Weather in Dubrovnik in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Dubrovnik and ranks 112th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Croatia it is 1st of 4 (Croatia in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Dubrovnik is 3.3°C warmer by day and 2.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Dubrovnik peaks at 10.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 13.8°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 4.9°C; one night in ten drops to 1.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 17.3°C (2002-01-29) and the coldest night -7.2°C (2000-01-25).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 152 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2010 with 325 mm, the driest 1993 with 16 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 14.3°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.6°C to 14.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:15 and sets about 16:38 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 54%.

Is January a good time to visit Dubrovnik?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Dubrovnik on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug.

Mild by day, but still winter

January is Dubrovnik's coldest month, so dress for winter even when the forecast looks bright. The warmer days can reach around 14°C, which may feel pleasant for walking in suitable layers, but that is not the everyday expectation. At the colder end, nights can fall to 1°C or below. A warm outer layer, jumper and closed shoes make more sense than a light jacket alone, especially if you plan to stay out after dark. This weather suits travellers who prefer walking without summer heat and do not mind wrapping up. It is less suited to anyone hoping for long, relaxed evenings outdoors.

Plan around rain and short days

Wet weather is the main catch: January brings 152.0 mm of rain, so a waterproof coat and shoes that cope with puddles deserve space in your bag. Keep outdoor plans movable rather than committing every day to being outside. There are about 4.2 hours of sunshine within 9.2 hours of daylight, which leaves scope for bright spells but not reliably sunny days. Put longer walks into the daylight hours and keep something indoors in reserve when rain arrives. The sea is cold too, so the coast is better treated as somewhere to spend time beside the water than as a reason to pack for a swimming holiday.