Dubrovnik weather month by month: temperatures, rain, and sea

Dubrovnik’s climate overview

Dubrovnik has a classic Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification Csa): hot, dry summers and mild, moderately wet winters. The city is one of the sunniest in Europe, averaging around 2,700 sunshine hours per year — more than Barcelona and roughly comparable to Lisbon.

The key characteristic of Dubrovnik’s weather: summer (May through September) is genuinely reliable. Rain is rare, temperatures are high and consistent, and the Adriatic is calm and warm. This predictability is one of the reasons the city works so well as a summer destination.

Winter is mild by Northern European standards but can feel cool and occasionally wet, particularly November through February.

January

Average high: 10°C | Average low: 6°C | Sea temp: 14°C | Sunshine: 3.5 hrs/day | Rain: 80mm

January is Dubrovnik’s quietest month and can be its most atmospheric. The Old Town is almost empty of tourists. The light in January — low-angle, clear after rain fronts pass — is exceptional for photography.

The bora wind (cold northerly) blows with more frequency in January than any other month. A strong bora makes outdoor activity uncomfortable and can temporarily close the cable car and rough up the sea.

Clear days are more common than grey days. Bring a winter coat, good layers, and waterproofs. Expect some rain.

What works well: the walls, the Old Town, Mostar day trip (few tourists), coffee in local cafés, the genuine off-season experience.

February

Average high: 11°C | Average low: 6°C | Sea temp: 13°C | Sunshine: 4 hrs/day | Rain: 70mm

Similar to January but with longer days and the first tentative signs of spring by late February. Almond blossoms are possible in sheltered spots. Still cold by local standards; bora can blow strongly.

The quietest accommodation prices of the year. City walls available with minimal crowds.

March

Average high: 13°C | Average low: 8°C | Sea temp: 14°C | Sunshine: 5.5 hrs/day | Rain: 70mm

March is noticeably more pleasant than February. Days are longer, sunshine hours increasing significantly, and the first weeks of genuine spring weather arrive. Some early-season tourists appear by late March.

Sea temperature still cold at 14–15°C — not for swimming except by very determined visitors. The landscape is green from winter rains and noticeably beautiful.

Practically good for: exploring the city with very few crowds, cheaper accommodation, good for day trips.

April

Average high: 16°C | Average low: 10°C | Sea temp: 16°C | Sunshine: 7 hrs/day | Rain: 65mm

Tourism begins in April — the Easter holiday period brings the first significant wave of visitors, though still nothing compared to summer. Hotels open, some island restaurants reopen, ferry services begin ramping up.

Temperature 16°C is pleasant for walking but cool for beach. A light jacket for evenings. Rain is still possible but less frequent than winter.

April is an underrated time to visit — the city is coming alive, prices are still reasonable, and the landscape is at its most lush before the summer heat dries everything.

May

Average high: 21°C | Average low: 14°C | Sea temp: 19°C | Sunshine: 9 hrs/day | Rain: 45mm

One of the best months to visit Dubrovnik. All tourist infrastructure is open or opening. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive. Crowds are building but nothing like summer. Sea at 19°C is cool for swimming but manageable for many visitors.

May brings wisteria on the Old Town walls, excellent visibility for cable car views, and perfect conditions for walking — warm enough for short sleeves, cool enough for extended outdoor activity.

What to pack for May: light clothes, a cardigan or light jacket for evenings, sunscreen (the sun is already strong), light walking shoes.

June

Average high: 25°C | Average low: 18°C | Sea temp: 22°C | Sunshine: 11 hrs/day | Rain: 30mm

June is widely cited as the best month to visit Dubrovnik. The sea reaches 22°C by mid-June — excellent for swimming. Temperatures are 25–28°C most days — warm and sunny but not the crushing heat of August. Crowds are significant but manageable.

Restaurants are all open. The Elaphiti Islands are fully operating. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival begins in mid-July so early June misses the festival; for those who prefer the city quieter, this is a feature.

June weather: almost entirely dry. Perhaps 3–5 rain days in the month, usually brief storms. Expect consistent sunshine.

July

Average high: 29°C | Average low: 22°C | Sea temp: 26°C | Sunshine: 12 hrs/day | Rain: 25mm

Peak summer begins properly in July. Temperatures regularly hit 32–34°C, occasionally touching 37–38°C in heat waves. The sea is a beautiful 26°C — perfect for swimming and one of the best reasons to be in Dubrovnik in July.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival begins around July 10. Fort Lovrijenac Hamlet and other festival events transform the evening atmosphere of the city.

The honest July picture: wonderful evenings, excellent sea, great summer energy — but brutally hot midday, increasingly crowded from mid-July, and expensive.

See Dubrovnik in summer for detailed summer planning.

August

Average high: 30°C | Average low: 23°C | Sea temp: 28°C | Sunshine: 12 hrs/day | Rain: 20mm

The peak of the peak. Temperatures highest, crowds highest, prices highest. Sea at 28°C is genuinely wonderful — the Adriatic feels subtropical in August.

