Does the end of August mean the end of beach season? Not at all. Anyone who has been to Croatia in September knows there’s still summer weather ahead of you.
Do people go to the beach in September
Of course, probably more than you would expect. Locals go to the beach well into October, and many guests extend their stay because of good weather and calmer atmosphere. Beaches are empty compared to July and August, and evenings are pleasant, not as hot and humid as in the summer. Quick sidenote: if you want to swim in Croatia in autumn, but don’t like the beach, check out our list of villas with heated pool.
Back to the beach!
Sea temperatures in September
Sea temperatures on the Adriatic are roughly between 24 and 27°C in September, depending on which part of coast you are on and what time of day it is. Differences between regions exist, but they are not stark. The northern Adriatic tends to be a bit cooler than in Dalmatia.
Sea temperatures in September depend on how hot the weather is. If there’s a heatwave outside, the temperatures are very close to July and August. Sea temperatures drop towards the end of September.
To put some real numbers on it, here is what one morning measurement from DHMZ (Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service) said in early September (during a heatwave that is uncharacteristic for September).
| Station | Sea temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Pula | 26,5 |
| Rab | 25,4 |
| Zadar | 25,7 |
| Split | 26,0 |
| Dubrovnik | 26,8 |
What sea temperature is considered comfortable
Whether the sea feels warm or cold often comes down to personal preference. Most people agree that the sea becomes somewhat comfortable for swimming once it passes 20°C (some put this number at 22 °C). The range between 22 and 26°C is the most ideal. The sea warms up slowly over summer, so it also loses heat slowly once the days get shorter. You’ll notice the air already cools in the evenings in September, but the sea temperatures don’t change as quickly.
A few tips for beach days in September
- Make the most of mornings and afternoons, when the sun is warm and beaches are nearly empty.
- Do not skip sun protection, the UV index is still strong in early autumn.
- Pack a light jacket for the evening. Sea temperatures are similar to those in the summer but the air temperature is getting colder.
Extend your summer with VillasGuide
September is a great month for a calm holiday on the Adriatic. The sea is still warm, beaches are calm, and prices are more affordable than in July and August. Browse villas in Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia on Villas Guide and find your destination for autumn vacation.
