Croatia's Dalmatian coast is the clearest stretch of the Adriatic, with pebble beaches and turquoise water that peaks at 25°C in late July. Hvar, Brač and Korčula offer sheltered swim coves; Dubrovnik's beaches are smaller but the water inside the Old Town walls is reliably calm.
Dalmatian Coast
Crystal Adriatic from Split and Hvar down to Dubrovnik.
Sea
Adriatic Sea
Avg sea temp now
…
Best months
Mid June – September
Best time to swim in Dalmatian Coast
The sea in Dalmatian Coast 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.
Dalmatian Coast sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Dalmatian Coast 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 Dalmatian Coast, 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.
Jan
13°C
Feb
12°C
Mar
13°C
Apr
15°C
May
19°C
Jun
23°C
Jul
25°C
Aug
26°C
Sep
23°C
Oct
20°C
Nov
17°C
Dec
14°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Dalmatian Coast sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Dalmatian Coast?
August is the warmest month in Dalmatian Coast, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Dalmatian Coast?
The coldest month in Dalmatian Coast is typically February, when the water averages around 12°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Dalmatian Coast without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Dalmatian Coast 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 Dalmatian Coast?
Outside peak summer the water in Dalmatian Coast 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 Dalmatian Coast?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Dalmatian Coast is about 18°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Dalmatian Coast?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Dalmatian Coast, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Dalmatian Coast
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1SakarunDugi Otok, Croatia—
- 2StinivaVis, Croatia—
- 3StinivaHvar, Croatia—
- 4DubovicaHvar, Croatia—
- 5Pakleni IslandsHvar, Croatia—
- 6PasjačaKonavle, Croatia—
- 7Lapad BeachDubrovnik, Croatia—
- 8Banje BeachDubrovnik, Croatia—
- 9SunjLopud, Croatia—
- 10SaplunaraMljet, Croatia—
- 11Punta RataBrela, Croatia—
- 12NugalMakarska, Croatia—
- 13BačviceSplit, Croatia—
- 14KasjuniSplit, Croatia—