Wondering when is the best time to visit Krka National Park? The Krka waterfalls in Croatia are at their best during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. September and October are particularly beautiful as the leaves begin to change colour and the park grows quieter and prepares for its winter rest. And for an added bonus, ticket prices are a lot cheaper in the off season!
In this guide we'll cover what it is like visiting Krka National Park in each season and the unique experiences the park offers at different times of the year, from frosty winter landscapes to refreshing wild swimming opportunities at Krka in summer.
Krka National Park Croatia can be magical at any time of the year.
When is the best time to visit Krka National Park?
Krka can get extremely overcrowded and touristy in July and August. The best time to visit Krka National Park is May, June, September or October. These months see fewer visitors, temperatures are pleasant, and ticket prices more affordable. My personal favourite is October as the leaves start to change colour!
Here's a few things you might want to consider when choosing the best time to visit Krka waterfalls:
Autumn Colours in Krka National Park
Late September, October, and even into November can be a beautiful time to visit Krka. On a sunny autumn day the golden, russet, and amber hues of the leaves look just stunning against the turquoise-green waters.
I will never forget my very first trip to Krka in late October. I was so blown away by how gorgeous it was I did the main trail around Skradinski buk waterfall a total of three times! Walking on the wooden walkways right next to the water surrounded by majestic autumnal foliage is a truly magical experience.
The golden leaves reflected in the water make autumn the best time to visit National Park Krka.
Fewest Visitors in Winter & Spring
Krka is quiet during the winter months. July and August see on average 400,000 people entering the park! In January and February that drops to just 1,500. If you're looking to have the place to yourself, these are the months to come.
Cheaper Krka National Park Ticket Prices in Low Season
Another factor to consider is that Krka National Park tickets are a LOT cheaper in the winter months.
The Krka National Park entrance fee for 2025 for June to September is 40 euros per adult and 15 euros per child. In April, May and October it's 20 euros per adult and 12 euros for a child. But from November to March that drops to just 7 euros per adult and 4 euros per child!
So if budget is a consideration, winter can be a good time to visit. You can buy your Krka National Park tickets online on the official Krka NP website.
Swimming is Only Permitted June to September
If you'd like to have the unique experience of actually swimming in Krka National Park, bear in mind that swimming is only allowed from 1 June to 30 September. You can swim at Krka in three designated swimming spots depending on weather conditions and water levels.
Most Krka Tours Run From March to October
If you're planning to take a day trip to Krka, bear in mind that most operators close during the winter months. They typically begin operating from mid-March with the last tours at the end of October.
You can still find tour operators for private group tours during the winter months which can be a great option if you're travelling with others. Skip to our our tips on choosing a Krka tour section below if you're wondering whether it's better to book a tour or go by yourself.
Wondering which Krka tour to take? This is our recommended tour option: From Split & Trogir: Krka Waterfalls Day Tour with Boat Ride. Unlike a lot of other tours you get a lot of free time in the park to explore by yourself (4 hours) as well as time for swimming and wine tasting in Skradin at the entrance to the park. And best of all the cost of the tour is only slightly more than taking public transport to Skradin! 
Spring can be a great time to visit with the waterfalls in full flow and lots of luscious green plants coming to life all around the park.
Visiting Krka National Park in Spring
Why Visit Krka in Spring?
Spring is one of the best times to visit Krka National Park because the weather is mild, the Krka River is in full flow, and the trees return to lush green after the bare and drab winter. The best months to visit Krka in spring tend to be April and May for sunny warm days and fewer crowds.
What is Spring like at Krka National Park?
Pleasant Temperatures: Temperatures in spring at Krka typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Fewer Visitors: Visitor numbers slowly climb as the year progresses. April can be a great time to go if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience without the crowds.
Dramatic Waterfalls: After heavy winter and spring rains, the waterfalls at Krka are at full flow. This can be a really dramatic time to visit and appreciate the power of the water.
Luscious Greenery: Spring rains bring the park back to life. Krka sheds its drab winter colours in spring, growing a lush green canvas that looks stunning against the falls.
Wildlife Spotting: Spring is also a good time for nature lovers to visit, since birds, butterflies, and other wildlife are more active during this season.
Summer is a great time to visit if you want the unique experience of swimming in the Krka National Park waterfalls!
