Dubrovnik is the most romantic and best preserved (from Game of Thrones known) fortified city of Croatia and maybe in the world. Dubrovnik is a city with many beautiful sights and where you can go in any season. I have now been to Dubrovnik 20 times over 7 years and I did this in different seasons. The trick is mainly to choose the travel time that suits your personal wishes.
When is the best time for a nice city trip to Dubrovnik? Of course, that mainly depends on your wishes. To help you make a choice, in this article I will take you through my own experiences – how I have experienced the different seasons in Dubrovnik over the years. In addition, I will give you some tips with the most beautiful sights in the city.
Are you traveling with me?
Tip:: On Experience Croatia.nl you can book nice and affordable city trips to Dubrovnik. These are operated by HolidayGuru with direct flights from KLM. On Croatia.hr you can also read further and be inspired.
Best time to travel to Dubrovnik
In the winter
The Adriatic Sea has a major influence on Dubrovnik's climate. This influence ensures, among other things, that the temperature is somewhat tempered throughout the year. The winter months are less cold than you would expect. In December, January and February summer temperatures are no longer the case. Winters in Dubrovnik are typically Mediterranean, mild and wet with average temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees.
In winter, Dubrovnik is a romantic winter escape with millions of Christmas lights, a mild climate and mostly empty streets. It is a good reason to always take an umbrella with you when you go out on the street!
In the spring (spring)
Sometimes this warmer period starts already in March, but this month is historically very difficult to predict. It might as well still be wet and chilly. The months April and May are usually great. In April and May there is still a reasonable amount of precipitation on average, but this is guaranteed to alternate with many hours of sunshine. May and June are usually the two greenest months of the year.
Expect in April and May occasional showers with average temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees. Personally, spring is my favorite for a city break to Dubrovnik, followed by autumn. This for a number of reasons that I will explain further below the image.
In spring it is usually a lot quieter in Dubrovnik, while the temperature fluctuates between 20 and 30 degrees. This makes the city extra attractive for (brisk) walks, but also a dip in the sea or various (organized) tours. In addition, a short city trip during this period is associated with cheaper hotel rooms and airline tickets, especially if you book a little further in advance.
During the summer
June, July and August are busy months in Dubrovnik. Mainly July and August are generally dry and warm. Temperatures above 35 degrees are normal during this period and this can even last for weeks. July and August are also the busiest months. Many Europeans spend their summer holidays in Croatia and the Dubrovnik region is no exception. In the summer holidays, the city is perfect for a stopover or addition during a holiday tour of Croatia.
If you are traveling in Croatia during the summer and you want to visit Dubrovnik, don't let that stop you from doing so. It is also a great, authentic city in the warm and busy months. However, if you have the choice to choose a different period, such as spring or autumn, then I can only recommend that you at least consider that.
In the Fall (Autumn)
The months September and October are similar in temperature to May and June. With between 20 and 30 degrees during the day it feels very pleasant and at night it noticeably cools down a bit more. This period is perfect for activities in and around Dubrovnik.
Tip:: On Experience Croatia.nl you can book nice and affordable city trips to Dubrovnik. These are operated by HolidayGuru with direct flights from KLM. On Croatia.hr you can also read further and be inspired.
Also november can still be very pleasant but, like March and the first part of April, is quite unpredictable.
The most beautiful sights in Dubrovnik
Now that you know exactly what the best travel time for Dubrovnik is, the question is of course what the most beautiful sights are! Below I have therefore made a small selection for you with the 5 most beautiful sights of Dubrovnik.
Tip:: Do you want more insider tips on things to do in Dubrovnik? Then read the article: Dubrovnik | 10x tips what to see and do in Old Town
The old city walls
The Old City Walls of Dubrovnik are an iconic sight not to be missed when visiting the city. As you walk the city walls, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the red roofs, narrow streets, and the glistening Adriatic Sea.
Fort Lovrijenac
For fans of the popular TV series Game of Thrones is visiting Fort Lovrijenac (Location here) an absolute must. This imposing fortress is located just outside the city walls and served as one of the main locations of the series viz King's Landing. As you walk through the old stone passageways and courtyards of the fortress, you will recognize scenes from the show.
Viewpoint on Srđ Hill
For an unforgettable view of Dubrovnik Old Town and the surrounding area you must the funicular (15 euros one way, 30 euros return) take to Dubrovnik observation point on the top of the Srđ Hill. As you soar upwards, a panoramic landscape opens up that is nothing short of spectacular. From the top you can enjoy a beautiful view over the orange roofs of the old town, the azure blue Adriatic Sea and the green islands that lie off the coast. It is a perfect place to take beautiful pictures and enjoy the setting sun.
Palace of the Rector
The Rector's Palace, located at the Luža Square, is one of the most striking buildings in Dubrovnik. Originally built in the 15th century, the palace served as the home of the elected rector, the city's highest authority. Today, the palace is a museum that offers a fascinating insight into Dubrovnik's historical and cultural heritage.
St Blaise's Church
The Church of St. Blaise is a Venetian-style church and one of the main attractions of the city. The church is on it Luca Square, the largest square of Dubrovnik Old Town. The church was built in 1715 by the Venetian architect and sculptor Marino Gropelli (1662-1728) on the foundations of the heavily damaged Romanesque medieval church.
Tip:: Do you want more insider tips on things to do in Dubrovnik? Then read the article: Dubrovnik | 10x tips what to see and do in Old Town
Conclusion
The Dubrovnik region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and dry and mild winters. I visited Dubrovnik in every season and I believe that every season has its own charm. In the summer, the city is perfect for a stopover or addition during a tour of Croatia, while in winter Dubrovnik can be a romantic winter escape with a mild climate and tranquility on the streets.
If I had to choose again with my experience, then the best travel time for a city trip to Dubrovnik is spring or autumn. In spring and autumn temperatures are moderate, the sun shines regularly and it is not yet very busy in terms of tourism, which has a significant impact on the prices of airline tickets and hotels.
Whichever season you ultimately choose, a city break to Dubrovnik will not disappoint. I promise!
Tip:: On Experience Croatia.nl you can book nice and affordable city trips to Dubrovnik. These are operated by HolidayGuru with direct flights from KLM. On Croatia.hr you can also read further and be inspired.
