What's The Weather Like in Dubrovnik in January?
Dubrovnik is a resort in Croatia, located on the Adriatic coast roughly 300 miles to the North of Greece. Although January is the coldest month of the year, like many Mediterranean countries, the city enjoys mild winters and is an ideal escape from much colder temperatures elsewhere.
The average temperature in January is 9ºC with highs of 12ºC in the warmest party of the day and lows of 6ºC overnight.
How Warm Is The Sea In Dubrovnik?
Swimming isn't recommended as the average sea temperature in January is around 14°C.
January Sunshine Hours
Dubrovnik only has five hours of daily sunshine in January, The sun will set early around 4pm in the afternoon, so be sure to find a warm place to eat your dinner.
Does It Rain In Dubrovnik In January?
The resort also has an average rainfall of 139mm during the month of January, usually occurring over 13 days of the month.
Is Dubrovnik WIndy In January?
Daily wind speed averages in January come in around 12 mph - a gentle breeze.
Dubrovnik Hotels in January
Hotel Excelsior
For a truly luxurious experience, reserve a room at the Hotel Excelsior. This remarkable five-star iconic hotel has spectacular views of the island of Lokrum and Old Town. Their rooms have hosted everyone from the Queen and Elizabeth Taylor to Che Guevara and Kevin Spacey. Guests can stay in superior or deluxe rooms, or in one of the seventeen spacious suites. All rooms feature wifi, minibar, toiletries, plasma TV, private bathrooms, and a terrace or balcony. On-site facilities include an indoor pool and whirlpool, three ocean-view restaurants, one poolside café, conference centre, fitness centre, piano bar, exclusive shops and direct access to a private beach.
Pucic Palace Hotel
Another terrific option is Pucic Palace Hotel, a boutique in the heart of the medieval old town. The hotel is just ten minutes' walk from the Marina. Each one of its rooms is equipped with TV, wifi, A/C, minibar and safe. It offers two restaurants featuring Mediterranean and international dining, and the Razonoda wine bar.
Hotel Lapad
If you're on the lookout for more modest accommodation, check in at Hotel Lapad. Conveniently located to the cruise ship terminal in Gruz port, this hotel is rich in elegant and old-world charm. Guests can select between standard and superior rooms, all of which have recently been renovated in 2008. There are interconnecting rooms available for families. Facilities include conference rooms, restaurant, lobby bar and an outside area. With a population of just over 43000, Dubrovnik is one of the most vibrant cities on the Adriatic coast. New Year's Eve, or Nova Godina, as it is locally known, is an excellent time to be in Dubrovnik.
The stradun
The stradun, or main street, with the medieval walled city becomes a huge centre for celebration. Musicians, celebrities and politicians party with locals and tourists among the street entertainers, food stands and bars long into the night.
Dubrovnik Beaches for January
Banje Beach
January is not the best time to head to Adriatic beaches, but you may luck out with one particularly sunny day. Most beaches have public access, and during the winter there will be fewer crowds. The Banje Beach is usually a safe bet in terms of convenience simple walk from Ploce Gate. Rock and pebble beaches outnumber sandy ones in the city, so if you're on the lookout for sand, consider heading out of the city proper to Sv. Jakov, or to one of the islands like Kolocep or Lopud.
Copacabana beach
A bit removed from the city but easily accessible by bus or promenade is the Babin Kuk peninsula. Head here for the crescent Copacabana beach set in Seka Bay. The more adventurous might be interested in the naturist beach Cava, located on Babin Kuk as well.
Bars and Restaurants
Orsan Yachting Club
Restaurants are often closed during January in Dubrovnik so be sure to check open season before you go. One great year-round option is the Orsan Yachting Club, located on the Lapad Peninsula. Here you can enjoy a sampling of local favourites such as fresh fish, octopus salad and cuttlefish ink risotto.
Buza
Most leading hotels have amazing bars. The top favourite however is Buza, with its sea-and-sky view above the cliffs. If you prefer something more formal, try the tiny wine bar D'Vino, tucked away in a narrow stone alley. Chic visitors might find a home at East-West, a beach bar and nightclub with an open-air rooftop lounge.
Things to do in Dubrovnik in January
See The Game of Thrones Filming Locations
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you'll be able to walk in the footsteps of your favourite actors on King's Landing sans the crowds. Explore all of the Game of Thrones filming locations on your own, or sign up for a guided tour so you don't miss a single famous scene.
City Walls
"Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik," wrote George Bernard Shaw. With its intricate maze of medieval streets and cafes, it's a lovely town to explore even in the winter. Don't miss the stunning views of sea and cityscape from the City Walls. Admission is 90 krona and takes about one hour to make the 2 km (1.24 miles) loop.
Pamper Yourself
Great for working out any kinks you might have acquired trying to sleep on the plane. Check out Rixos Libertas, Lacroma hotel or something like Touch of Thai Massage and Spa, where you can book a massage in the hotel even you are not their guest.
Night of Museums
If you're planning on visiting one of the city's fascinating museums, plan your trip around January 31, during the Night of Museums. All museums are free and stay open late, with special events.
Rector's Palace
If the cloud cover is daunting during January, you can easily sight see within one of the many palaces and churches. The 15th century Palace is worth a visit . The halls showcase historical furniture, paintings and sculptures, as well as an interesting atrium and theatrical stage.
Mount Srd
Those not afraid of heights can take a cable car out to the top of Mount Srd for about 94 kuna ($15) roundtrip. Go at dusk to watch the sunset over the salmon-coloured rooftops. The mountain is also home to the Imperial Fort built by Napoleon and used during the siege of Dubrovnik in 1991.
Nova Godina
With a population of just over 43,000, Dubrovnik is one of the most vibrant cities on the Adriatic coast. New Year's Eve, or Nova Godina as it is locally known, is an excellent time to be here. The stradun, or main street, becomes a huge centre for celebration. Musicians, celebrities and politicians party with locals and tourists among food stands and bars long into the night. Otherwise, wintertime is low season in Croatia so do expect some locations, including hotels and restaurants, to be closed at least until Easter.