Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Zagreb, Croatia, is predominantly classified as Cfb according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a temperate maritime climate. This city experiences a stark temperature range, with minimums dropping to -16°C (3°F) in March and peaking at 39°C (103°F) during the sweltering month of August. The average annual temperature hovers around 13°C (55°F), reflecting a unique blend of seasonal variability that shapes the local environment and influences daily life in this vibrant European capital.
In Zagreb, Croatia, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal fluctuations, with winter months marked by chilly conditions and occasional extremes. January begins with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -13°C (9°F), gradually rising through February to reach a milder 4°C (40°F) average. March signals the onset of spring as temperatures further climb, peaking at 23°C (74°F) by month’s end. The warmth intensifies through the summer, with June, July, and August averaging around 23°C (74°F) and witnessing maximums soaring up to 39°C (103°F). As autumn approaches, September maintains a warm climate before temperatures notably decline in October and November, bringing back frosty nights with minimums dipping to -5°C (24°F). By December, the cycle returns, concluding the year with cool temperatures averaging around 3°C (38°F), showcasing Zagreb’s vibrant yet variable climate throughout the seasons.
Mala Mlaka, Brezovica, and Zagreb all experience a minimum temperature of -15°C (6°F) in March and a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in August, highlighting the extreme range of temperatures in these Croatian locations. For detailed monthly temperature information, you can check the links for Mala Mlaka, Brezovica, and Zagreb.
Zagreb, Croatia, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with a noticeable increase in rainfall during the late spring and early summer months. January begins the year with 39 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall over approximately 7 days, but this amount steadily climbs, reaching 120 mm (4.7 in) by May. This month sees the highest precipitation, accumulating over 17 days, which sets the stage for a wet early summer. June follows with 96 mm (3.8 in), while July and August experience a slight reduction in rainfall to 88 mm (3.5 in) and 74 mm (2.9 in), respectively.
As autumn arrives, precipitation patterns shift again, with September recording 98 mm (3.9 in), and October and November experiencing consistent levels of 83 mm (3.3 in) and 89 mm (3.5 in). Throughout the latter months of the year, rainfall occurs over a steady number of days, averaging around 10 days per month. December concludes the year with 86 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation, maintaining Zagreb’s characteristic blend of wetter conditions and cooler temperatures as winter approaches, reaffirming the city's dynamic climate.
In Zagreb, Croatia, sunshine duration showcases a distinct seasonal evolution, with a notable increase in hours as the year progresses from winter into summer. January starts with 163 hours of sunshine, but this gradually rises to 226 hours in February. By March, the sun begins to shine more brightly, culminating in 307 hours. Spring weather brings further improvement, with April and May recording 334 hours and 371 hours, respectively. This steady ascent in sunshine hours reflects the transition into warmer months, paving the way for the peak sunshine periods.
Summer months are characterized by a crowning peak in sunshine, particularly in July, when Zagreb enjoys 426 hours of sunlight, followed closely by August with 391 hours. However, as autumn approaches, there is a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, with September witnessing 326 hours, tapering to 288 hours in October. The reduction continues into the winter months with November registering only 192 hours and December slightly rebounding to 204 hours. Thus, Zagreb experiences a vibrant contrast between sun-drenched summers and the dimmer, cloudier winter months, creating a rhythm that deeply influences both climate and local lifestyle.
In Zagreb, Croatia, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, influencing sun safety recommendations for residents and visitors alike. During the winter months, the UV Index remains relatively low, starting at 2 in January and December, with corresponding burn times extending to 45 minutes. February introduces a slight increase to 3, representing a moderate exposure level with a potential burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, the index climbs steadily, hitting 5 in March and 6 in April, marking the beginning of a period where sun protection becomes increasingly important.
The summer months herald the most intense UV radiation, with the UV Index reaching its peak at 9 in both June and July, categorized as very high and necessitating sun protection within just 15 minutes of exposure. August sees a slight decline to 8, but still warrants careful sun management. As autumn descends, the index returns to 6 in September and then recedes gradually to 3 by November, before falling back to low levels in December. These trends emphasize the importance of staying informed about UV exposure throughout the year to ensure effective sun safety practices in Zagreb's diverse climatic landscape.
UV Risk Categories
In Zagreb, Croatia, daylight duration significantly fluctuates throughout the year, reflecting the city's distinct seasonal patterns. January begins with 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight hours extend to 11 hours in March and further to 13 hours in April, signaling longer days and the anticipation of warmer weather. By May, daylight reaches 14 hours, paving the way for the full effect of summer, where daylight peaks at 15 hours in both June and July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and enjoyment of the vibrant city.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight gradually begins to wane. August sees a decrease to 14 hours, followed by 12 hours in September. This descent continues into the fall months, with daylight duration tapering to 10 hours in October and further declining to 9 hours in November. The cycle concludes with 8 hours of daylight in December, marking the return of winter and shorter days. These variations in daylight underscore the rhythmic changes in Zagreb’s climate, influencing both lifestyle and cultural practices throughout the seasons.
Brezovica, Croatia experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -12°C to 16°C and average precipitation of 39 mm, while the summer months, particularly July and August, can reach highs of 39°C with less rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July at 426 hours, contributing to the warm and sunny conditions. The transition months of spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures and varying rainfall, making Brezovica a climate-rich area throughout the year. For more details, visit Brezovica climate.
Mala Mlaka, Croatia experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures around 1°C to 4°C (34°F to 40°F) and minimums dropping as low as -15°C (6°F). Summers (June to August) are warm to hot, averaging 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 74°F) and peaking at 39°C (103°F) in August. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly in May (120 mm / 4.7 in) and September (98 mm / 3.9 in), while sunshine hours peak in July with 426 hours. For more information, visit Mala Mlaka climate.
Zagreb, Croatia experiences a continental climate with marked seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures dipping as low as -12°C (11°F) and averaging around 1°C (34°F), while summers can be quite warm, peaking in July at 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is highest in May with 120 mm (4.7 in) and generally distributed throughout the year, with June boasting the most sunshine hours at 406. The city enjoys a fair amount of sunny days, particularly from late spring to summer, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more details, visit Zagreb climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Zagreb, Croatia, exhibits a striking interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. With cold winters yielding to warm summers, residents experience a dynamic environment characterized by significant seasonal shifts. As daylight durations extend in spring and summer, the corresponding increases in sunshine and UV exposure highlight the importance of sun safety during these months. Conversely, the transition to autumn and winter brings reduced daylight and cooler temperatures, creating a rhythm that shapes daily life, leisure activities, and cultural practices in this vibrant European city. Understanding these climatic characteristics not only enriches the local knowledge but also enhances visitor experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation of Zagreb's unique environmental profile.