Weather for Zadar and the Island of Pag:
When Is the Best Season For You to Visit?
When should you visit Pag Island? Well, it depends on your weather preferences – you can just insert “weather for Zadar” into Google and you will get the most accurate results.
In general, spring and autumn are the best for sport and other outdoor activities, summer is perfect for enjoying the sun and relaxing on the beach, and winter is for loners with an adventure streek.
When you think of a vacation in Croatia at the seaside and sea islands on the Adriatic coast, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Maybe sunny weather, warm sea, gentle breeze caressing your skin and a refreshing drink in hand?
There are very few, if any, who think of strong winds, storms, waves at sea, and low temperatures.
And yes, that’s completely normal, because even though we can say that we have experienced numerous weather conditions and storms on the island of Pag and weather conditions in the Zadar region, our first thoughts about island Pag are still summer, sun, sea, and beach.
This is indeed the image of the island of Pag in the summer months, but more and more people want to visit the island during the spring, autumn, and even winter months. However, we have noticed that many tourists who are not from our part of Europe do not have a completely accurate perception of what kind of weather they can expect during the year.
That’s why we decided to write something more about all the seasons on this island and the weather for Zadar and this part of Croatia in general.
The climate is changing
First and foremost, when reading the text you should keep in mind climate changes, which are more than obvious in all parts of Croatia, including the island of Pag. The weather in Croatia is changing, that is certain. We are not native to the island, but after more than 20 years of staying on Pag in all seasons, we have experienced almost all weather conditions, so we can describe what you can expect during certain seasons first-hand. We will not go into excessive details, but we will certainly try to give you the best possible perception, without sugar-coating.
It should certainly be noted that Pag has a submediterranean climate. This means that Pag has the characteristics of both climates; a warmer Mediterranean climate is mixed with a colder continental climate.
Croatia – April weather is changeable
Generally speaking, in Croatia the April weather is unstable and changes often, and the same goes for March. Although spring officially begins on March 21st, there is an old saying on Pag: spring begins with the passage of three Bura windstorms in March.
Most often, two out of three Bura storm winds are very strong, cold and stormy and are often freezing to the already budding vegetation. Bura is a cold northern wind from continental Croatia that suddenly descends the slopes of Velebit mountain. Such a wind blows in gusts and can often reach a speed of more than 100 kilometres per hour.
Check out what a March storm looks like on our YouTube channel. We filmed one Bura wind in March last year.
After Bura winds in March, people of Pag know that they can start more intensive work outdoors, and that spring has arrived. Although during the spring we still can expect stronger southern winds called Jugo, and of course Bura, chances of severe weather are not that high.
So, during the beginning of April, better weather conditions can be expected on Pag. Spring is usually windy and rainy, followed by nice calm sunny periods. At this time of year, temperatures can rise to a pleasant 25°C during the day. However, it is best to count on a temperature of approx. 15-20 degrees Celsius during the day, while the evenings can be cool, usually with a temperature of approximately 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Weather for Croatia in May
When we talk about the weather for Croatia in May, we can conclude that this is a month that forebodes the arrival of summer. However, with climate changes May can be the biggest puzzle year after year. It can be really nice and warm, but it can also be very unstable.
Regardless of the weather, May on the island of Pag is the best month for those who enjoy the peace and quiet, warm sun without the heat. It is also the best month for various sports and outdoor recreation such as cycling, running, Nordic walking, windsurfing or long walks and sunbathing. The braver ones will take a swim in the sea, whose temperature ranges between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius. The days are already quite long, which certainly contributes to the atmosphere and hints of summer. The air temperature can reach 30°C in the sun, but realistically you can expect 25°C if there is no rain or wind.
This is without a doubt the ideal month for you if you don’t like the summer heat and lots of tourists.
If you are more of a party person, Zrce beach is opening its doors in May. Zrce beach Spring Break is a place where you need to be.
Weather for Zadar and Pag in June
When discussing the weather for Zadar and Pag in June, we can conclude that this is a real summer month or at least the main introduction for the summer months to come.