Visiting Krka in Summer
Why Visit Krka in Summer?
Summer is the most popular time to visit Krka! It can be nice to visit the waterfalls on hot sunny days since the water provides some cooling respite from the heat. It's the ideal time to swim next to the waterfalls at Roski Slap and a few other designated swimming spots inside the park.
Summer is also an easy and convenient time to get to Krka on one of the many day trips from nearby cities like Zadar, Split, Sibenik, or Trogir to Krka.
What is Summer like at Krka National Park?
High Temperatures: Daytime temperatures in July and August in Krka are usually over 30°C (86°F).
Swimming Opportunities: The Roski Slap area allows swimming during this time, and you can also take a dip at the nearby town of Skradin. Skradin's beaches are a unique place to swim since the freshwater from the Krka River mixes with seawater and you get the pretty backdrop of the park in the distance. Check our guide on swimming in Krka Park which includes a Krka National Park map showing the designated swim spots for more information.
Full Access to Trails and Excursions: Everything in the park is open during summer, giving you full access to the park's many trails and boat excursions.
Summer is a great time to enjoy boat excursions around the park.
Why You Shouldn't Visit Krka in Summer
The main reason is the crowds. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park and there are usually long lines to buy tickets at the main Lozovac entrance or Skradin entrance and to queue for the boats that take you into the park from Skradin. Hot summer days in July and August can make it very uncomfortable to wait around for long periods, especially if you're travelling with kids.
The Krka National Park parking situation is also a big challenge during summer. There is a large carpark at the main Lozovac entrance and at the town of Skradin by the ticket office, as well as several other carparks around town. But they tend to fill up quickly during July and August.
And as we mentioned above, ticket prices for Krka are significantly more expensive in the summer months. Expect to pay 40 euros per adult and 15 euros per child. If you only visit Roski Slap waterfall you'll still pay 20 euros per adult and 7 euros per child. Other costs like accommodation are also much higher in July and August, especially if you want to stay by the coast.
Our Tips for Visiting Krka in Summer
Most visitors do decide to visit in summer, and it can be a great time to go! Here's our recommendations for having an awesome experience even in July and August:
Arrive as early as possible: If you're heading for the main Lozovac entrance or Skradin and you're not taking a tour, make sure to arrive as early as possible to avoid long queues. The park opens at 8am from April to mid-October.
Book tickets online: Skip the queues for the ticket office by buying your tickets online in advance on the official Krka NP website.
Go off the beaten track: Almost everyone who goes to Park Krka just visits the main waterfalls at Skradinski buk. One easy way to avoid the crowds is to enter the park via a different entrance. For example, you can visit Roski Slap waterfall in the middle of the park. There's a nice designated swimming spot here as well as a cute restaurant where the waterfalls actually run under the tables and you can cool off your feet as your eat.
Cool off with a swim: Summer is the perfect time to swim at Krka or at nearby Skradin. Here's our guide to where to swim at Krka.
Take care on very hot days: Like most of southern Europe, Croatia has experienced increasingly intense heatwaves in recent summers. Take extra care on hot days by drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity like long hikes under the sun. Most of the park is well-shaded, with places to rest and refill water bottles around Skradinski buk.
Autumn is the most beautiful times to visit Krka National Park and waterfalls.
Visiting Krka in Autumn
Why Visit Krka in Autumn?
Autumn gradually turns Krka into a truly magical place with golden leaves reflected in the deep green and blue waters. Temperatures are also much more pleasant at this time and the crowds start to drop off from September onwards.
It's a great time to explore deeper into the park, hike some of the many trails, and enjoy the beauty of Krka without the summer rush.
What is Autumn like at Krka?
Cooler Temperatures: September is usually still warm with 30°C (86°F) days the norm, but things start to cool off into October which sees temperatures closer to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the day.
Less Visitors: Visitor numbers drop significantly after the kids go back to school across Europe in late August and early September. November can be especially peaceful since many tour operators stop running at the end of October.
Swimming is Permitted: Swimming is allowed at three designated spots in Krka until September 30th. After that time you have nice beaches to swim at in nearby Skradin on the Krka river.
Great for Hiking: Most visitors only see a fraction of Krka park around Skradinski buk in the south. Autumn is a great time to explore Krka's hiking trails. One of our favourites is this route that takes you from Stinice to Roski slap waterfall in the central part of the park and up to Oziđana pećina cave which was inhabited as far back as 6000 B.C. You get amazing views looking down over the river gorge along the way.
