Best time to visit · Zagreb · Croatia
The best time to visit Zagreb
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Miroslav.vajdic, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Zagreb are May to June and September to October, when weather is warm, café terraces are full and day trips to Plitvice are at their best. December is busy and festive with Advent markets. July and August are hot and quieter as locals leave for the coast, and January to February is cold and grey but low-priced.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June, September–October and December
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 4°C (39°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February
Seasons
Zagreb has a continental climate with warm summers often reaching 28°C or more, cold winters around freezing with occasional snow, and rain spread through the year with thunderstorms in late spring and summer.
March–May
Spring
Light festivals, blossom in the Green Horseshoe and terraces reopening, with mild temperatures and frequent showers.
June–August
Summer
Warm to hot, with festivals at Lake Jarun and open-air bars in the Upper Town; quieter in August as residents go to the coast.
September–November
Autumn
Settled September weather, autumn colour in October and the start of Advent in late November.
December–February
Winter
Cold with occasional snow; December is lively with Advent markets, while January and February are the quietest and lowest-priced months.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -3°C | 10 | 9 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 7°C | -2°C | 9 | 10.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 12°C | 2°C | 10 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 12 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 22°C | 10°C | 13 | 14.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 26°C | 14°C | 12 | 15.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 28°C | 16°C | 10 | 15.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 28°C | 15°C | 9 | 14.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 23°C | 11°C | 10 | 12.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 17°C | 7°C | 10 | 10.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 10°C | 3°C | 11 | 9.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 5°C | -1°C | 11 | 8.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Samobor Carnival (usually February) |
| March | Festival of Lights — light installations across the centre (usually March) |
| April | Easter (March or April) |
| June | Animafest — world festival of animated film (usually June); INmusic festival at Lake Jarun (usually late June) |
| July | Summer on Strossmayer Promenade — open-air music and bar (usually summer) |
| November | Zagreb Film Festival (usually November); Advent in Zagreb begins (usually late November) |
| December | Advent in Zagreb — Christmas markets in parks and squares (usually late November to early January); Ice skating at King Tomislav Square (usually in Advent) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Zagreb?
The best times to visit Zagreb are May to June and September to October, when weather is warm, café terraces are full and day trips to Plitvice are at their best. December is busy and festive with Advent markets. July and August are hot and quieter as locals leave for the coast, and January to February is cold and grey but low-priced.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Zagreb?
Usually in February. Cold and quiet, with low hotel prices and carnival celebrations in some neighbourhoods and nearby towns.
+What is the rainiest month in Zagreb?
May, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Zagreb get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F).