For us, this is our favourite month on the island of Pag. Longest daylights up to 9:30 and 10 PM, temperatures often exceed 30°C, the smell of summer is in the air, and vegetation is in full swing. Temperatures at night are not yet too high, so you will definitely need to dress in layers for evening outings.
The only minus, for lovers of swimming in the sea, is that the sea does not have that summer warmth. More intensive warming of the sea has only just begun. Sea temperatures can reach up to 24°C, but you can count on an average of 19-21°C. If the sea would be warmer, it would be perfect.
It is also the month of the first major tourist visits, but there are still no excessive crowds, neither on the beaches, on roads or in restaurants.
July and August – summer paradise
Summer, summer, and more summer. Temperatures range from 30°C up to 35-40°C during the day. Nights are also warm with temperatures of up to 30°C. Warm sea, warm air, every breeze being welcomed and even a light refreshment in the form of summer rain showers can occur.
Although every year is unpredictable in terms of weather conditions, you should pay attention to summer storms because they arrive quickly and bring strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorm.
However, they are usually short-lived and after short refreshment, summer returns in full swing very quickly.
The moisture in the air is high, but you can almost always expect a pleasant flow of wind that reduces the feeling of humidity and heat. The sea temperature rises above 25°C and can rise up to 28 – 29°C.
September – Indian summer (St. Martins Summer)
At the end of August and the beginning of September, the peak of the summer season is at its end. Although favourable weather conditions and summer temperatures can be still expected, it is also normal to expect somewhat more unstable weather.
In the middle of September, the first strong Bura windstorms are possible, which can lower the temperature of the air and sea. There is no more long-lasting summer heat and the days are significantly shorter.
But the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea are still warm, which influences the weather, so late summer and early autumn are often very pleasant and warm. Same as spring, September and October are the months without large groups of tourists, which is the ideal time for outdoor sports and recreation.
October – mild autumn
In the last few years, October has proven to be a great month for a vacation. The milder autumns and winters in this part of Europe make October even a warmer month than it used to be. Lovers of the sea and outdoor activities will certainly make good use of it. Temperatures in October can rise to 30°C in entire Croatia, and that also includes Pag. But it is more realistic to expect temperatures from around 15 to 25 degrees, while the nights can be quite warm, due to the still warm sea.
However, don’t be surprised if Bura and Jugo take full swing, especially in the second part of October.
Weather for Zadar county in late autumn and winter
The weather for Zadar county during the winter can sometimes be surprising. As we write this text, the morning temperature on Pag is -1°C, which is a rather low temperature for the sub-Mediterranean climate. Bura wind is medium-strong, with a speed of up to 50 km/h, which gives the impression that the air is much colder than it really is.
Snowfall on Pag occurs very rarely and it does not stay frozen on the ground, maybe only for a few hours or up to a few days.
Winters on Pag are usually moderate with a lot of rain and wind. Daytime temperatures are between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, and at night temperatures can vary a lot. Temperature extremes, of course can occur. It can be extremely cold or perhaps warm, but that is not something that happens regularly.
For example, in the year 2012, Pag was hit by quite a severe cold Bura wind, the temperatures were below zero, and due to the icy wind, the real feel of the temperature was -10°C. Numerous vegetation on Pag was destroyed, including our whole green yard. Due to the cold and strong Bura, the fish jumped out of the sea. It was a very rare phenomenon and you can see the pictures below.
Weather conditions in November and December are pretty windy, foggy and rainy all across Croatia, and Pag is not an exception. January and February are less rainy but much colder months.
Changeable as the Pag Island weather
To summarise, Pag Island weather is truly diverse and can sometimes surprise even the residents. You can expect hot and dry summers, mild, rainy, and windy winters, as well as warm and relatively unstable springs and autumns.
If you have any additional questions related to the weather in Pag during a certain period or season, feel free to contact us via the contact link or send us an email at info@sunwell-apartments.com.
