Visiting Split in winter: our tips (+ things to do)

Split is more than just its beaches and summer ferries. We find that in winter, the city reveals its unique character even more clearly: a city that has been thriving for 1,700 years within the walls of a Roman palace, where the cathedral, cafés, and narrow streets belong first and foremost to the locals. Ancient heritage, a wooded hill, and bustling markets set the tone for a more peaceful stay.

Here are all our tips for visiting Split in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus, information on spending Christmas or New Year’s in this city full of surprises!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.

Visiting Split in the winter: Is it worth it?

Our review

Yes, visiting Split in winter is worth it, as long as you’re willing to accept a city that slows down. You’ll love strolling through Diocletian’s Palace without the summer crowds: the peristyle, the vestibule, and the narrow streets then regain their proper proportions. The people of Split reclaim the terraces along the Riva as soon as the sun comes out, and the fish market remains just as bustling as ever.

We consider this the best time to experience the city as it goes about its daily life. In fact, in our opinion, it’s one of Croatia’s must-see cities, no matter the season.
You’ll also enjoy museums that are open year-round and, in December, Advent festivities that light up the old town. We do recommend, however, that you remain flexible: the weather can change in a matter of hours.

Benefits

• You can explore the old town without the crowds, from the peristyle to the narrowest alleys.
• The Palace of Diocletian remains a public space that is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
• The museums remain open, according to their winter hours.
• Parking around the historic district is easier than during peak season.
• Advent brings a festive atmosphere to the Riva and the squares from late November through early January.
• The Pazar and the fish market offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Split’s residents, far from the tourist trails.
• You can visit ancient sites like Salona without suffering from the heat.

Disadvantages

• Many boat tours and water activities have been suspended or are operating on a reduced schedule.
• The water temperature is around 13°C, and only the bravest are tempted to go swimming.
• The days are short: in January, the sun sets around 4:40 p.m.
• Rain and wind—especially the bora—can last for several days.
• Some sites close earlier, or even on Sundays or Mondays.
• The trails in Marjan and the cobblestone streets require sturdy shoes in wet weather.

Weather, temperatures and conditions

Winter in Split is mild for this time of year, though not warm.
During the day, temperatures generally range from 8°C to 12°C, while at night they drop to between 1°C and 6°C.
The sea, at around 13°C, discourages most swimmers. We’ve noticed that the days often alternate between sunny skies and rain showers: expect about 7 to 8 rainy days per month in December and January, and a few more in November.
We therefore recommend that you wear several layers of clothing rather than relying on a single thick coat.

Wind is also a part of Dalmatian winter. The bora (bura), a dry, cold wind from the northeast, makes it feel much cooler, even under clear skies. The jugo, blowing in from the southeast, brings mild, humid weather and rain. We therefore recommend a windbreaker, which is more useful than an umbrella on windy days.

The days are also getting shorter: in mid-January, the sun rises around 7:25 a.m. and sets around 4:40 p.m., for a little over 9 hours of daylight. That’s why we suggest scheduling outdoor walks, such as the hike up to Marjan, for the early afternoon at the latest.

What to Do in Split in Winter?

Split doesn’t slow down in the winter. Its historic sites, museums, and markets can easily keep you busy for several days, even if the sea is out of reach. Here are our suggestions, organized by what you’re in the mood for.

Explore Diocletian’s Palace at your own pace. Built in the 4th century for the Roman emperor Diocletian, the palace is still home to more than 3,000 residents within its walls. We recommend entering through the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea), the most imposing of the four, then heading to the peristyle and its Egyptian sphinx, which is over 3,500 years old. The underground chambers, generally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offer a welcome shelter on rainy days. We also enjoy exploring the very narrow alley nicknamed “Let Me Pass.”

• Visit Saint-Domnius Cathedral, housed in the former Mausoleum of Diocletian, then climb the approximately 200 steps of its 13th-century bell tower; reduced hours in winter, and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is required— see our dedicated article
• Explore the Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery, and look up at its ceiling
• Travel back in time with ” Diocletian’s Dream,” a virtual reality experience in the heart of the palace— book your ticket
• Walk from People’s Square (Pjaca), with its Gothic and Renaissance facades, to Republic Square (Prokurative), which is neoclassical and lined with arcades

Seeking refuge in museums. On gray days, Split reveals the full extent of its cultural offerings. We have a soft spot for the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, housed in the former summer villa of the Croatian sculptor—a major figure in 20th-century art—where nearly 200 works in marble, bronze, and wood face the sea. During the off-season, it’s open Tuesday through Sunday, usually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. We also recommend the Ethnographic Museum, dedicated to Dalmatian traditions, whose terrace overlooks the palace’s vestibule; in winter, it closes at 4 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

