Croatia in October Half Term

We’re just a few days away from the start of October half term – at least by UK school standards, that is! Although autumn so far has been mild in many places, some of you may still be hankering for a trip abroad or to take advantage of the “last of the” Mediterranean summer sun. Whilst I’ve written before about visiting Croatia for May half term – and that is a really lovely time of year to go – some of you may not be sure about the destination as a suitable holiday place for this time of year. So let’s consider the options for Croatia in October half term.

Is the end of October a good time to go to Croatia?

Whilst Croatia is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, the immediate question that many of you will have will be regarding the weather. Now, there’s no way you’re going to get temperatures and weather that are anything like “the height of summer”. But then again, that’s a good thing – the last few summers have seen truly insane heat, with temperatures regularly reaching 35C+ (95F).

So, what weather will you get? Currently, as I write, the coastal regions are achieving temperatures of around 20-22C (68-71F) with mostly sunny weather. That’s certainly lovely! Sea temperatures in Dalmatia are around 20C; refreshing, yes, but certainly acceptable for a sea swim.

Inland, in Zagreb and the surrounding areas, temperatures are hovering around the 17-18C (62-64F) mark. However, most days are rather sunny, so it will feel slightly warmer and be rather pleasant indeed. Nights will be cold, however! Pack your jumpers and coats, for sure.

Why go to Croatia in October half term?

Well, the summer crowds are looooong gone, so you won’t have to battle through the masses whilst you’re sightseeing or just generally enjoying the delights of Croatia. And seeing as it’s not summer, you won’t spend most of your days poolside or lying on a beach, so you can actually spend most of your days doing things. Enjoyable things. Things that are much more pleasant when it’s not “actual tenperature 32C, feels like 39C” kind of weather.

Whilst some of the smaller towns that are very popular destinations in the peak summer months tend to (almost) shut up shop for autumn/winter, cities and larger towns will still have their full offering of amenities, cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and similar. You’ll be able to enjoy so much of what Croatia has to offer.

There’s something rather special about being by the sea in autumn, when the weather is still gorgeous but not totally over-the-top boiling. Feel the sun on your face as you enjoy your days, and make sure to stop for a outdoor coffee/drink/sneaky sunbathe.

How to book for a holiday in Croatia in October half term

If you’re planning on putting together your own holiday to Croatia, take a look at the Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page for details of all flights that are still operating in October.

Or, if you’re lazy, I can tell you that you can use the following flights:

• British Airways London Heathrow to Dubrovnik (to 31st October)
• British Airways London Gatwick to Dubrovnik (to 29th November)
• Croatia Airlines London Heathrow to Zagreb (year-round)
• Easyjet London Gatwick to Pula (to 31st October)
• Easyjet London Gatwick to Split (to 16th November)
• Easyjet London Gatwick to Dubrovnik (to 28th November)
• Easyjet London Luton to Split (to 31st October)
• Easyjet Manchester to Dubrovnik (to 31st October)
• Easyjet Edinburgh to Dubrovnik (to 27th October)
• Ryanair London Stansted to Zagreb (year-round)
• Ryanair London Stansted to Dubrovnik (year-round)
• Ryanair Manchester to Dubrovnik (to 31st October)
• Ryanair Dublin to Zagreb (year-round)
• Ryanair Dublin to Dubrovnik (year-round)
• Jet2 London Stansted to Split (to 1st November)
• Jet2 London Stansted to Dubrovnik (to 1st November)
• Jet2 Birmingham to Split (to 29th October)
• Jet2 Birmingham to Dubrovnik (to 31st October)
• Jet2 East Midlands to Dubrovnik (to 1st November)
• Jet2 Manchester to Split (to 1st November)
• Jet2 Manchester to Dubrovnik (to 1st November)
• Jet2 Newcastle to Dubrovnik (to 1st November)
• Jet2 Leeds Bradford to Dubrovnik (to 31st October)
• Jet2 Belfast to Dubrovnik (to 30th October)
• Aer Lingus Dublin to Dubrovnik (to 28th November)

Gosh, that’s quite a long list, isn’t it?

Package Holidays for October half term

Leave to someone else to organise and opt for a package holiday that includes flights, accommodation and transfers. Some good deals I’ve found:

• 7 nights at the 5-star Sun Gardens Dubrovnik from £779 per person with Easyjet Holidays (from London Gatwick)
• 7 nights at the family-friendly Amadria Park Hotel Andrija* in Sibenik from £1,668 total price with Jet2 Holidays (from London Stansted)
• 7 nights at the Hotel Astarea in Mlini* (near Dubrovnik) from £1,899 total price with Jet2 Holidays (from Manchester)
• 7 nights at the Hotel Sol Umag from £2,237 total price with Easyjet Holidays (from London Gatwick)

All of the above are for departures on Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th October. Prices shown are for two adults + two kids.

