Best Time To Sail Croatia

Private sailing trip is the ultimate cruising holiday in Croatia

Renting a yacht in Croatia for a relaxing 7-day sailing cruise in Croatia is the ultimate and the most authentic vacation you can imagine at the this country's infinite coast. The experience of renting your very own sailing yacht charter to explore idyllic Croatian islands is a holiday beyond any compare.

Just imagine a week-long sailing tour in a unique environment surrounded with beautiful Croatian islands, exploring hidden colourful villages and stone-walled citadels of historic towns, swimming in secluded bays and enjoying the culinary delights 3 feet from the sea. Well, that's what you can expect when you embark on a Sailing trip in Croatia. 

Hire a skippered or a crewed Croatia charter

Skippered or crewed charter in Croatia is definitively the best option for first-time sailors. This is the most genuine and hassle-free opportunity to experience the very best of the Croatian coast.

Navigating among the hundreds of tiny slands, can be a challenge even for experienced sailors. That is why I recommend that you hire a local skipper and discover Croatian hotspots in a relaxing Mediterranean style. Skippers in Croatia are mostly communicative, fluent in English, fun to be around, flexible and sociable guys (and girls) that know the area you are about to sail.

Select the sailing season that suit your travel style and budget 

Croatia Sailing holidays in July or August guarantee the best of the sailing experience for everyone searching for a relaxing, laid-back cruising adventure. If you own a ICC boating license, you can hire your very own bareboat charter in Croatia and set sail in the shoulder season when rental prices are lower, but the weather can get moody. If you plan to sail with kids, I highly recommend that you book your trip in summer months and hire Croatian skipper. But first adjust your basic expectations and set the budget. This is always an important factor. Please also find some tips for an amazing sailing holiday and how much for a sailing holiday in Croatia.

How much does it cost to rent a sailboat in Croatia?

Croatia is still considered to be one among affordable sailing destinations in Europe. Considering the overall cost, yacht holiday in Croatia is comparable to a one-week stay in a 4-star hotel. However, the experience of living on board, hopping from one island to another, anchoring in secluded bays, and making your own itinerary is a holiday beyond any compare.

Croatia yacht rental prices are considerably cheaper during the off season in April or May. Then you can charter a 40-foot bareboat in Croatia for about 1.000€ weekly. In peak season months July and August same sailboat can go up to 3.000€. In September and June you can expect the prices between 2.000 and 2.500€.

 How much for sailing holidays in Croatia?

Renting a sailboat in Croatia will cost you between 2.500 and 3.500€ per week. That is a high season price for a newer 3-cabin sailing yacht. For a newer 40-foot catamaran around 6.000€.

What are the extras for crewed yacht charters in Croatia?

• skipper from 150€-200€ per day
• local tourist tax and permit 1.35€/day/person
• fuel for catamaran approx. 250€ per week
• ports an marina fees average 100€ per night
• deposit for yacht between 1.500 and 3.000 Euros
• various water toys (optional) 100€ per week

Yacht prices in June or September are app. 25% lower. Add extra 25 - -50% for a premium line yacht. For exact pricing please send your inquiry to a reliable Croatia sailboat rental agency.

Best time to sail Croatia is in summer months between June & September

Croatia weather is pretty much the same as everywhere else in the east Mediterranean (Italy, Greece). The forecast for the region you are about to visit plays the main role when you are considering of setting the date of your odyssey. If you prefer swimming, water activities, warm seas and buzzing island atmosphere, take your trip in summer months.

The temperatures on Adriatic also vary from north to south. In northern parts (Istria, Kvarner) it can be extremely hot during summer months with light winds and average 2-3 strong storms per month. More to the south, a passing summer storm is less likely. Plus, there is always constant moderate wind blowing in Dalamatia through July and August.

As the air gets warmer throug the Spring, so does the sea temperature. Anchoring your sailboat in a nice cove is a perfect opportunity to take a dive. In the beginning of June - just go for it.

Weather at the Croatian coast in June and September is simply delightful

If you are sensitive to heat, then you should consider taking your trip in April, May, September or October. Air temperature during the daytime in April and May can easily reach over 25^o (77F). However, the sea temperature is still a bit cold - between 15-20^o (70F).

The peak season stretches between the middle of June toward the end of September. Mercury is at consistent 30^o (87F), often peaking well into the 40^o (104F). Pushing towards Autumn the air temperature drops to the mild 25-30 (77-86F). The sea can hold pleasant 20^o until October. 

Adriatic weather can be quite tricky though. Mostly due to the closeness of mountain barriers, a light summer NW "Maestral" breeze from the seas, can easily turn into near gale force "Bora" winds (NE) blowing from mainland. There is always weather warning issued beforehand, so that you can find a safe shelter in time. Here's the tip how to make the ultimate sailing packing list.

Convert degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit with this simple formula: Fahrenheit = [°C] × 9 / 5 + 32

Pros and cons for Sailing Croatia in September