The 7 Best Places To Visit In Croatia In September

Croatia shines in September with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. You’ll love Dubrovnik’s uncrowded walls, Plitvice’s colorful waterfalls, and post-party Hvar’s authentic charm. Don’t miss Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, swimming at Krka’s waterfalls, and Korčula’s wine festivals during harvest season. Zagreb offers cultural festivals and outdoor dining along Tkalčićeva Street. Pack light layers and enjoy off-season rates while experiencing Croatia’s coastal and inland gems at their most inviting.

Good To Know

• Dubrovnik offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds at City Walls and Mount Srđ, and cultural events like the International Late Summer Music Festival.
• Hvar Island presents post-party season authenticity with swimmable seas, architectural highlights, and opportunities for wine tasting and seafood dining.
• Split provides comfortable 20-25°C temperatures ideal for exploring Diocletian’s Palace and convenient access to less crowded nearby islands.
• Korčula Island features reduced accommodation rates, Venetian Gothic architecture, the Marco Polo Festival, and panoramic views from the town tower.
• Zagreb hosts multiple festivals in September while offering comfortable outdoor exploration temperatures and easy access to Croatia’s other destinations.

Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic Without Summer Crowds

While the summer hordes retreat and temperatures mellow, Dubrovnik transforms into its most authentic self come September. You’ll enjoy pleasant 22-25°C weather and markedly reduced crowds at popular attractions like the magnificent City Walls and Mount Srđ cable car.

September in Dubrovnik—when the city reveals its true character amid perfect weather and blissfully thinner crowds.

Take advantage of off-season accommodation rates and shorter queues while exploring Game of Thrones filming locations on the Westeros Trail. Don’t miss Lokrum Island with its botanical gardens and Iron Throne replica, easily accessible by short boat ride. The Old Town, rated 4.6/5 by over 19,000 travelers, offers limestone-paved Stradun pedestrian street lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Often referred to as the Pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik captivates visitors with its breathtaking coastal beauty and remarkable preservation.

September’s cultural calendar boasts the International Late Summer Music Festival in historic venues. For day trips, cruise to Mljet National Park or sample wines on the Pelješac Peninsula.

Active travelers can kayak around the city walls at sunset or hike Srđ Hill for panoramic views of terracotta rooftops meeting the azure Adriatic.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Symphony of Waterfalls in Autumn Light

Once the summer rush subsides, Plitvice Lakes National Park transforms into a mesmerizing autumn wonderland where cascading waterfalls create a natural symphony against a backdrop of gold and amber foliage.

September offers ideal conditions with temperatures averaging 61°F, making it perfect for exploring the park’s network of wooden walkways. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere as visitor numbers decrease from summer’s 12,000 daily cap.

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos in the autumn light. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers—mornings can dip to 52°F.

Plan for a full day to fully appreciate the turquoise lakes and waterfalls. The park experiences 54% cloud cover during September, creating dramatic lighting conditions that photographers particularly appreciate.

While exploring Croatia in September, you might consider extending your journey to experience the Mediterranean allure that draws visitors to coastal destinations throughout the region.

Stay on designated paths to avoid accidents—about 30 occur annually, mostly from falls. The mild weather and breathtaking scenery make September an ideal time to visit.

Hvar Island: Mediterranean Bliss After the Party Season Ends

As September arrives on Hvar Island, the infamous summer party crowds disappear, revealing the authentic Mediterranean charm that makes this Adriatic gem truly special. You’ll enjoy perfect 24°C temperatures and a still-swimmable sea while paying considerably lower accommodation rates.

Explore the 16th-century Fortica Fortress for panoramic views before wandering through Hvar Town’s Renaissance square. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural grid dating to 384 BC. Unlike coastal Bulgaria, Croatia’s Hvar offers a perfect blend of historical sites and natural beauty all in one compact island.

Book a boat tour to the mesmerizing Blue Cave and Green Cave (from $115/person), or splurge on a private charter to discover hidden coves. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating from thousands of travelers, the Blue Cave tour is consistently ranked as one of the most rewarding day trips from Hvar.

For land adventures, rent an e-bike ($69) to explore coastal routes, then reward yourself with local Plavac Mali wine tastings and fresh seafood dinners in peaceful waterfront settings.

Split: Discover Diocletian’s Palace at a Leisurely Pace

From the island vibe of Hvar, you’ll need to head to Split, home to one of Europe’s most extraordinary Roman monuments. Diocletian’s Palace, built in the early 4th century, offers the rare opportunity to explore a living Roman ruin where locals still reside within ancient walls.

