Weather in Croatia in December

December climate overview

Daytime highs across Croatia in December run from 10.4°C (Pula) to 11.8°C (Dubrovnik). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Croatia in December. Nights average 6.2°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Pula fall to 3°C or below.

Rainfall in December

Expect around 13 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Pula the driest (12 days) and Cavtat the wettest (14 days). The wettest December at Dubrovnik between 1991 and 2020 was 2020 with 398 mm; the driest was 2015 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.4°C around Croatia in December - warmest at Dubrovnik (16.0°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 8.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

December against the rest of the year in Croatia

December is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Croatia. It is 3.8°C cooler than November and 1.2°C cooler in January. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (10°C).

Which part of Croatia in December?

• Most sunshine: Dubrovnik, 4.1 h a day.
• Driest: Pula, about 12 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Dubrovnik, 16°C.
• Hottest: Dubrovnik, 12°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Pula, 10°C.

What to pack for Croatia in December

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 11°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 6°C; a rain jacket - roughly 13 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in December

Within 1.5°C of Croatia's December daytime average: Saranda (13°C, sea 17°C), Rome (12°C, sea 16°C), Nice (12°C, sea 16°C), Alonissos (12°C, sea 16°C), Budva (12°C, sea 16°C). See the full ranking for December.

Which part of Croatia should you choose?

Dubrovnik and Cavtat are the best fit if daytime warmth is your priority: both average 12°C, with nights at 6°C. The catch is rain, with 13 rainy days in Dubrovnik and 14 in Cavtat, so the milder weather does not mean reliably dry days. Split is slightly cooler at 11°C and has 12 rainy days, making it a reasonable compromise if a small temperature difference matters less to you than rain. Pula has the coolest days at 10°C, though its 7°C nights are milder than the others listed. Choose for the overall holiday you want rather than expecting a major weather advantage between them.

What to pack and how to plan your days

Think layers and waterproofs rather than beachwear. A warm outer layer, a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground will be more useful than clothes chosen for sunny photographs. With average nights at 6°C, keep something warm available if you plan to stay out into the evening. Put weather-dependent plans in the most promising part of the forecast and leave room to change them when rain arrives. The sea averages 15°C nationally, so this is not a comfortable swimming holiday for most travellers. December suits people happy to spend time outdoors in cool conditions, with indoor breaks, rather than those needing dependable warmth.