A Complete Guide to Packing for Croatia in October!
A guide to packing for Croatia in October! When you think of Croatia, you may automatically think about warm, sunny summer days. These days are easy to pack for! Swimsuits, shorts, tank tops and anything to keep you cool!
However, shoulder season can be hard to pack for. The weather can be unpredictable and some days can feel like an Indian Summer while some may feel like autumn is creeping in.
So how is Croatia in October? Is it warm? Do you need a jacket? Can you swim?
Here is everything you need to know about packing for Croatia in October including a weather overview in the Dalmatia region and inland + packing recommendations for tops, bottoms, shoes, swimsuits and jackets for both areas of Croatia!
- Weather in Croatia in October
- Packing for Croatia: Dalmatia Region
- Packing for Croatia: Inland
- Other Items to pack for Croatia
- Luggage vs Backpack
- Packing for Croatia In October Recap
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Weather in Croatia in October
Weather in Croatia in October is incredible! The water may be a little cooler and the temperatures may not be AS warm as the summer, but I promise you will be able to enjoy sunshine and summer activities!
The average highs in Split in October are around the mid 60s F to low 70s F (18-22 degrees C) while the average highs in Dubrvonik are going to be mildly warmer.
We took a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon in Split and though the water was chilly, it still felt like an extension to summer!
Blue Lagoon Boat Tour
The tour is through Booker Travel Agency, a 5 star Google-rated agency located in Split!
Also, as I mentioned, they have since changed up one of the stops. But this tour VERY similar to what we did and we loved it!
Meeting Point
Weather Difference From the Beginning to End of October
Obviously temperatures begin to get cooler the further into October you visit; it may only reach the low 60’s F even (~18 degrees C). If the sun is out, this can still be pleasant, especially for exploring the cities.
However, with the cool water and cooler temperatures, water activities MAY be less likely if you plan to wait until the last week of October to visit Croatia.
But, as always, October weather is a little unpredictable, so be sure to check the weather before you start your packing!
Weather in the Dalmatia Region vs Inland
We visited Split and Dubrovnik, so our experience is based on the Dalmatia Region in October. However, if you plan to visit the inland of Croatia in October, you will have a vastly different experience.
Average highs inland (such as Zagreb) may only reach the mid 50’s F (12 degrees C). You will most likely experience a true autumn if you go inland!
Packing for Croatia: Dalmatia Region
Again, the Dalmatia region in October is going to be REALLY NICE. It will essentially feel like an extension of summer, but a little cooler and less crowds.
Sounds perfect, right?!
We were in Split and Dubrovnik in October and I never used a jacket. I wore jeans comfortably in Split, but in Dubrovnik I wore shorts and short-sleeves the whole time.
Tops: Short Sleeves or Long?
You are mostly going to want short sleeves in the Dalmatia region in October. During the day you want to stay cool. If you wear long sleeves you may be stuck in a shirt that will be too warm in the sun.
It likely won’t be so hot that you are going to feel the NEED for a tank top, but you will still be comfortable in one.
SHOP
Bottoms: Shorts or Pants?
I wore jeans with a short sleeve shirt comfortably on our half day in Split. However, they didn’t feel necessary. There, weather is really comfortable enough to not sweat to death in jeans or be freezing in shorts.
I do recommend packing comfortable shorts or lightweight pants for the daytime. With the amount of stairs (especially in Dubrovnik) and the temperatures, I recommend wearing light, breathable material. Linen shorts or pants are always a great option
I also recommend having either quick-dry shorts or cover up for water activities.
We went on a tour to the Blue Lagoon in Split and did a kayak tour in Dubrovnik. I prefer to wear quick-drying shorts when doing water activities like these, but a swimsuit coverup will work as well.
SHOP
Shoes to Pack for Croatia In October
Water-friendly shoes: Bring a pair of Chacos, Keens or Tevas if you plan to do any water activities. Many of the beaches in Croatia are rocky, especially at the Blue Lagoon if you plan to take a day your there! My recent favorites are the Teva Hurricanes.
Comfortable walking sneakers: You will likely do a lot of walking around the old towns of Split and Dubrovnik, so be prepared for that. I have been using my reliable white Nike shoes for my last several trips and they always do me well.
