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Best time to visit Plitvice Lakes: month by month
Short answer
May, June, September and October are the best months: waterfalls are full after the snowmelt in spring, and the forests turn red and gold in October, with highs of 16-23°C. July and August are warm, 24-26°C, but very crowded and most expensive. Winter is cold, often snowy and beautiful, with highs of 4-7°C, but some paths and the boats may close.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C | -1°C | 16 | low |
| Feb | 7°C | 0°C | 9 | low |
| Mar | 9°C | 1°C | 9 | low |
| Apr | 11°C | 3°C | 17 | medium |
| May | 17°C | 10°C | 21 | high |
| Jun | 23°C | 15°C | 13 | high |
| Jul | 26°C | 17°C | 10 | very high |
| Aug | 24°C | 16°C | 12 | very high |
| Sep | 20°C | 13°C | 12 | high |
| Oct | 16°C | 10°C | 9 | medium |
| Nov | 10°C | 4°C | 18 | low |
| Dec | 7°C | 2°C | 15 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar-May)
From 9°C in March to 17°C in May, with 9-21 rainy days. Waterfalls at their fullest; May is lush and green.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm, 23-26°C, with 10-13 rainy days. The busiest period and the highest ticket prices.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
20°C in September, 16°C in October and 10°C in November. Autumn colours in October; November is wet with about 18 rainy days.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold, highs of 4-7°C and lows around -1-2°C, often with snow. Frozen waterfalls, few visitors, limited routes.
Events worth planning around
- Autumn foliage season, usually October
- Snow-covered frozen waterfalls, typically January and February
When to avoid
July and August bring the biggest crowds and highest ticket prices; go at opening time if you must visit then. November is wet and grey.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Plitvice?
May, June, September or October, for full waterfalls or autumn colours and fewer crowds.
Is Plitvice worth visiting in winter?
Yes for snowy scenery and frozen waterfalls, but some paths and the boats may be closed.
How crowded is Plitvice in summer?
Very; arrive at opening time to enjoy the boardwalks before the crowds.