Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Weather, Crowds & Seasons

At A Glance

🌊Biggest waterfalls: April–May
🥾 Best hiking: May or September
🍁 Fall colors: October
👥 Fewest crowds: November–March
💲 Lowest prices: Winter
❄️ Snowy scenery: January–February

I realize we don’t always have a choice about the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes. School and work schedules, budget and other travel plans can limit our options. So use this guide as much for knowing what to expect as for deciding when to go. Weather, crowds and seasonal conditions are much easier to work around when you know what to expect in advance.

If early September is when you can visit Plitvice, for example, the waterfalls may not be as dramatic as they are in spring—but the summer crowds will be starting to thin. Every season has its trade-offs and knowing what they are can help you make the most of the time you have.

Turquoise lake surrounded by lush green forest at Plitvice Lakes National Park in spring — Spring brings lush greenery, abundant water and brilliant turquoise lakes to Plitvice.

Spring (April-May)

Why people love it

Peak waterfalls
Fresh green forests
Comfortable temperatures
Most or all routes open
Great photography

Keep in mind

Rain
Increasing crowds by late May

Best for

First-time visitors
Hikers
Photographers

Crowded boardwalk winding through turquoise lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park in summer — Summer brings lush scenery—and peak-season crowds—to Plitvice’s narrow boardwalks.

Summer (June-August)

Why people love it

Long daylight
Warm weather
Everything open

Keep in Mind

Biggest crowds
Highest prices
Waterfalls generally at their lowest flow

Best for

Families
School vacations

Traveler Tip: Crowd Control

Except in winter, I think arriving at opening time is one of the best ways to experience Plitvice with fewer people. Staying overnight near the park makes that much easier.

If you have the time, staying two nights is even better. You could explore the Lower Lakes early one morning and the Upper Lakes early the next, purchasing admission for each day.

In most destinations I recommend taking a midday break and returning in the late afternoon. Plitvice is different: once you leave the park your ticket can’t be used for re-entry later that day. If you want to return you’ll need another ticket. Official Plitvice tickets here.

Electric boat crossing a lake surrounded by colorful fall foliage at Plitvice Lakes National Park — Fall transforms Plitvice with brilliant color, reflected in the park’s lakes.

Fall (September-October)

Why people love it

Autumn color
Pleasant hiking weather
Smaller crowds
Great photography
Waterfalls flow begins increasing after drier summer months

Keep in Mind

Cooler evenings
Less daylight

Best for

Couples
Repeat visitors
Photography

Snow-covered lakeside path beside turquoise water at Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter. — Winter can transform Plitvice into a snowy wonderland—but paths may be icy and conditions can limit access.

Winter (November–March)

Why People Love It

Very few crowds
Lowest prices of the year
Peaceful, quiet atmosphere
January-February: Best chance for snow and frozen waterfalls
November & March: Off-season solitude with the possibility of winter conditions

Keep in Mind

Cold, wet, snowy—or sometimes all three
Shorter daylight hours
Some trails may close because of snow or ice
Fewer hotels, B&Bs and restaurants are open
November and March are transition months, so don’t count on a snowy landscape

Best For

Budget travel
Solitude
Winter photography, especially December–February
Travelers who don’t mind trading predictability for a very different Plitvice experience

Frozen blue waterfalls and snow-covered forest at Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter — In the coldest stretches of winter, Plitvice’s waterfalls can freeze into spectacular walls of blue ice.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Precip.	Avg Daily Sunshine
January	39°F (4°C)	27°F (-3°C)	5.5 in	2 hrs/day
February	43°F (6°C)	28°F (-2°C)	4.9 in	3 hrs/day
March	50°F (10°C)	34°F (1°C)	5.1 in	4 hrs/day
April	59°F (15°C)	41°F (5°C)	4.3 in	5 hrs/day
May	68°F (20°C)	48°F (9°C)	5.6 in	7 hrs/day
June	75°F (24°C)	55°F (13°C)	4.7 in	8 hrs/day
July	81°F (27°C)	59°F (15°C)	3.8 in	9 hrs/day
August	82°F (28°C)	59°F (15°C)	3.8 in	9 hrs/day
September	72°F (22°C)	52°F (11°C)	5.1 in	7 hrs/day
October	61°F (16°C)	45°F (7°C)	5.6 in	5 hrs/day
November	50°F (10°C)	37°F (3°C)	6.1 in	3 hrs/day
December	41°F (5°C)	30°F (-1°C)	5.8 in	2 hrs/day

Which Season Would I Choose?

For a first visit I would recommend late April or early May. I visited in May and the powerful waterfalls and lush green scenery made the park feel incredibly alive. it’s hard to imagine a better introduction to Plitvice; when the trails are open for hiking but before the summer crowds arrive,

My close second would be January or February. Having already seen Plitvice in spring, I’d love to return for the snow, frozen waterfalls and solitude. I’m probably influenced by the fact that my favorite visit to Yellowstone National Park wasn’t in summer or fall—it was in January. I have a feeling Plitvice might have some of that same winter magic.

But don’t let the perfect get in the way of the possible. If July is when you can go, go in July. If your Croatia trip puts you there in November, go in November. Every season offers something different.

Plitvice Lakes is one of those places you don’t want to miss simply because you couldn’t visit at the “best” time.

Still Deciding Whether Plitvice Is Worth It?

I break down what surprised me, what I wish I’d known before going and who I think will love Plitvice—and who might not. →Is Plitvice Lakes Worth It?

Already Planning Your Visit? Check out…….

→Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes

→Plitvice Lakes Trails Explained: How to Choose the Best Hike for You

Have you been to Plitvice Lakes National Park or is it on your bucket list? I’d love to hear what interests you most in the comments below.