Comfy sandals to walk in when your feet get hot: I typically tire of my water-friendly sandals and my sneakers and prefer to have a lighter, comfortable sandal to wear in the evenings.
SHOP
Is a Swimsuit Needed?
Believe it or not, it will be warm enough to do water activities in Croatia in October so be sure to pack a swimsuit!
Again, we did a boat tour to the blue lagoon in Split and we kayaked around Lukrum island in Dubrovnik. Though the water was chilly, the temperatures were definitely warm enough to be able to swim a little!
Sunset Kayaking Tour
See Dubrovnik from the water and get out onto the Adriatic Sea!
-Length: 4 Hours
-Price: About 40 euros
-Times: Daytime and Sunset Options (times vary)
Meeting Point
Shop
Is a Jacket Necessary?
The weather will be mild in the Dalmatia region in October.
I didn’t once wear a jacket while in Croatia in October, even at night. We experienced only sunshine and didn’t even need a rain jacket or umbrella (although it doesn’t hurt to have an umbrella or light rain just in case).
However, did we get lucky? Maybe. So check the weather before you totally ditch the jackets! If anything, opt to pack a LIGHT jacket or small sweater than you can use if the temps drop at night.
SHOP
Packing for Croatia: Inland
Again, the weather in inland Croatia is going to be very different than that of the coastline. If you are headed to Zegreb or the mountains of northern Croatia, your wardrobe is going to look very different!
Tops: Short or Long Sleeves?
If you are going inland, you can certainly wear short sleeves, but you are going to want to layer something over top. This will especially be true at night and in the mornings.
I can’t imagine any need for packing a tank top if you are only heading inland.
I recommend bringing light long sleeve layers and/or sweaters to wear overtop of a short sleeve shirt.
SHOP
Bottoms: Shorts or Pants?
Shorts are probably not going to be enough while inland. If the highs are only around 55 degrees F and then the temperatures drop lower at night, you may be freezing in shorts!
Jeans, leggings, or whatever your preferred pant is will be the best option inland in October.
SHOP
Swimsuit? Jacket?
Unless you plan to find an indoor pool or some kind of heated water, you won’t need a swimsuit in inland Croatia in October.
You will, however, likely want to bring at least one heavier coat. The lows may drop down into the 40’s F at night (6 degrees C.)
My most recent preferred coat is a black puffer coat, but long coats and pea coats are great too!
SHOP
Other Items to pack for Croatia
Dress for the evening: Not necessary obviously, but Split has a great nightlife and Dubrovnik is beautiful at night. Sometimes it’s nice to look decent after looking “comfortable” all day 🙃
Sun Hat: If you plan to do any water activities while in Croatia, it will be nice to have the sun off your face!
Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen! The temperatures will be mild enough to sometimes forget that the sun is cooking you 😬
Sunglasses: The buildings in Croatia, especially the Dalmatia area are light-colored and light REALLY reflects off of them. Keep your eyes protected!
SHOP
Luggage vs Backpack
One thing you’ll notice quickly is that there are a LOT of stairs in Dubrovnik.
There is also little parking. So if you are renting a car, your designated parking spot may be quite a walk from your actual accommodation.
With that being said, a backpack or carry-on suitcase are your best options.
I encourage you NOT to overpack when visiting Dubrovnik or you may be carrying 50 pounds up multiple flights of stairs or dragging it nearly a mile to get to your rental car.
Want a Suitcase Recommendation?
I have recently upgraded to an Away suitcase. It was expensive and I really didn’t know if it would be worth.
But after EXTENSIVE research and asking travelers on my social medias, multiple people said the warranty is GREAT and had suitcases replaced with NO problems.
So, after going through several zipper and wheel breaks between my husband and I, I committed to the Away suitcase and I love it so far!
Packing for Croatia In October Recap
Luckily packing for Croatia can be pretty straight-forward during most times of the year due to a pretty mild climate along the Adriatic coast. No significant weather changes throughout the day or the week!
However, with that being said, if you plan to visit during the winter, bring warmer clothes (at least a jacket). It WILL cool off in the winter. Check the weather and pack accordingly.
Here is a great way to spend 4 days in Croatia!
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