September’s mild temperatures (20-25°C) make it ideal for wandering the limestone labyrinth without summer crowds. You won’t need tickets to explore most areas – stroll through the four monumental gates and atmospheric Peristyle Square freely. Originally constructed as a retirement residence for Emperor Diocletian who retired here in 305 AD after his reign, the palace combines both military fortress and luxury villa elements. The undeniable allure of Split lies in this perfect blend of ancient history integrated into everyday modern life.

Save your kuna for the Cathedral of St. Domnius and underground cellars, both showcasing original Roman architecture.

In the evening, enjoy the palace’s dramatic lighting while sipping coffee on the Riva waterfront, just steps away. Day trips to nearby islands are quick and less crowded this time of year.

Krka National Park: Swim Under Waterfalls in Perfect September Temperatures

While summer travelers depart in droves, Krka National Park offers one of Croatia’s last chances to swim beneath cascading waterfalls in September. Take advantage of the comfortable 22-26°C temperatures and reduced crowds at designated swimming areas like Roški slap, Stinice, and Pisak—all open until September 30th, weather permitting. Unlike Scandinavian countries, Croatia maintains pleasant swimming conditions well into autumn.

Experience Croatia’s hidden September gem: waterfall swimming in Krka National Park when crowds thin and temperatures remain blissfully perfect.

For the perfect visit:

1. Arrive early to avoid parking hassles and secure a tranquil spot at Skradinski buk’s swimming zones, clearly marked by safety buoys.
2. Pack smartly with non-slip shoes for wooden boardwalks, swimming gear, and a camera for the turquoise pools teeming with frogs and dragonflies.
3. Save money with a single-day entrance ticket that covers the main waterfall and walking trails, or base yourself in nearby Skradin for multi-day exploration. Many visitors find the spectacular view of Franciscan monastery of Visovac on its tiny island in Visovačko Lake worth the extra boat trip.

Korčula Island: Marco Polo’s Birthplace in Harvest Season

Whether you believe the historical claim or not, September presents the perfect time to explore Korčula Island, the contentious birthplace of Marco Polo. As crowds thin and temperatures hover around a pleasant 22°C, you’ll enjoy markedly reduced accommodation rates—about 30-40% lower than peak season.

Wander through Venetian Gothic architecture and explore the Marco Polo House museum while tracing the Depolo family lineage that still persists today. You can climb to the top of the museum’s tower for panoramic views of Korčula’s charming old town. For travelers who enjoy discovering multiple destinations, Korčula offers easy access to Zagreb’s charm, which has become a must-visit location in Croatia.

September’s harvest season offers unique culinary experiences: participate in olive picking, sample freshly harvested figs, and attend wine festivals featuring local Pošip and Grk varieties.

Don’t miss the annual Marco Polo Festival with its medieval reenactments, and take advantage of frequent catamarans from Split and Dubrovnik while the weather remains perfect for cycling and kayaking adventures.

Zagreb: Croatia’s Cultural Capital Comes Alive in Early Fall

September transforms Zagreb into an ideal destination as summer’s oppressive heat gives way to pleasantly mild temperatures between 53-74°F (12-23°C). The city’s cultural calendar fills with events like the International Swing Festival and BeerYard Festival, while outdoor film screenings at SCREEN on the GREEN offer budget-friendly entertainment.

Maximize your visit with these autumn essentials:

1. Taste seasonal specialties at Dolac Market, where truffle dishes and fresh figs won’t break the bank.
2. Explore Maksimir Park’s emerging fall colors before crowds return for winter festivals.
3. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships during off-peak season for a uniquely Croatian cultural experience.

Unlike coastal destinations, Zagreb maintains a reasonable cost level similar to other Central European cities, making it an attractive option for travelers on various budgets.

History enthusiasts should consider taking a guided tour of the Upper Town to see St. Mark’s Church with its iconic colorful tiled roof and other significant landmarks.

Pack light layers for warm days and cool evenings as you enjoy Zagreb’s al fresco dining scene along Tkalčićeva Street, where local wines complement harvest-inspired menus.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Croatia at its absolute best in September, with 25% fewer travelers than August but temperatures still hovering around a pleasant 75°F. Take advantage of shoulder season prices—accommodations drop by up to 30% while maintaining that Mediterranean magic. Pack light layers for cooler evenings, book accommodations early for waterfront locations, and don’t miss local wine festivals celebrating the autumn harvest across the coastal regions.