Let’s leave behind the sounds of summer crowds, the smell of corn and the glow of sunscreen, and look forward to the sound of waves and the aromas of roasted chestnuts, wine and truffles.
We’re talking numbers and recommendations today. You’ll learn about average air temperatures in October and we picked seven events in October from Istria to Dubrovnik. If you are planning a longer stay, check out our villas catalog and special offers.
What is the weather like in October
Don’t worry, the days on the coast are generally warm enough for short sleeves. October is a transitional month: the first half often feels like late summer, while the second half increasingly brings winds, rain and the first strong gusts of the bura wind. The farther south you go, the warmer and sunnier it gets. The figures in the table are averages for three main coastal weather stations.
| Station | Average air temperature | Sunshine hours in the month | Precipitation | Rainy days | Days with 25 °C or higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rijeka (Kvarner) | 14,7 °C | 164 h | 185 mm | 11 | 1 |
| Split (Dalmatia) | 17,2 °C | 199 h | 77 mm | 9 | 1 |
| Dubrovnik (southern Dalmatia) | 18,0 °C | 202 h | 125 mm | 10 | 3 |
Sources: Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), monthly averages (Rijeka and Split, 1948–2024; Dubrovnik, 1961–2024).
For Istria and Kvarner, Rijeka is a good reference point. The average temperature is around 15 °C, with the caveat that October is one of the wettest months of the year. Inland Istria, around Motovun, Livade and Pazin, has noticeably cooler mornings, which can be foggy, but by the afternoon the weather is usually suitable for walks and cycling. In Split the average is above 17 °C, while Dubrovnik averages go to 18 °C, with around 200 hours of sunshine during the month.
Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Bura wind makes the weather feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
7 events in October
Autumn is the season for active holidays and good food on the Croatian coast. Among the activities in Croatia in October, hiking, cycling, wine tours and food events are among the most popular.
Istria
Location and date: Livade, every weekend from 3 to 31 October
Throughout October, Livade in the Mirna Valley becomes the capital of the white truffle. Expect truffle dishes, Istrian gourmet products and wine.
2. ISAP, International Prosciutto Fair
Location and date: Tinjan, 16–18 October
Tinjan will welcome prosciutto producers from across Europe in October. The programme includes guided tastings, workshops and concerts, and you will also learn more about the traditional craft of curing prosciutto.
3. Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč
Location and date: Poreč, Zelena Resort Plava Laguna, 18 October
The region’s biggest triathlon has it all: swimming, cycling and running along the Poreč coast. Even if you are not competing, the atmosphere along the course is excellent.
Location and date: Rovinj, Old Tobacco Factory, 23–24 October
The fifth edition of the festival dedicated to gin will take place at the Old Tobacco Factory in Rovinj. Expect tastings, expert talks, concerts and the chance to meet producers.
Kvarner
5. Marunada
Location and date: Lovran, 9–11 October; Dobreć, 17 October; Liganj, 24 October
For the 51st time, Lovran and the surrounding villages celebrate the marun, a special variety of chestnut that grows on the slopes of Mount Učka. The festival lasts for three weekends, and you can try chestnut cakes and ice cream, perhaps even a chestnut-flavoured cocktail (we remember there was one a few years ago).
Dalmatia
6. Apfel Arena Makarska Half Marathon
Location and date: Makarska waterfront, 24–25 October
Saturday is reserved for a 5 km race and a 3 km charity walk. Things get serious on Sunday with a 21 km half marathon and a half-marathon relay. The route follows the Makarska Riviera through Makarska, Tučepi and Podgora.
7. Good Food Festival Dubrovnik
Location and date: Dubrovnik and surrounding area, 5–18 October
The festival will take over Dubrovnik’s food scene for two weeks. Expect festival menus in restaurants, a street food festival with concerts, dinners with guest chefs, workshops, a gastro quiz and the Dubrovnik Beer & Bites Fest.
Where to stay
We picked out three villas in Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia that you can book in October.
Villa Barbara, Istria
This modern single storey house in inland Istria can host up to 7 guests, and each of its 3 bedrooms has its own bathroom. When the weather turns cooler, underfloor heating keeps it cosy, and the 42 m² pool is available until the end of October.
Casa Dea, Kvarner
Set on a hill at the foot of Učka, this house offers sea views and is ideal for couples or small families, as it hosts up to 4 guests. The living room has a fireplace, and on the ground floor there is a covered tavern with a barbecue where you can gather even when it rains. The shared pool with a view is open until 1 November. The villa is pet-friendly.
Villa Hilltop View, Dalmatia
The villa can accommodate up to 5 guests and is just 8.5 km from Split and 2 km from the beach in Stobreč. Both bedrooms have their own bathroom, and outside you’ll find a pool available until the end of October and a whirlpool for 5 people. There is also a summer kitchen with a barbecue and a children’s playground.
If you need more inspiration, browse our full selection of villas with special offers and find more travel tips on our blog.
October may not be the typical choice for a visit to the coast, but it might surprise you in the best possible way. Choose your region, decide which event you want to visit and find your perfect villa. See you on the coast!