Practically the same experience as July but more so in every direction. The Summer Festival runs through mid-August.

Key metric: in July–August, humidity on sirocco (south wind) days can make temperatures feel significantly worse than the thermometer reading. When the bura (north wind) is blowing, temperatures drop and the air feels much cleaner.

September

Average high: 26°C | Average low: 19°C | Sea temp: 25°C | Sunshine: 9 hrs/day | Rain: 50mm

September is the month experienced travellers choose for Dubrovnik. Temperatures drop to a very comfortable 25–28°C while the sea retains its summer warmth (25°C) — paradoxically warmer than in June. Crowds reduce noticeably after the first week. Prices begin falling from peak.

The Summer Festival has ended. The city transitions from tourist peak toward genuine autumn. Early September still feels like summer; late September has a first taste of autumn air in the evenings.

September is the best month for:

• Swimming (warm sea, comfortable air temperature)
• Cultural sightseeing (manageable crowds)
• Eating at good restaurants (tables available without waiting)
• Photography (warm golden light, lower sun angle)

See Dubrovnik shoulder season for more detail.

October

Average high: 21°C | Average low: 14°C | Sea temp: 22°C | Sunshine: 7 hrs/day | Rain: 90mm

October is a comfortable and underrated month. Early October (first two weeks) still feels very much like summer — 22°C air, 22–23°C sea, sunshine, relatively low crowds. As the month progresses: rain becomes more likely, temperatures cool toward 18°C by late October, and fast catamarans begin reducing schedules.

A good month for:

• Budget travel with much lower accommodation prices
• Cultural focus (museums, architecture, the city without crowds)
• Early October beach swimming still viable

Not ideal for:

• Island day trips (fast catamarans reducing, island restaurants beginning to close)
• Those who need guaranteed warm weather

November

Average high: 15°C | Average low: 10°C | Sea temp: 18°C | Sunshine: 4.5 hrs/day | Rain: 130mm

Transition month. Early November is often still quite pleasant — warm enough for light layers and occasional sunshine. Rain becomes a genuine factor. The fast catamarans to Split and Hvar are typically done for the season.

The Dubrovnik Winter Festival begins in late November, bringing some warmth to the city’s atmosphere.

December

Average high: 12°C | Average low: 7°C | Sea temp: 16°C | Sunshine: 3.5 hrs/day | Rain: 150mm

December is the rainiest month but also has the Christmas market and New Year celebration. Clear December days are beautiful — the winter Adriatic light is extraordinary. Rain comes in showers, not continuous grey.

The City Walls in December are essentially empty. The experience is completely different from summer — closer to how the city actually lives.

What to pack by month

Month	Clothing	Footwear	Extras
Jan–Feb	Winter coat, layers, waterproof	Closed shoes	Gloves, scarf
Mar–Apr	Light jacket, layers	Comfortable shoes	Light waterproof
May	Light clothes + cardigan	Walking shoes	Sunscreen
Jun–Sep	Summer clothes	Walking sandals + shoes	Sunscreen, hat, water bottle
Oct	Light jacket, layers	Shoes	Compact waterproof
Nov–Dec	Winter coat, layers	Closed shoes	Waterproof, warm layers

Year-round essentials: comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones (the Stradun marble is slippery when wet), reef shoes or water shoes for pebble beaches, sunscreen (the sun reflects intensely off limestone).

Frequently asked questions about Dubrovnik weather

Does it rain much in Dubrovnik?

In summer: barely at all. July–August average only 20–25mm total across the month — occasional brief thunderstorms but predominantly dry. Spring and autumn see more rain, and winter (November–February) can have 4–6 rainy days per month, though they’re usually short-duration showers.

How does the bora wind affect Dubrovnik?

The bora (bura in Croatian) is a cold, dry northeast wind that affects the eastern Adriatic. In Dubrovnik it blows hardest in winter and spring. A strong bora makes outdoor activity uncomfortable (gusty, cold), can close the cable car and stop ferry services, and makes the city feel significantly colder than the thermometer reading. Usually passes within 1–3 days and the weather is beautiful afterward.

Is the water warm enough to swim in in May?

Sea temperature in May is around 18–20°C — cold for most people for extended swimming, but fine for a dip. Many visitors do swim in May. By mid-June (22°C) most people find it comfortable. The Adriatic warms more slowly than shallow tropical seas — don’t expect the June temperatures to match August.

What is the best month for photography in Dubrovnik?

September and October offer the best light — lower sun angle, golden hours that are longer than summer, and less heat shimmer. Early morning in May is also excellent. January and February have exceptional clarity on clear days. Summer midday light is harsh; the walls and Old Town look their best in the morning and late afternoon regardless of season.

Can you get a tan in Dubrovnik in October?

In early October, yes — the sun is still strong enough for tanning, particularly between 11am and 3pm. By late October the UV index drops. Factor 30+ sunscreen is still appropriate in early October. By November, tanning is not happening.