What Is Best Time To Sail Croatia?

With over 1.200 mostly uninhabited tiny islands, crystal-clear seas, long and dry summer season and scenic landscapes, Croatia truly is a sailing paradise. So how and when you wish to explore Adriatic coast will mostly depend on these 3 BASIC FACTORS:

HOLIDAY EXPECTATIONS
WETHER & SAILING SEASON
THE BUDGET

1. The Expectations

Renting a yacht in Croatia is definitivelly the most authentic vacation experience at the Croatian coast. And chartering your very own sailing yacht for a week will allow you to reveal the true secrets of this remarkable country and visit idyllic Croatian islands at your own pace.

Just imagine being on a private yacht, anchored in your very own bay surrounded with stunning maritime environment and infinite sky-blue seas. Simpy switch to relax mode, unwind and let the Dalmatian temperament and Adriatic atmosphere carry you to a genuine holiday feel.

Hire skippered or a crewed charter in Croatia

To fully relax during your charter vacation, skippered yacht or a crewed catamaran charter in Croatia is ideal choice. Sailing across spakling Adriatic with skipper is probably the ultimate Croatia yacht charter experience. It is considered affordable for most groups with best balanced itinerary when it comes to Croatia yacht charter adventure. It is an amazing opportunity to receive priceless first-hand tips and itinerary advices from your skipper and explore islands as a local.

Navigating among the hundreds of tiny islands, can be a challenge even for experienced sailors. That is why hiring local skipper to guide you safely through the week might be a good idea.

Skippers in Croatia are communicative, fluent in English, fun to be around and open minded guys (and girls) that know best cruising locations, safe sailing grounds and hidden bays where you can enjoy, swim or chill in a gentle swing of your yacht. The itinerary on private charters in Croatia is flexible and can be arranged with your skipper before and during your week.

Choose the season to best suit your travelling style and budget 

Sailing holidays in July or August is recommended for travelers searching for a relaxing, laid-back cruising adventure filled with pleasurabe summertime moments. If you own a boating license, rent bareboat charter in Croatia in the off season to save money. Families with kids should rather consider booking yacht holiday within the summer months when winds are low and the sea temperature ideal for various water activities. Find out more about boating vacations in Croatia in the following articles BAREBOAT vs. CREWED CHARTERS and WHERE TO SAIL IN CROATIA

The buzzing town of Hvar
Anchoring in a secluded cove on Brač island
Bali 4.5

2. The Budget

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

Croatia is still considered as a affordable European yacht charter destination. Considering the overall cost, yacht holiday in Croatia is comparable to a one-week stay in a 5-star hotel. However, the experience of living on board, hopping from one island to another, anchoring in secluded bays at a relaxing pace 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 1.200€ weekly. In peak season months July and August same sailboat prices can go up to 3.000€. In September and June you can expect the cost between 2.000 and 2.500 euros.

 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 160€-200€ per day (depending on boat size)
  • local tourist tax and permit 1.35€/day/person
  • fuel average consumption 100€ per week
  • ports an marina fees average 100€ per night (island ports are much cheaper)
  • 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. For exact pricing please send your inquiry to a reliable Croatia sailboat rental agency.

Renting a sailboat is the most genuine holiday in Croatia
Catamaran charter Croatia
Croatia sailboat rentals

3. The Weather

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 25o (77F). However, the sea temperature is still a bit cold - between 15-20o (70F).

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

Hire a crewed yacht charter Croatia
Sea temperature on Adriatic is perfect for swimming
Pack light and rather take a duffel bag then a suitcase

What is the best time to sail in Croatia?

High summer in Croatia might be busy, but the weather is simply glorious. You can expect the best of a Croatia yacht charter experince if your book your sailing trip in July or August. The streets might be crowded, traffic heavy, but you will forget all that as quickly as soon you set sail and feel the the embrace of warm summer breeze.

Although it might get hot, during the day, there is always enough wind to cool you down. Despite the fact that it might get bit crowded in marinas and restaurants, you can always find a quiet place to anchor.

Considering all the factors, renting a yacht in Croatia in June is a top choice. That is when you can expect a relaxing and laid back holiday. September is every skipper's delight, with bit stronger winds and lower air temperatures, but if you are a day sailor looking for a relaxed yacht holiday in Croatia with no stress and easy sailing, take your trip in June, July or August.

Pros and cons for Sailing Croatia in June

+  LONGER DAYS

-  SLIGHTLY COLDER SEA

+  LESS CROWDS IN THE 1st. HALF

-  MORE CROWD IN THE 2nd. HALF

+ LOWER PRICES IN THE 1st. HALF

-  HIGHER PRICES IN THE 2nd. HALF

+  SETTELED WEATHER

-  WARMER NIGHTS IN THE 2nd. HALF

+  CALMER SEA AND LESS WAVES

-  MORE HUMIDITY IN THE 2nd. HALF

+  MODERATE WINDS

-  MORE TEMPERATURE ETREMES

+  MORE MOORING OPTIONS

 

+  CONSTANT AIR TEMPERATURE

 

 

Sailing in June

Pros and cons for Sailing Croatia in September

WARMER SEAS

- SHORTER DAYS

+ LOWER PRICES

- STRONGER WINDS ( not for beginners)

+ LESS HUMIDITY

- A BIT MOODY WEATHER

+ MORE MOORING OPTIONS

- COOLER WINDS (Bora)

+ LESS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES

- MORE CHANCE FOR RAIN

 + LESS CROWDED RESTAURANTS

 

Best Sailing trip Croatia

Sail Croatia in style and book one of the yachts below