Where to go for an October half-term in Croatia

Now that I’ve sorted out where it’s physically possible to get to (by direct flights, I mean – technically, it’s possible to get to anywhere!), the conclusion would be either Split or Dubrovnik (or a town near to one of these), or a lovely city break in Zagreb.

I would personally suggest sticking these two cities – Split and Dubrovnik – themselves. They would be charming to explore at this time of year, and you can soak up the full atmopshere of everything they have to offer. Both are well placed for day trips (see Day Trips from Split and Day Trips from Dubrovnik for ideas).

Zagreb in autumn is gorgeous, and would be ideal as a city break destination at this time of year. Hit the city’s streets to see all its impressive sights, explore its fabulous museums, enjoy its vibrant gastro scene and enjoy a spot of shopping too.

One place (or set of places) I would not suggest for this time of year would be Croatia’s islands. Yes, yes, I know, they’re amazing (of course they are) but most of them really quieten down, post-season. Additionally, ferries and catamarans have either switched to low season schedules – which happens at the end of September – or have stopped entirely for the year. This makes getting to some of the islands that little bit more difficult. Visit them instead on a day trip!

(Of course, perhaps a quiet island escape is exactly they kind of thing you’re after!)

What if I don’t have kids? Should I avoid a late-October break in Croatia?

I say, no – not at all!

Let’s face it, Croatia won’t be inundated with families and shrieking kids. Despite my best efforts to encourage families to holiday in the country during that week! So, you won’t be disturbed reading a thick novel by the pool, or splashed head to toe by an energetic youth dive-bombing near you.

Should you really want to make sure you’re well away from all the delightful children, take a look at my guide to the best adults-only hotels in Croatia for ideas of where to stay.

Activities in Croatia for October half term

There are plenty of excursions and outings that you could join in late October, and some that are perhaps better done at this time of year. For example, cross-border day trips are easier out of season when border control (into Bosnia or Montenegro, for example) is far less busy, long-distance journeys are faster because of less traffic and lower temperatures mean no one is struggling in the heat. Likwise, the Adriatic should still be mostly calm at this time of year, so boat trips are definitely a goer! Just make sure to pack (and wear) a coat!

Here are some options for trips from Dubrovnik:

And some options from Split:

And for Zagreb:

My tip would be to try and visit one of Croatia’s national parks to catch the beautiful autumnal hues as the seasons change. The Plitvice Lakes would be ideal, and very easy to reach if you visiting Zagreb. Krka National Park is a shortish hop away from Split. Either one provides gorgeous nature and plenty of options for exploratory walks/hikes – just the thing at this time of year.

What’s On in October Half Term

October is generally considered to be “gastro month” in Croatia (at least, that’s what I’m calling it) with a large number of food and drink events taking place all over Croatia.

One of the best of these is the Zigante Truffle Days Festival that’s held in the interior of Istria. The Festival is actually held every weekend in October, and it’s a wonderful event to sample truffles and dishes using truffles, buy truffle products, learn more about truffle hunting and even see a truffle hunting demonstration. The Festival will take place on 23rd & 24th October and 31st October and 1st November 2026.

Not one for the younger lot, but adults may be delighted to know the Ginistra Festival – all about gin – is on in Rovinj on 23rd and 24th October 2026.

October is definitely chestnut month, as you’re all aware. Chestnuts are a fairly popular snack in the country – if you’ve never tried roasted chestnuts, you must do so now – and one of the most popular events that celebrate this humble nut is Marunada in Istria. Again, this festival takes place over a few weekends, and by the end of the month, Marunada will be held in Liganj on 24th and 25th October 2026. Enjoy walks and hikes, live music, and delicious chestnut dishes.

Boat lovers will need to head to Biograd na moru in North Dalmatia for the end of the Biograd Boat Show (21st – 25th October 2026). It’s the largest such show in Croatia, and there’s always a great atmosphere.

PLACe Market, an evening outdoor foor market, will be on Kvaternik Square on 30th October 2026, from 6pm.

Catch a football game! Dinamo Zagreb have a home game on 24th October, whilst Hajduk Split play at home on 31st October.

Excuse me? What about Halloween?

What about that BIG October event, Halloween? This year, 31st October falls on a Saturday, and if you visit Croatia in October half-term, you may well find yourself there on that day. Whilst Halloween isn’t traditionally something that’s celebrated at all in Croatia, these days – like everywhere else – it’s becoming becoming more popular as a general “fun event”. (Thanks, commercialisation!)

Check locally for Halloween events, but you’re sure to find something vaguely spooky-related. For example, the 2nd Halloween Run will combine spooky goings on with exercise – what could be better? There are several kids’ races as well as an adults one, all taking place in the evening. Meanwhile, MiniPolis in Zagreb will be hosting a children’s Halloween Festival from 28th to 31st October.

All in all, you’ll have a great time visiting Croatia in October half term!