What's the weather Like in Dubrovnik in December?
December is a chilly month in Dubrovnik and quite rainy. Take plenty of warm clothing and some waterproofs if you're exploring this fascinating city at the end of the year.
What's Dubrovnik Like At Christmas?
Christmas in Dubrovnik is a rich cultural experience. The old town fills with locals rather than tourists and you'll have a more authentic experience of what life's like in this historical location. Prices are usually lower than in the peak summer season you're more likely to get reasonable flights and accommodation.
In 2018 and 2019 the average daily temperature on Christmas Day was 11°C which would have risen to 14°C.
Is Dubrovnik Warm In December?
The average daily temperature is 11°C with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C.
Sunshine Hours and Sea Temperatures
There are five hours of average daily sunshine over the month but that's five times the amount you'd get in the UK in the same month. The average sea temperature is at 15°C, so swimming in the sea is definitely not recommended!
Is Dubrovnik Rainy In December?
The average rainfall is 178mm over 15 days, so definitely pack an umbrella and some waterproofs for your December trip.
Dubrovnik Hotels for December
Hotel Bozica
For someplace unique, try the beautiful nearby island of Sipan and the small fisherman village of Sudurad. Hotel Bozica is a renovated summer residence offering apartments and doubles with sea views. Each of its 26 residential units have A/C, internet, minibars and satellite. The on-site restaurant serves olives, almonds, figs, and vegetables from the surrounding orchards and farms.
Amoret Apartments
A safe bet for some self-catered accommodation is Amoret Apartments (dinka ranjine 5), offering four studios in Old Town. These old-fashioned rooms consist of a bedroom, corner kitchenette and en-suite bathroom with shower, plus A/C, satellite TV and wifi.
Bars and Restaurants
During winter many restaurants shut their doors, but those that stay open tend to be authentic, family-run options.
Stara Loza
Stara Loza (prijeko 22) serves fantastic seafood with in a quirky setting. The menu is a bit eclectic for Dubrovnik but delicious, from suckling pig and ox bites to slow-cooked monkfish with sweet figs.
Pantarul
Pantarul (Kralja Tomislava 1) is a relaxed restaurant that specialises in delicate and rich dishes like foie gras, steak tartare, duck liver mousse and radicchio risotto. Lucin Kantun (ulica od sigurate) is renowned for its tapas-style dishes of salmon marinade, lobster nibbles, cheese and ham, all served at reasonable prices.
Nishta
If you've had enough of seafood, try Nishta (prijeko bb), the only all-vegetarian option in Dubrovnik. It has limited seating so be sure to book your table early in the day. They occasionally offer vegan and gluten-free dishes as well, from cold and fresh salads to hot soups and samosas. Do note that they are closed Sundays.
The Arsenal Wine Bar
After dinner, sip on a disgestif at one of the city's many wine and cocktail bars. There is a tasty prosciutto bar at the Villa Dubrovnik hotel (vlaha bukovca 6), with views of the isle of Lokrum. The Arsenal Wine Bar (11 St. Blaise Square) offers a romantic setting and local wines in converted boatbuilding warehouse. Try the Crljenak, the original grape that is otherwise known as Zinfandel.
Latino Club Fuego
Ready to dance the bad weather away? Head to the Latino Club Fuego (Pile Brsalje 11), which despite its name plays a variety of hip hop music as well as latino and techno.
Things to do in Dubrovik in December
Take A Tour Of The Ancient City Walls
Winter's the ideal time to walk the city's famed walls without being photobombed. Even if you don't visit any of the other sites in Dubrovnik, walking the city walls is a must. You'll get to take in unreal views of the Adriatic as well as the endless sea of terracotta rooftops that grace the town's traditional stone homes.
Advent in Dubrovnik
Every year, Dubrovnik's streets begin to sparkle with gleaming holiday decor as the town begins to prepare for the Christmas Market. We were in town just as the main street, Stradun, was being lined with white wooden houses, soon to be filled with delightful Croatian sweets, souvenirs, and my personal favourite, mulled wine.
Don't miss out on stopping by Croatia's first, and only, Christmas shop that is open all year long. This festive store is overflowing with glittery decorations from local handmade ornaments to traditional nutcrackers. You can find the Christmas shop here.
Feast Of Saint Nicholas
Though the off-season in Dubrovnik, wintertime in the city is full of festivities. Its is on 6th December is a special holiday, when children's stockings fill up with presents. It's also a time for memorial, as this date is the day the city successfully defended itself against a strong Serbian attack in 1991.
In December, the city cosies up with hot coffees, traditional sweets and carols.
Christmas Fair at Sponza Palace
Head to the bakery and sample homemade sour orange marmalade pancakes and candied orange peel. Chefs serve delicious cookies, mulled wine, candied nuts, doughnuts and other delicacies. The streets are strung up with Christmas lights, and shops put on display their winter wares: handicrafts, candles, glassware, embroidery and porcelain. Be sure to stop by the the market is all hustle and bustle with winter goodies and decorations.
New Years Eve
New Years Eve the city turns on with major festivities, spectacular live music, open air theatre, and spectacular fireworks over the harbour. Pair relatively mild temperatures with delicious wine and rakija with live Croatian music until the break of dawn.
Marin Drzic Theatre
Escape the winter chill by diving into one of the city's many theatres or museums. Star of them all is Marin Drzic Theatre, a repertory theatre built in 1865 that hosts a permanent company. Though most active during the summertime, the productions are year-round and are based mostly on the city's literary heritage. There is also the Freedom Cinema, which hosts international and local releases with subtitles in a 300-seat auditorium. The Maritime Museum is also worth admission for its extensive exhibit on the nautical history of the city, located in the renovated fortress of Sv. Ivan.
Pomena Bay
Rent a taxi to the nearby Pomena Bay. Even on an overcast day, views of the harbour are likely to be worth it. This small port hosts small boats and charming yachts and is lined with many cafes.
Porporela Pier
Brave the rain, put on your best raincoat and head for the thick of it! Watch the stormy waves from the city walls, or climb one of the town's picturesque medieval towers. Porporela pier on the Lapad Peninsula in particular makes for a great base to watch the wind and wet. Don't forget to cap off your afternoon with a hot coffee at one of the nearby cafés!
When it snowss it does every so oftenesidents like to play on frozen beaches, run around the city streets. Once when the nearby town of Sali got snowed in, the town organised a ramshackle ski team on the spot!
Plitvice Lakes National Park
If you can make it to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll be treated to gorgeous snow-covered woodland paths, glistening icicles and a winter wonderland. Or while you're out in nature, check out some of Croatia's natural hot springs nearbyany of which are equipped with thermal spas and accommodation on site.
