The climate of Zadar
Possessing a Cfb Köppen climate classification,
Zadar,
Croatia, advances through the year under marine west coast weather conditions characterized by a warm summer. The climate exhibits a broad array of seasonal transformations from the cool but pleasant winters, to the delightfully warm summer season.
A survey of Zadar's annual temperature shows average high temperatures ranging from 9.2°C (48.6°F) in
January to 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
August. The months of
June to August consistently deliver temperatures above 20°C (68°F). The coldest months, January and
February, still maintain reasonably comfortable average low temperatures of 5.3°C (41.5°F) and 5.5°C (41.9°F) respectively.
The data also manifests marked differences in precipitation throughout the year. The month that records the highest level of rainfall is
November with 115mm (4.53"). Contrastingly, August experiences the least quantity of rain, merely 28mm (1.1"). The number of rainfall days also oscillates, with the maximum of 15.3 days in November and as few as 7.9 days in August.
Zadar's climatic rhythm presents distinct individualities. The regional temperatures by sea reveal a considerable swing from 12.4°C (54.3°F) in February to 24.9°C (76.8°F) in August. The number of sunshine hours also mirrors the seasons peaking at 11.9 hours in
July, while descending to a low of 5.7 hours in January and February.
The best time to visit Zadar
The optimal period to tour
Zadar is during the summer months, especially from
June to
August. During these months, high temperatures average between 20°C (68°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), and sea temperatures offer refreshing averages from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F). This climatic backdrop fosters agreeable conditions for pursuing outdoor activities, swimming and enjoying the local beaches.
It’s also during summer that Zadar enjoys its longest sunshine duration with a peak of 15.5 hours in June. Additionally, these months have the lowest humidity levels, maintaining between 61% to 68%, ensuring comfortable sightseeing and exploring opportunities.
The worst time to visit Zadar
Visiting
Zadar in
November might not provide the most ideal weather, as this month registers the highest rainfall quantity of 115mm (4.53"), and the most rainfall days, 15.3 days. This increase in precipitation and fewer sunshine days of 13.4 days may limit opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Despite the weather, the colder months of
January and
February also attain relatively high daily average low temperatures of 5.3°C (41.5°F) and 5.5°C (41.9°F) respectively. But the blend of chillier air and shorter daylight hours, only 9.3 hours in January, might not be the most preferred by sun-seeking tourists.
Spring weather in Zadar
From
March to
May,
Zadar witnesses a gentle shift from the chilly breeze of winter to the refreshing warmth of spring. The progression in average high temperatures from 12.6°C (54.7°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May beautifully outlines this transition. The sea also gradually warms up from 13.1°C (55.6°F) in March to 18.2°C (64.8°F) in May.
Rainfall moderately varies from a high of 53mm (2.09") in March to a 57mm (2.24") in May. Sunshine hours also increase over this phase, moving from an average of 8.1 hours in March to 10.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Zadar
Zadar's summer, spanning from
June to
August, delivers a delightful blend of warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. The average temperatures reach their pinnacle between 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F). Sea temperatures also peak around 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) creating excellent conditions for sea activities.
Rainfall is relatively infrequent during this season, as rainfall reaches its lowest in August at 28mm (1.1") over only 7.9 days. Concurrently, the percentage of cloud cover follows a downward trend, descending from 27% to 12% as summer unfolds.
Autumn weather in Zadar
From
September to
November,
Zadar transitions into autumn. Average high temperatures scale down from 23.5°C (74.3°F) in September to 14.7°C (58.5°F) in November. A parallel fall is observed in sea temperatures, dropping from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 17.8°C (64°F) over these months.
Rainfall records an upswing, moving from 63mm (2.48") in September, peaking at 115mm (4.53") in November. Incessant rainfall accompanies a gradual reduction in sunshine duration from 10.6 hours in September to 5.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Zadar
Despite
Zadar plunging into winter between
December and
February, the city retains milder temperatures. The coldest months witness average high temperatures from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F) while average lows range from 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 5.3°C (41.5°F). Sea temperatures also hover at a relatively cool level from 15.6°C (60.1°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F) during these months.
Rainfall during winter spans from a 72mm (2.83") in December to 62mm (2.44") in
January. Correspondingly, the city forecasts an increase in the percentage cloud cover, soaring to 41% in both December and January.
Weather in January
January in
Zadar,
Croatia brings cool weather and relatively high levels of precipitation. A significant difference in temperature can be noticed, with averages shifting from 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F) throughout the day, whilst the sea temperature sits at 13.3°C (55.9°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Zadar's weather transitions gently from
January to
February, with a small average temperature increase. February endures similar levels of precipitation as January, however, it sees a marginal uplift in average snowfall days, but overall less snowfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As spring approaches,
March's weather in
Zadar undergoes a noticeable change from the previous months. There is typically less rainfall, both in terms of volume and number of days (12.9), yet it stays higher compared to incoming
April.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The balmy
April weather in
Zadar,
Croatia invites visitors to indulge in the city's diverse outdoor offerings. This month sees further evidence of Spring's arrival with increasing minimum temperatures, yet rainfall volumes and frequency start to decrease.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the beginning of
Zadar's summer period, with the city enjoying noticeably warmer temperatures. Following a downward trend from previous months, the rainfall volume starts to slightly increase again reaching 57mm (2.24"), but days with rain are fewer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June's weather in
Zadar is integral to the city's annual summer appeal, displaying some of the year's most favourable conditions. Highlighted by maximum daily temperatures peaking at 24.4°C (75.9°F), the average barely moves downwards during nighttime, stopping at a warm 18.4°C (65.1°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Zadar showcases the height of
Croatia's summer, with the hottest temperatures of the year and lowest rainfall amounts. The weather consistently remains dry and hot, with the average temperatures soaring to a scorching 27.5°C (81.5°F) throughout the day, whilst evening lows merely descend to 21.2°C (70.2°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Summer's zenith in
August showcases
Zadar at its warmest, delivering extended, sun-soaked days and balmy nights. Despite being on the brink of Autumn, the city experiences minor changes from
July's high temperatures, though the slight reduction in daylight hours indicates a transition towards the fall season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings the start of Autumn to
Zadar but still carries over some elements of the city's summer climate. The weather subsides from
August's heat, exhibiting a noticeable decline in daily temperature averages, but it still remains comfortably warm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
A decisive arrival of Autumn is observed in
Zadar's
October weather, as temperatures continue to cool and rainy days abound. Shifting decisively from
September's conditions, temperatures see a further reduction, signifying a clear move away from summer's warmth.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Zadar's
November weather, with its drop in temperatures and a surge in precipitation, marks a distinct transition towards the city's winter period. In stark contrast to
October's conditions, November encounters the heaviest rainfall of the year, resulting in a high 115mm (4.53") precipitation.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the final month of the year, invites winter to
Zadar with its cold weather and increased rainfall, yet is notably less wet than
November. A further drop in average temperatures signifies the typical onset of winter, while daylight hours taper to their shortest length for the year.
Weather in December »