this are there are fewer people, boats are up to 50% cheaper and the weather is a little cooler. 

One of the most important tips for bareboat charter sailors for summer travel is that you must plan in advance where you’ll stay the night. Mooring, anchorages, and marinas fill up quickly during the high season. 

Average Climate

Along the Croatian coast, the weather is similar to the Mediterranean and is rather mild. The northernmost coast experiences lows of 2 degrees C (36F) in January and 28 degrees C (73F) in July and August. For summer swimming, you can expect the water temperature to reach 26 degrees C (78F).  

However, things heat up slightly on the southern coast with lows of 7 degrees C (44F), and highs of 22 degrees C (85F). You can expect the sea temperature to be about 25 degrees C (77F) for July and August. 

Wind

The wind is always crucial when planning a sailing trip, and Croatia is well known for its winds, specifically the “bora” and the “jugo.” The bora comes in from the northeast and brings a cold chill, meaning jacket weather is on the horizon. The jugo is its southerly counterpart delivering that humid sea air. There are also the smaller winds called the maestral, burin, and nevera to be aware of. The nevera is important to note because it can be quite dastardly, bringing in sudden, nasty weather. But have no fear, the Croatian coast is very busy and weather patterns are well-known in advance. All marinas provide free local weather forecasts and offer safety guidance. By checking in advance, you’ll be good to go. 

Marine Infrastructure

Croatia is very sailor-friendly and offers roughly 50 marinas with well-rounded amenities. These include exchange offices, restaurants, toilets, showers, grocery stores, repair shops, cranes, and more. These marinas offer 16,000 in-water berths and 5,500 dry berths. These are always available during the off-season, but make sure to reserve them ahead of time during the summer. 

You can also be more adventurous and moor in any number of secluded bays or islets. You won’t find more than 10 nautical miles between two ports or anchorages, so you won’t have to worry about finding a safe harbor for your monohull or catamaran.

Safety

Croatia is very safe. It used to be a part of Yugoslavia, which fell apart in the 90s as a result of armed conflict. Now, there is no longer any hostility, making this a great place for tourists. Crime rates are even lower than the EU average.

On Water

Croatian water laws are pretty strict, so make sure you’ve completed all necessary training and have all of your required certificates to operate a boat (if you’re doing a bareboat charter). You could also hire a local skipper to avoid all of this. We’re happy to help you find one! 

On Land

On land, Croatia is very safe. It’s actually above average when it comes to the safety of all EU countries. Crime in Croatia is perceived as very low, receiving an 18 out of 100 for danger. Like all trips, there are still some standard things to watch out for. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing occur, so it's a good idea to protect your bag in crowded areas. 

Things to Do and See

Once you dock your boat, there are plenty of things to do and see. There is great history to explore in the medieval towns that line the coast and plenty of markets to shop at. You’ll also find bustling nightlife for those late-night hours. 

Must-See Towns

Croatia is well-known for its medieval towns and Roman architecture. You can't sail the Adriatic without mooring at some of these great sites.

Pula

Pula is famous for its 1st-century amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. The streets are so old they still have their original Roman paving stones. 

Sibenik

Sibenik is not a popular destination, but it is one you won't want to miss. It's the oldest Croatian town in the Adriatic and possesses four fortresses that still surround the city to this day. 

Trogir

Trogir is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is so well-preserved that it has very few modern touches to ruin its historic feel. Be sure to visit the fortress at the water's edge and climb the tower for a stunning view. 

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the most famous town along the coast, and its marble streets are a stunning experience. It’s also where Game of Thrones was filmed. 

Split

Split is another UNESCO World Heritage site that arose from a Roman emperor's palace. Within its walls exist many homes, shops, and restaurants. And they’re all owned by the descendants of those who built the town back in the 7th century.

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Croatia is popular, but not as popular as other areas in the Mediterranean. Don't expect to get your party started before 10 pm, because nightlife tends to get busy a little later. Check out this list of local hotspots if you're looking for a place to go out. 

Local Hospitality

Croatia has been building its tourism industry since the 1960s when it was part of Yugoslavia. Besides Croatian being the official language, many Croatians speak English. But along with English, Croatians speak a wide range of other languages such as Italian and German. 

In Conclusion 

Sailing the Adriatic in Croatia is a beautiful experience. With clear waters, moderate temperatures, and a rich history to explore -- Croatia deserves a high spot on your bucket list. Over here at Tripyacht, we’re ready to help you plan a sailing trip that you’ll remember for years. Now all you need to do is choose a boat and pick your crew. 

Sources | Resources

https://www.croatiatraveller.com/Activities/SailingPracticalities.htm

https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/croatia

https://seatemperature.net/country/croatia

https://www.find-croatia.com/marinas-croatia/

https://hr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

 https://travellemming.com/is-croatia-safe/#Is-Croatia-Dangerous    

https://www.mapquest.com/travel/10-vacation-worthy-towns-on-croatias-stunning-coastline/

https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/clubs-croatia/

https://www.total-croatia-news.com/travel/50621-do-they-speak-english-in-croatia