Croatia In January: A Complete Guide For First Time Travellers

Croatia’s first month of the year is the coldest. But the arrival of the chilly weather brings fun snow activities, the start of the carnival season, fewer crowds and lower costs than other times of the year. This is said to be one of the best winter months when you can capture the quiet majesty of Plitvice‘s frozen lakes and waterfalls. Look into this Croatia in January guide to find out about its weather, crowds & costs, travel budget and tourist seasons, best things to do, festivals and many more.

Also Read: Croatia In December

Weather In Croatia In January

January is the coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures frequently reaching below freezing temperatures. It ranges between 32 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

The coast experiences a bit low temperature than the interior of Croatia. The southern region is quite wet, with about five to six inches of rain for the whole of the month. Bura, a strong northeasterly wind, sweeps up the Adriatic coast and can reach hurricane-like force causing people to stay indoors. During this time, ferries get cancelled, and bridges remain closed. So it’s better to pack a waterproof jacket and have warm layers on hand. 

Inland in the north and around Zagreb will demand proper winter apparel, a heavy coat, hat, scarf and gloves. This is because temperatures hover around with highs of 37 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of a frosty 27 degrees. In the winter months, snow is pretty common. As a result of this, travelling in highland areas is frequently disrupted.

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

Crowds & Costs In January

During this time, the Advent and Christmas crowds have long gone. Croatia returns to its off-season charm in January. Croatia in January will offer you quiet environs and budget-friendly accommodation prices. The Adriatic coast stays quiet, hotels reduce their prices if they aren’t altogether closed, and ferries reduce their routes and travel times if they are not cancelled due to inclement weather. There is a huge demand for ski resorts during this month as vacationers head to the slopes. Though, unlike other more popular European destinations, Croatian resorts remain uncrowded and less costly.

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

Travel Budget & Tourist Seasons

Depending on your departure time, budget your trip. Apart from the tourist season (low, medium or high) of the destination country, prices of your flight, hotel or all-inclusive stays may also vary depending on the demand in your country. From western Europe, a stay will often be more expensive for a start during the school holidays.

Here’s what you can expect on average in Croatia in January:

• All-inclusive stays: 385 € per week
• Round-trip flight: 131 €
• Tourist season: low

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

National Holidays In Croatia In January

• Croatia in January has its advantages like New Years Day, which is a bank holiday. Plan your trip head as ferries and trains remain on a holiday schedule. Choose the best destination and stay there for this day.
•  The Feast of the Epiphany is often marked by a special Catholic mass on January 6.

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

5 Best Things To Do In Croatia In January

Here are some of the 5 best things to do in Croatia in January:

1. Go Skiing
2. Experience the Winter Festival
3. Soak In Hot Springs
4. Go To The Beach
5. Attend Events & Carnivals

1. Go Skiing

Engage in all the fun snow activities while you are in Croatia in January. Croatia, in winter, becomes an inexpensive place to ski. Head to the Mèdvednica mountain range, which is 1000 metres in elevation. It is in the north of Zagreb and Croatia’s top adventurous sports destinations. Additionally, Croatia also offers fun tobogganing and sledging, which are, of course, super-popular among kids.

Moreover, there are several different places in Croatia where you can enjoy all these. From skiing, sledging, tobogganing, Nordic skiing to ice skating, try out all the fun activities. So get on and either strap on the skis or skates at these top Croatia sports locations.

Also Read: 10 best Croatian islands to visit for a splendid vacation!

2. Experience the Winter Festival

Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital holds some best advent festivities. From Zagreb to Zadar and Split to Dubrovnik, you will find winter markets springing up all over the country in January. It is the most magical time of the year indeed. And you can not imagine a more atmospheric month for a Croatia vacation than this. If you think of Croatia as only a beach destination, think again.

The country has much more to offer, even in January during winter. Go to Trg Bana Jelacica, where you will see an enormous ice skating rink at the ready. Take a twirl around the arena and head to the small markets to pick up last-minute handcrafted winter gifts. If you ever think of top things to do in Croatia in January, wandering around these glorious Christmas markets are one of the main ones.

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

3. Soak In Hot Springs

Soaking in natural hot springs and thermal spas is another fabulous option when visiting Croatia in January. Soaking in a natural hot tub is the best way to escape the low temperatures in Croatia in January. So give it a try as the rates at these resorts are usually excellent during the off-season.

Most thermal spas in Croatia have been in use since Roman times, so you might absorb some history, too, while soaking up the mineral-rich hot waters. You can get affordable luxury accommodation in January at reasonable prices, and the thermal spas will even throw in extra services.

Reputable spas include:

• Sveti Martin na Muri
• Tuhelj
• Stubičke Toplice
• Krapinske Toplice
• Varaždinske Toplice
• Daruvarske Toplice

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

4. Go To The Beach

Croatia in January does not mean that a beach visit is out of the question. Croatia winter temperatures might be too low for a swim or afternoon of sunbathing. Nevertheless, winter days can still be delightful in Croatia.

On a sunny winter day, you can easily pull up a chair on the beach and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the gorgeous Adriatic Sea. Or, you can even pass a few hours with a good book.

Also, Croatia in January is an advantage as you won’t see any huge crowds of summer. To sunbathe on the beaches with only a few other people.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2023

5. Attend Events & Carnivals

Zagreb and Dubrovnik are some of the preferred destinations for locals and tourists alike. During New Year’s time, the city has a mild climate. Along with this, if you pair it with some alcohol and happiness, you have a party going on in the streets until dawn.

In January, Dubrovnik is awesome for lots of reasons, and one is the low accommodation rates. Moreover, engage in a bargain in the usually expensive city.

Also Read: 8 Fascinating Free Things to Do in Croatia Without Spending a Penny

Festivals In Croatia In January

• New Year’s Eve: It is the event of the month, and the best place to celebrate it is on Stradun in Dubrovnik.
• Night of the Museums: Galleries and museums across the country open their doors for free from 6 pm to 1 am on the last Friday in January. Also, it offers special programs, including hands-on activities, workshops and exhibitions.

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

Tips for Your Croatia Trip In January

1. Experience the nightlife in Croatia.
2. Visiting a museum is a must.
3. Hit the slopes of Platak in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
4. Watch the world-class skiing, which takes place every January with the Snow Queen Trophy (Snježna Kraljica).
5. If you are in Croatia in January, don’t miss out on shopping.

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Croatia Tour

Read this blog to know more about the weather, crowds & costs, travel budget and tourist seasons, best things to do, festivals and many more. There are many cities to choose from, among that Croatia in January a splendid destination. Travel around this popular touristic country in the off-season. Also, visit Pickyourtrail, where you will find some pre-packaged Croatia packages. Additionally, customise your own Croatia itinerary and choose what suits you the best.