Visiting Krka in Winter
Why Visit Krka in Winter?
The Krka River very rarely freezes over in winter, but the park still looks beautiful on the rare occasions it is blanketed with snow and ice. Winter is the quietest time to visit Krka when visitor numbers are at their lowest and many of the park's restaurants and facilities are closed.
Why Visit? Winter is the least popular time to visit Krka National Park, but it has its own charm. With temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), it’s a quiet and peaceful experience.
What is Winter like at Krka?
Cold, Rainy Days: You can expect cold and rainy days in the winter months. Conditions tend to be worst in January, February and March with cold northerly winds and plenty of rainfall. Daytime temperatures are typically between 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F) so pack plenty of warm and dry layers!
Peace & Quiet: January and February are the quietest months at Krka with just a few thousand visitors. You may well have the park all to yourself at this time of the year!
Dramatic Winter Landscapes: It can be a great time for photographers with the icy and snowy scenes (depending on the weather) and gushing falls. Heavy rains in winter usually mean the falls are in full flow at this time which can be a very dramatic experience!
Reduced Ticket Prices: Winter is the cheapest time to visit Krka. From November to March ticket prices drop to just 7 euros per adult and 4 euros per child. Accommodation is also way cheaper at this time of year.
Some Closures Are Possible: Restaurants and cafes in the park may well be closed, so take everything you need for the day. There will be places open in nearby Skradin for lunch as well as at least one cafe to get hot drinks in the park itself. Some areas of the park may close if conditions are bad.
Why You Shouldn't Visit Krka in Winter
Having said all that, there are also some strong reasons NOT to visit Krka during winter. The weather can be unpredictable and the park may close at short notice if conditions get too bad.
It tends to be a lot colder here than on the coast, so you'll need to wrap up warm. Cold weather can make it unpleasant to take boat excursions within the park to Roški Slap waterfall or Visovac island where there's an old monastery.
If temperatures do drop below zero things can get very slippery since there's water literally everywhere here. Some areas may be closed off for safety reasons. Take extra care on walkways and stairs around the park which may be flooded or icy.
Most facilities in the park also close during the winter months. This includes many of the restaurants and cafes in the park. There should still be at least one place open near the main waterfall Skradinski buk to get hot drinks, but don't expect much more than that.
It can also be hard to get to Krka in low season since most operators stop running their Krka day trip tours and public transport options are also reduced. Krka National Park opening times are also reduced in the winter months to match the daylight hours.
Is It Worth Booking a Krka Tour? Depends When You Go...
Getting to Krka in high season is easy. It's a short drive from nearby towns and cities like Split, Zadar, and Sibenik. And there are decent public transport connections between all of these cities and Skradin where one of the main entrances to Krka National Park is located. If you're someone who likes to travel independently and do things yourself, spending one day visiting Krka falls is very doable and straightforward without a tour.
If you'd rather take it easy and let someone else plan your trip, organized tours can be a great option. The tour operators take care of all the transport arrangements and buying tickets so you don't have to wait in line.
In the busy summer months this can be really useful and save you valuable time since there will probably be very long queues to buy tickets and enter the park. Plus the cost of taking a organized tour is usually only slightly more expensive than taking public transport to Skradin.
Outside of the main summer season there are fewer public transport options and you're probably better off jumping in with some fellow travellers on a day trip. The first time I went to Krka was in late October and I wasn't sure about the public transport options at that time of year so I just booked the cheapest Krka tour I could find! (which is this one, if you're wondering)
It turned out to be a great idea since everything was organized for me, the cost for a private minibus was almost the same as taking public transport, and I also met some cool people along the way. We even grabbed dinner together back in Split after the tour.
Recommended Krka Tours
Below you'll see the main Krka tours which we personally recommend. Most include transportation, a guide, and some time to swim and explore the cute town of Skadin after you're done with the Krka waterfalls.
When you're choosing a tour operator, look for established companies like these ones which have been running for years and know everything there is to know about Krka Park. Each year new companies pop up for the season, and they can be a bit unreliable and adhoc.
Looking for More Krka Recommendations?
Check out some of our other guides for more useful information on planning your trip to Krka National Park and beyond: