Dubrovnik-Neretva County is Croatia's southernmost county, renowned for the UNESCO-listed walled city of Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Peninsula with its world-class wines and oysters, and the lush Neretva River delta. The region encompasses stunning Adriatic coastline, idyllic islands including Korčula, Mljet, and the Elafiti archipelago, and historic towns that blend Venetian and Ragusan architectural heritage.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County has a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Dubrovnik enjoys 2,700 hours of sunshine per year — one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Summers are reliably hot and sunny from June to September, while winters are mild (8-15°C) with occasional rainfall and the periodic bura northeasterly wind that can be fierce.
Best time to visit
Best: May, June, September, October
Best Reason: Warm Mediterranean weather (22-28°C), manageable crowds compared to peak summer, lower accommodation prices, and beautiful sea temperatures (22-25°C) for swimming
Peak Season: July-August
Avoid: July-August if heat and crowds are a concern; November-February for island activities (many ferry services reduced)
Avoid Reason: July-August brings extreme heat (35°C+), massive cruise ship crowds in Old Town, and peak accommodation prices; winter means reduced ferry schedules, some island accommodations close, and occasional bura wind
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
8°C/46°F avg (range 5-12°C)
Coldest month; occasional bura winds; very few tourists; Old Town serene and atmospheric
February
9°C/48°F avg
Feast of St. Blaise on Feb 3 is spectacular; still cold and rainy; bura wind possible
March
12°C/54°F avg
Spring beginning; almond and cherry blossom; mild sea breeze; hiking conditions excellent
April
15°C/59°F avg
Pleasant spring weather; wildflowers peak on Pelješac and islands; Easter celebrations
May
20°C/68°F avg
Ideal conditions; warm sunny days; sea 18-20°C; Old Town before peak season crowds
June
24°C/75°F avg
Summer begins; long days; sea 22°C; Dubrovnik Summer Festival starts late June
July
27°C/81°F avg
Peak season; hottest month alongside August; crowds and prices at maximum; sea 26°C
August
27°C/81°F avg
Second peak month; European holidays; most crowded; still excellent beach weather; sea 26°C
September
23°C/73°F avg
Best month of year: warm (25°C days), sea 24°C, crowds falling, Pelješac grape harvest
October
18°C/64°F avg
Warm autumn; still swimable sea (20-21°C) in early October; falling leaf colors on islands
November
14°C/57°F avg
Getting cooler; first rains; most island accommodation closes; bura wind season begins
December
10°C/50°F avg
Christmas markets in Dubrovnik Old Town; atmospheric but cool; reduced ferry services
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: March-May
Spring brings increasingly warm temperatures (15-22°C), wildflowers blooming across Pelješac and the islands, and the sea warming up to 18-20°C by May. Crowds are light, prices are low, and the landscape is at its most lush and green.
Summer
Months: June-August
Hot, dry, and intensely sunny with temperatures hitting 35°C+ in July-August. The sea (24-26°C) is perfect for swimming, and the islands are at their most beautiful. Dubrovnik Old Town reaches its most crowded in July-August with cruise ships adding thousands of day visitors.
Fall
Months: September-November
September and October are widely considered the best months to visit. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 22-27°C, the sea remains warm (22-24°C), crowds thin dramatically after mid-September, and the autumn light is beautiful. Pelješac grape harvest adds a special dimension in September-October.
Winter
Months: December-February
Mild by northern European standards (8-14°C) but wet, with December and January seeing the most rainfall. The bura wind from the northeast can be dramatically strong (80-100+ km/h) for a few days at a time. The Old Town is hauntingly beautiful in winter with few tourists, but island ferry services are reduced.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July-August (also heavy cruise ship days Mon/Thu)
- Shoulder Season
- April-June and September-October
- Low Season
- November-March
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Feast of St. Blaise (Festa Svetog Vlaha)
Dubrovnik's most important annual festival; UNESCO-listed celebration of the city's patron saint
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Croatia's premier cultural festival; 45+ days of theatre, opera, music at Fort Lovrijenac and Rector's Palace
Pelješac Wine Harvest Festival
Grape harvest season on Pelješac Peninsula; wineries open for tastings and harvest celebrations
Moreška Sword Dance, Korčula
Traditional battle dance performance at Korčula Town's open-air stage