Sea temperature in Croatia
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 184 beaches on the Croatia coast.
Best time to swim in Croatia
The sea in Croatia peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 12°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Croatia sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Croatia shows an annual mean sea temperature of 18°C, ranging from 12°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 14°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Croatia, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Croatia sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Croatia?
August is the warmest month in Croatia, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Croatia?
The coldest month in Croatia is typically February, when the water averages around 12°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Croatia without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Croatia runs from June – October — about 5 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Croatia?
Outside peak summer the water in Croatia drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Croatia?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Croatia is about 18°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Croatia?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Croatia, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Coastal regions of Croatia
Region hubs with live sea temperatures, swim conditions and a beach directory.