What's The Weather Like In Split In December
December is not as hostile as one might expect in the upper Mediterranean coastal regions. In fact, there's barely any snowfall so potential blizzards are out of the question. If you're looking for a fairy tale Christmas with big snowflakes, Split isn't going to oblige, but what it will do instead is give you a stunningly fresh and crisp air, and a beautiful sea to behold even in winter.
Temperature
The average temperature drops to 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit), so scarves and hats are well advised. In fact, you might want to pack a pair of gloves too, because the lowest recorded in December here in Split is 5° Celsius, and it feels a bit worse by the seaside. On a warmer sunny day you'll see the high temperature reach 13° Celsius, which isn't exactly picnic time but it's worth a stroll on the beach with the proper winter gear on and makes for sunnier, brighter Christmas than in the UK.
And speaking of the sun, it's a rare view in December, with maybe 28% chances of days with clear sunshine and up to 5 hours per day, while the nights are long and cold.
Rain
Clouds don't linger much, surprisingly, with just 26% chances of ruining your day, and chances of rain remain steady at 42%, like in November and stretched over 8 days. Rainfall is more abundant in December, at 113mm - this is where we tell you not to forget the umbrella either.
Sea Temperature
The gorgeous Adriatic Sea remains deep blue and stoic and particularly cold, at a dropping 15° Celsius (59° Fahrenheit) on average. As mentioned earlier, winds are down at barely 20km/h and chances of windy days slowly drop to 17%. The barometric pressure is higher in the heart of winter, rising up to 30.14Hg on average. This means that Split's temperate climate does not disappoint, offering a mild winter by a particularly peaceful shoreline.
Split Hotels In December
Radisson Blu Resort
Winter time in this beautiful resort of the Dalmatian coast requires warm and cosy accommodation. Ideally, you'd want to stay in a good hotel - of which Split has plenty. The only problem is that they get busy very fast, so you might want to book your room in advance by at least 5-6 months if you want to spend your nights at the splendid Radisson Blu Resort, for example, whose double bedrooms go for prices starting at £130 per night. Do expect the Christmas period to be more expensive, too.
Hotel Marmount / Hotel Fanat
The beautiful Hotel Marmont maintains its high standards and quality services at £126 per night, while the splendid Hotel Fanat spices up the competition by offering its rooms at just £84 per night.
The Palace Suites
The Palace Suites remains among the top hotel options for Split, with rooms going for £101 per night. If you're happy to be a bit further away from the city centre for a better price on a good hotel room, then Riva Luxury Rooms is where you want to stay, as their beautiful double bedrooms go £50 per night.
Tchaikovsky Hostel
However if you are on a "wintery" budget, hostels are a very good option on this side of the coast. The magnificent Tchaikovsky Hostel offers beds starting at £7.61 per night, the popular CroParadise Green and the CroParadise Pink & Blue Hostel offer dorms from £6.60 per night and privates for a surprising £7.82 per night. The delightful Design Hostel 101 Dalmatinac charges a bit more, at £14.72 per night, but once you get there you will understand why it's worth every extra penny.
Split Beaches For December
There is not much happening on the beaches of Split in December, but they're all still beautiful and most of them very much open to the public. You can always pop down to one and just let go of any stress or worries while walking along a sandy or even a rocky shoreline.
Bacvice
Bacvice is the usual go-to city beach, renowned for its extremely smooth sand and shallow entry. Trstenik is mostly pebble and gravel, and the water is a beautiful sight to behold, as it's particularly crystalline. If you want something more secluded and small, the splendid Bene beach is where you need to go, flanked by tall pine trees and not accessed by many, especially in the winter, and it's fortunate to frame a most beautiful part of the Adriatic Sea.
Bars And Restaurants
Nostromo / Apetit
Winter time, particularly December, is when the Croatian cuisine resorts to more seasonal and absolutely delicious recipes. Now is the time to eat at classic Splicani restaurants such as Nostromo and Apetit, as they also prepare marvellous Christmas menus. For more modern but equally fantastic cuisine, book yourself a table at the famous Paradigma; its menu is bold and full-flavoured, and the wine list complements it close to perfection.
Buffet Fife
If you're on a budget, you can always visit the Split Market, open all the time by the Silver Gate entry of the Palace, and shop for fresh organic produce and local meats. Alternatively, Buffet Fife and the equally fantastic Tri Volta offer great authentic Dalmatian food for ridiculously low prices. You should also stop by Galija Pizzeria, known for its delicious crust and unique topping combinations.
Vanilla / Hemingway
As far as nightlife is concerned, December is more concentrated in the central parts of Split and its Poljud Stadium. Vanilla and Hemingway are great bars open every weekend, with music catering to most tastes and great offers on drinks. The Gaga remains the undisputed champion of great but cheap cocktails, and rest assured it doesn't disappoint. O Hara throws wicked parties every weekend, some with popular DJs and some with live music, making each night an absolute experience. Frankly, the great attitude and joie de vivre of the Splicani also helps the atmosphere in every bar, as everyone is simply out to have a really good time, regardless the weather or time of the year.
Things To Do In Split In December
Advent in Split
Every year, "Advent in Split" brings people together in the beautiful Riva for wonderful and joyous festivities of music, dance and food - with accent on the food, as you should know by now that the Splicani are authentic gourmands and value their cuisine and local flavours.
Christmas On The Riva Promenade
Ultimately, Christmas on the Riva promenade is beautiful, as it is in the city centre as well, sprinkled with myriads of lights and lovely seasonal decorations. In fact, the weather is mild enough in December to allow you to go on a long walk from Riva all the way up to Split's harbour, along the Marjan seafront. Just make sure you are well dressed and that you stay hydrated, as the weight of winter clothes and the distance will take their toll.
Peristyle
You must visit the Palace and its ancient splendid Peristyle, and even stop at one of its intimate cafes for a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicious hot chocolate and puff pastry. You can just sit back and watch the world go by from the comfort of a soft and warm cushion.
Town Museum / Archeological Museum
The Town Museum and the Archeological Museum are good places to visit this time of the year, both holding precious historical artefacts dating back hundreds of years. Both are your best chance at understanding the long and diverse cultural history of Split.
