Croatia In December: For A Memorable Croatia Vacation

December is the month to rejoice Christmas, and no place is better than enjoying Christmas in Croatia. Croatia in December also attracts New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in Croatia’s festive towns and cities. Come and spend holidays this month by booking Croatia packages which is great for hitting the uncrowded slopes and sipping hot chocolate while wandering advent markets. Also, welcome the New Year with a live performance.

Also Read: Croatia in November- Everything you need to know for a peaceful vacation!

Weather In Croatia In December

Winter in Croatia’s north comes with snow and ice, while the islands along the Adriatic coast get heavy rains. However, the showers typically don’t last long and only about half of the month receives rain. This month usually witnesses a strong northeasterly wind called bura that sweeps up the Adriatic coast and can reach hurricane-like force causing people to stay indoors. It also causes ferries to be cancelled and bridges to close. It is known to all that December is one of the coldest months of the year.

Average daily temperatures are rather freezing, and the mountainous area sees the mercury drop below freezing temperatures. Apart from this, the coast, however, continues to be mild, and temperatures range between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also Read: Croatia in October-A complete guide for a wonderful vacation!

Crowds & Costs For Croatia In December

There will be few foreign tourists in Dubrovnik during this month, and the cost tends to be pretty much low. You can find city centres from Dubrovnik to Zagreb busy with the Advent and Christmas season activities. Croats flock to admire and participate in the festive decorations, celebrations and Christmas markets. Those hotels that remain open all year along the coast will be significantly reduced for tourists on Croatia honeymoon packages. Winter in Croatia is considered low-season so, you will find transportation connections limited.

Presently, Zagreb is becoming a hotspot destination for both foreign and domestic tourists. The nearby ski slopes open in December and offer a reasonable day and week pass.

Also Read: Croatia in September- A Travel Guide For Innumerable Exploration!

Things To Know About Croatia In December

1. December is mostly famous for amazing Christmas markets in all big cities during Advent. Most of them run until January 6th. Go to Zagreb to see the most famous Christmas markets.
2. If you are looking to spend New Year’s Eve in Croatia, Dubrovnik is said to have the best celebration in Adriatic. Pair these relatively mild temperatures with drinks like Rakija and Kuhano vino, and you have got yourself a party. All the other big cities will be alive, too.
3. Moreover, you will also find other smaller festivals throughout December in Croatia, such as a carnival in Rijeka and many more.

Also Read: 10 Best National parks in Croatia to visit on your vacation!

7 Reasons To Visit Croatia In December

Below there are 7 reasons to visit Croatia in December.

1. You can enjoy the main attractions in solitude
2. The highways are free of traffic
3. You will have more accommodation choices
4. Croatia in December is rather warm
5. Swimming is still possible
6. Enjoy Advent and New Year’s Eve festivals
7. Frozen Plitvice lakes are stunning

1. You can enjoy the main attractions in solitude

If you are thinking Croatia in December is a waste of time, you are wrong. If your trip is led by the joy of exploration and the ultimate goal is not just lying on a crowded beach, then Croatia in December is perfect for you. The season in Croatia really makes a big difference. Observe the major sights such as the Sea Organ in Zadar, Dubrovnik city walls and Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

Also, visit the most beautiful cities in Croatia in December:

• Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik is famous for its wide-scale shooting of the famous web series ‘Game of Thrones’. All Game of Thrones fans will definitely appreciate this place. The off-season is the only time to see some major attractions in the city without crowds.
• Zagreb: Stop by the colourful Christmas markets. Vist them in a small group with a fun local guide. This recommended excursion is for 3-5 hours, and you can even visit all the highlights.
• Split: A one day trip from Split leads you to the amazing Krka National Park. Travel by bus or boat and visit the best viewing points.

Last but not the least, visit some of the many islands of Croatia.

Also Read: 10 Best Indian restaurants in Croatia- For your desi Indian cravings!

2. The highways are free of traffic

Take a ride on the breathtaking Adriatic Highway, often compared to California’s famous Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This road, known locally as Jadranska magistrala, along the eastern section of the Adriatic Sea is curved along limestone mountaintops. It offers panoramic views of the blue sea far below.

Once you see the collection of serpentine twists and turns, you will appreciate why it is better to be here outside of the touristic chaos of the peak season. Additionally, it is much safer to drive in Croatia in December when most highways are largely traffic-free.

Also Read: Croatia in August- For an amazing European vacation!

3. You will have more accommodation choices

Croatia is a bit more expensive compared to the rest of the Balkans. Nevertheless, going here in the off-season can make your trip a lot cheaper. And surprisingly, even if you book at the last minute, you will never find even the best places fully booked.

