Croatia in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Croatia
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Rock-bottom accommodation prices - hotels cost 60-70% less than summer, with luxury coastal hotels often offering November rates starting from €45-65 per night instead of €200+
- Authentic local atmosphere without tourist crowds - you'll experience Croatia as locals do, with restaurants serving traditional winter dishes like čobanac stew and bakalar, plus genuine interactions without language barriers from overwhelmed staff
- Perfect wine harvest season - November is when Croatian wineries complete their harvest and offer fresh young wines, with Istrian wineries like those around Motovun providing tastings of new vintages unavailable any other time
- Ideal weather for cultural immersion - cool 15°C (59°F) highs make walking through cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb comfortable for hours, while indoor attractions like museums and galleries become cozy refuges during the 12 rainy days
Considerations
- Most island ferries operate reduced schedules or stop entirely - connections to islands like Vis, Korčula, and Hvar drop from 8-12 daily departures in summer to 2-3, with some routes like Split-Vis running only 3 days per week
- Swimming and beach activities are impractical - Adriatic Sea temperature drops to 16-18°C (61-64°F) and frequent rain makes coastal areas feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature
- Daylight hours are limited to just 9.5 hours (sunrise 6:45am, sunset 4:15pm), restricting sightseeing time and making outdoor photography challenging after mid-afternoon
Best Activities in November
Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tours and City Walls
November's cool weather makes the 2 km (1.2 miles) city walls walk comfortable without summer's scorching heat and crushing crowds. You'll have near-private access to iconic locations used in Game of Thrones filming, with golden autumn light perfect for photography until 4:15pm sunset. The 25-meter (82-foot) high walls offer dramatic views of storm clouds over the Adriatic.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Winter Hiking
November transforms Plitvice into a mystical landscape with fewer crowds and dramatic lighting. The 8 km (5 miles) of wooden walkways remain open, though upper lakes may close due to weather. Waterfalls are at peak flow from autumn rains, and morning mist creates ethereal photo opportunities. Temperature stays comfortable for hiking at 8-15°C (46-59°F).
Zagreb Coffee Culture and Indoor Market Tours
November showcases Zagreb's authentic café culture as locals retreat indoors. The city's 200+ coffee houses serve as social hubs, while Dolac Market offers seasonal produce like fresh truffles and chestnuts. Rain makes wandering through Upper Town's medieval streets atmospheric, with cozy galleries and museums providing perfect refuges.
Istrian Truffle Hunting and Winery Experiences
November marks peak white truffle season in Istria's Motovun Forest. The region's damp soil conditions from recent rains create ideal truffle hunting weather. Local wineries complete their harvest, offering tastings of Malvazija and Teran wines paired with fresh truffle dishes. Cool weather makes cycling between hilltop towns like Grožnjan comfortable.
Split and Diocletian's Palace Historical Tours
November weather makes exploring the 1,700-year-old palace complex comfortable without summer heat. The ancient cellars and underground chambers provide shelter during rain, while fewer crowds mean better access to archaeological sites. Croatian National Theatre's season begins, offering evening entertainment when outdoor activities end early.
Traditional Thermal Spa Experiences
November's cool, damp weather makes Croatia's thermal spas particularly appealing. Venues like Terme Tuhelj and Istarske Toplice offer indoor/outdoor pools heated to 32-38°C (90-100°F), creating dramatic steam effects in cool air. Many spas offer traditional treatments using local herbs and mud, perfect for rejuvenation after cold sightseeing days.
November Events & Festivals
Martinje Wine Festival
Croatia's most important wine celebration marking the blessing of new wine. Celebrated nationwide but particularly spectacular in Istria and Slavonia, with traditional ceremonies, wine tastings, and roasted chestnuts. Local wineries open their cellars for special tastings of the year's first wines.
Zagreb Advent Market Setup
While the market officially opens December 1st, late November sees the magical transformation of Ban Jelačić Square and surrounding streets. Locals gather to watch the installation of Europe's most beautiful Christmas market according to European Best Destinations 2016-2018.