• Ivan Meštrović Gallery: a combined ticket for around €12 that includes the nearby Kaštilac— book your ticket. Visit the official website for more information here.
• Split Ethnographic Museum: Adult admission is €5— see more photos. Visit the official website for more information here.
• Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases Croatian art from the 14th century to the present day— see more photos
• Maritime Museum, housed in the 16th-century Venetian fortress of Gripe— see more photos
• Cathedral Treasury Museum, known for its icons, reliquaries, and manuscripts— see more photos
• The Archaeological Museum, founded in 1820 and considered the oldest in Croatia, as well as the Split City Museum, located in the Papalić family’s Gothic palace
• Museum of Illusions, a favorite with families— book your ticket
• Game of Thrones Museum, with hours that vary by season— book your ticket

Enjoy the fresh air between the sea and the hills. La Riva, a flat promenade lined with palm trees, remains a favorite gathering spot for Split residents year-round. We love to sit out on a terrace there and watch the ferries set off for the islands.
Further west, Marjan Park—a wooded peninsula that has been protected since 1964—is perfect for a walk: from the Varoš neighborhood, about 314 steps lead to the Vidikovac lookout and St. Jerome’s Chapel, then the trail continues to the summit of Telegrin (178 m). Allow 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. We recommend wearing hiking shoes, as the path has a few loose rocks.

Get away to the surrounding area. Winter is a great time to visit ancient sites, which can often be grueling under the summer sun. Five kilometers to the northeast, the ruins of Salona—the former capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Diocletian—are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter (closed on holidays). We enjoyed the tranquility there as we sat facing the amphitheater, which once held more than 15,000 spectators. Bus No. 1 runs there from downtown, and the €8 ticket includes admission to the Archaeological Museum. We also recommend the Klis Fortress, perched on a limestone ridge, for its breathtaking view of Split and the coast.

• Explore the ruins of Salona, combined with a visit to the Klis Fortress— see options
• Climb the Klis Fortress, a filming location for the Game of Thrones series— see guided tours
• Spend half a day strolling through Trogir, a medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about a 30-minute drive away
• Spend a day at Krka National Park and its waterfalls— see guided tours

Things You (Really) Can’t Do in Split in the Winter:

• Swimming for a long time: even in Bačvice, the birthplace of picigin, the water—at around 13°C—is reserved for the most daring,
• Easily sail to the Blue Lagoon and the Three Islands—a trip that is often postponed
• Enjoy all kinds of water activities, such as kayaking or scuba diving
• Spend long days on the beaches of Kašjuni or Bene, which will be waiting for the return of sunny days.

How do I get to Split?

Split Airport is located about 24 km from downtown. A shuttle bus, the Airport Shuttle, runs to the train station, which is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. Please note that in winter, direct flights from abroad are less frequent: a connecting flight, for example via Zagreb, may be necessary. We therefore recommend that you compare your options well in advance.

By road, Split is about 400 km from Zagreb (allow 4.5 to 5 hours) and 156 km from Zadar (about 1 hour and 45 minutes). Long-distance buses also connect the city to major Croatian cities, while ferries provide service from the Dalmatian islands, though they generally run less frequently during the off-season.

Christmas in Split

In Split, the holiday season has a name: Advent (Advent u Splitu). From late November to early January (November 27, 2025, to January 7, 2026, during the last edition), the Riva is lined with wooden chalets and garlands, surrounding a stage where concerts and DJ sets take place every evening. These festivities retain a very local spirit, far from being merely a tourist attraction.

The festivities also extend to the Place du Peuple, the Place de la République, Rue Marmont, and the Peristyle, while the palace’s cellars are decked out in festive decorations. We recommend visiting each site in the late afternoon, when the lights come on.

There, you’ll get to try fritule—small Dalmatian fritters—mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. We also love stumbling upon klapa singers as we wander down a narrow street—this polyphonic a cappella style of singing is unique to Dalmatia. In addition, many restaurants offer Dalmatian Christmas menus, and children can enjoy creative workshops.

New Year’s in Split

On December 31, the Riva is transformed into a huge open-air party venue. A free concert featuring popular Croatian artists draws tens of thousands of people, followed by a fireworks display at midnight over the harbor.

We recommend arriving early to find a spot along the promenade, as the crowd gets dense quickly. We also recommend dressing warmly: the cold and the bora wind don’t stop the people of Split from celebrating, but they do make the evening cooler than it seems.
For New Year’s Eve dinner, be sure to reserve your table in advance.