Most accommodations in Croatia are private. Are you travelling to Croatia with children? If so, you can consider booking family rooms or an entire apartment. Additionally, customise your own Croatia itinerary and choose what suits you the best.

Also Read: Croatia in May- A perfect guide for your May vacation!

4. Croatia in December is rather warm

Are you seeking an escape from the cold that embraces much of Europe during winter? If yes, then Croatia is a great place to get warmer. The Adriatic coast has a typically Mediterranean climate known for its relatively mild and cold weather in December. It has an average temperature of 5°C across the whole country. Even during this month, Croatia can dip to a low of -5°C on colder days around the mountains.

The climate in the insides of Croatia is a bit different and cooler. This is why you should stick to the coast to chase the best weather possible.

Also Read: Croatia in July- A complete guide for an amazing vacation!

5. Swimming is still possible

Yes, it is still possible to swim in the Adriatic, even in December. If you are a hardcore swimmer, it is best for you. The sea does not get all that cold during this month. In Makarska, the average temperature in December is 18.3°C. Go swimming as many times as possible, nothing or no one is stopping you from this activity.

Also Read: Croatia in June- Everything you need to know for an amazing vacation!

6. Enjoy Advent and New Year’s Eve festivals

Croatia in December equals a lot of celebrations. Several festivals and carnivals take place across the country, making it possible to experience local culture and taste some regional specialities. Also, make friends with the local people. Dubrovnik hosts a winter festival in December.

It gives the city a nice atmosphere and is one of those places that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Moreover, Dubrovnik is said to have the best New Year’s Eve celebration on the Adriatic coast. If you have got more time, do spend more time in Dubrovnik.

Also Read: Croatia in April- A complete guide for a splendid vacation!

7. Frozen Plitvice lakes are stunning

National parks in Croatia are open all year round, and the entrance fee in winter is usually lower. Additionally, there are fewer crowds, so you are allowed to take time to truly appreciate the natural splendour. Plitvice lakes are found spectacular by many as the streams of water are turned into massive icicles.

For its location near the mountains, it always gets colder in Plitvice than in coastal Croatia. And more snow and ice means more enjoyment here.

Also Read: Croatia in March – A Complete Guide for your March Vacation!

5 Events In Croatia In December

Below are the 5 events to celebrate in Croatia in December.

1. Pelješac Wine Cellars Open Days
2. Chocolate Festival
3. Decorating Christmas Trees
4. Codfish and Chocolate Week
5. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day

1. Pelješac Wine Cellars Open Days

Engage in a ride at the first weekend of December. Ston is a short drive from Dubrovnik, which publicises the year’s vintage with workshops, music and tastings. Indulge in more fun as the wine cellars open their doors to the public to have a look as well as sample the goods.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2021

2. Chocolate Festival

This chocolate festival is held in Opatija. It showcases the best chocolate for sampling from international brands to specialised manufacturers, all producing original desserts. From lectures and workshops to tastings, concerts and wine pairing, all is dedicated to chocolate.

Also Read: 10 Top Things to Do in Split, Croatia For A Splendid Vacation

3. Decorating Christmas Trees

People in the small town of Rijeka in the peninsula of Istria has a tradition of inviting locals and visitors alike to decorate their central Christmas tree.

Also Read: 8 Best Places to Visit in Zadar You Should Not Miss on Your Croatia Trip!

4. Codfish and Chocolate Week

It is a traditional holiday dish typically served on Christmas Eve. It undergoes a makeover as Rijeka’s local taverns and restaurants prepare regional dishes. All these dishes are prepared with preserved cod. Enjoy chocolate and pralines for dessert throughout the week. 

Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia for a Fantastic Vacation

5. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day

All these three days are celebrated across Croatia. Christmas dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve, followed by midnight mass. Presents are opened on Christmas Day. Both Christmas and Boxing Days are national bank holidays. As a result, there will be plenty of business closures.

Also Read: 5 Best Waterfalls in Croatia to Relax and Rejuvenate

Tips for Your Croatia Trip In December

1. Apart from many things to do in Croatia, visiting frozen waterfalls is a must.
2. Go and take part in the adventurous sports in Croatia.
3. Visit popular destinations without the crowds.
4. Experience the Dubrovnik Winter Festival.
5. Don’t miss out on the nightlife in Croatia.

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Croatia Tour

If your dream destination is Croatia and you are still thinking about which month is best to visit the country, December is perfect for you. If you love the cold, you can get to experience winter in Croatia during this time. Also, visit Pickyourtrail, where you will find some pre-packaged Croatia packages and Croatia honeymoon packages.