Croatia's first month of the year is also its coldest. But with the chilly weather comes fun snow activities, the start of carnival season, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best winter months for capturing the quiet majesty of Plitvice's frozen lakes and waterfalls. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.

Weather

January is indeed the coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures frequently reaching freezing or below with an average range between 32°F (0°C) and 47°F (8°C).

Along the coast, the weather is a few degrees warmer than the interior of Croatia, though in the southern regions, it is quite wet, with about five to six inches of rain for the whole of the month. And there's also the strong, northeasterly winds of the bura to deal with. When the bura blows, people stay indoors, ferries are canceled, and bridges are closed. It's, therefore, a smart idea to pack a waterproof jacket and have warm layers on hand. 

Inland, in the north and around Zagreb, you'll want to have proper winter apparel, a heavy coat, hat, scarf, and gloves because temperatures hover around freezing with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of a frosty 27°F (-3°C). Snow is common over the winter months, and because of that, traveling in highland areas is frequently disrupted.

Crowds & Costs

The Advent and Christmas crowds have long gone, returning Croatia to its off-season charm in January: quiet environs and budget-friendly accommodation prices. The Adriatic coast remains quiet, hotels reduce their prices if they aren't altogether closed, and ferries reduce their routes and travel times if they aren't canceled due to inclement weather. Ski season is in full swing, and vacationers heading to the slopes, though, unlike other more popular European destinations, Croatian resorts remain uncrowded and less costly.

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Where to Go

Croatia in January offers a little something for all tastes. If you're escaping the cold, head to the Adriatic coast. Start in Dubrovnik, still decked in festive decorations for its Winter Festival (which runs until March), and you'll enjoy the near, if not empty, main attractions like the ancient city walls and sea views. Other coastal cities with noteworthy historical centers to explore in solitude are Split and Zadar. 

Meanwhile, Croatia's interior and national parks, like Plitvice Lakes National Park, undergo a seasonal makeover looking like something out of a children's fairy tale book, enticing bundled-up visitors to explore its prepared-for-you routes. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is likely covered in snow, which makes it a good time to head to the nearby ski resort, Sljeme, just outside of town. 

What to Do

Croatia might not be known for skiing like its European counterparts, but they are home to favorable conditions, milder weather, fewer crowds, and reasonably priced passes. One unique option is hitting the slopes of Platak in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Sitting six miles in from the sea and north of Rijeka, you can ski one of seven of Platak's slopes with a view of the Adriatic.

Another great option is to head to Sljeme ski resort, just outside of Zagreb, for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and even hiking. There's also the option to watch world-class skiing occur here every January with the Snow Queen Trophy (Snježna kraljica).

Meanwhile, party goers will want to make a trip to Rijeka come mid-January for Croatia's largest carnival. Here you can witness the ceremonious handing-over of the city key to the carnival "maestro" and watch how Rijeka's main street, the Korzo, transforms into a mass party. There are pageants, street dances, concerts, and masquerades, and DJs spin at various bars and clubs throughout the city. 

Photographers and nature enthusiasts will love Plitvice Lakes National Park in January, transformed by the snow and ice, adding a magical quality to the landscape. And foodies will have a much better chance of making a reservation at any of Croatia's top restaurants. 

Events in January

New Year's Day, nationwide. A bank holiday, you can expect nationwide closures, and transportation schedules will be on a holiday schedule (if there's one running).

Night of the Museums, nationwide. On the last Friday in January, galleries and museums across the country open their doors for free from 6 pm to 1 am and offer special programs, including hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibitions.

More Helpful Information

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Croatia in February
Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia
How Many Days to Spend in Croatia