Weather in Rijeka

Planning your day or a trip to Rijeka? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, detailed forecasts, and charts to help you prepare for any conditions.

Rijeka's climate can be described as moderately warm and humid, combining pleasant features of Mediterranean weather with continental air influence. Thanks to its convenient location in the Kvarner Gulf and protection from the mountain range, there are no extreme frosts here, and summer heat is usually softened by the sea breeze. This makes the city an attractive destination for travellers preferring comfortable temperatures without sharp changes.

Throughout the year, seasons change smoothly. Summer in Rijeka is warm and conducive to relaxation: in July and August, daytime temperatures average a comfortable 26°C. Winter here is mild but cool, with averages around 3–4°C, whilst frosts occur infrequently. Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods when the air gradually warms up or cools down, creating pleasant conditions for excursions.

An important feature of the local weather is the rather high level of precipitation, which is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Even in the warmest months, rain is possible, and spring, especially May, can surprise with a large number of wet days (up to 20 days per month). Therefore, when setting off to this picturesque corner of Croatia, tourists are recommended to always have an umbrella or a light raincoat with them, regardless of the season.

The climate in Rijeka is distinguished by distinct seasonality, offering travellers diverse conditions depending on the time of year. The coldest period falls in January, when the average temperature drops to 2.5°C. Winters here can be characterised as cool but not extremely frosty: night temperatures in January and February may drop slightly below zero (down to -0.7°C), whilst during the day the air warms up to an average of 5–8°C. This time of year requires warm clothing but allows for comfortable sightseeing without severe frosts.

The summer season brings pleasant warmth to the city, avoiding exhausting heat. The hottest months are July and August, when average figures hold at the level of 21.7°C–21.8°C, and daytime maximums reach a comfortable 26.3°C. Such weather is ideal for both beach holidays and long walks around the city, as the heat here is tolerated quite easily.

Throughout the year, noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed, especially in the warm season. For example, in June and July, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness can be about 8–9 degrees: after daytime highs of 24–26°C, the temperature at night drops to a refreshing 15–17°C. Spring and autumn serve as mild transitional periods; already in May, the average temperature rises to 14°C, and September continues to delight with warmth around 16.5°C, smoothly transitioning into a cooler October.

The climate of Rijeka is characterised by fairly regular precipitation throughout the year, without a pronounced dry period. In winter, when the average temperature ranges from +2°C to +4°C, and night figures can drop below freezing (especially in January), rain often turns into snow or sleet. In December and January, an average of 12 to 14 days with precipitation is recorded.

Spring brings warming, however, May stands out as the month with the highest frequency of precipitation: statistics indicate a record 20 rainy days. In summer, rains become less intense in volume, but their probability remains — even in the warmest months, July and August, travellers may encounter precipitation about 11–12 times a month.

Autumn is marked by an increase in precipitation volume. September, according to data, is the wettest month in terms of moisture amount, although the number of rainy days remains moderate (about 12). When planning a trip to Croatia, it is worth considering this feature of Rijeka and always having an umbrella or raincoat to hand, regardless of the season.

When packing for Rijeka, it is important to consider the changeable nature of the local weather and the high probability of precipitation at almost any time of year. In summer, it is warm and comfortable here, with temperatures rarely exceeding 26°C, so the basis of your wardrobe should be light items made of natural fabrics, swimwear, and sunglasses. However, even in the summer months, evenings can be fresh, and a breeze often blows from the sea, so a light windbreaker or cardigan should definitely be in your suitcase. Also, do not forget comfortable, stable shoes for walking along city streets and hilly terrain.

Winter and the transitional seasons require more thorough preparation due to high humidity and winds. The temperature in winter ranges from 0°C to 8°C, so you will need a warm windproof jacket, a scarf, and a hat. Pay special attention to protection from rain: statistics show that rainy days happen often (especially in May and November), so a quality umbrella and a waterproof raincoat or mac are an absolute must-have for a trip to this region.

For spring and autumn, it is best to stick to the principle of layering in clothing. The weather can change quickly from sunny to cloudy and windy, so the ability to remove or put on an extra layer (for example, a fleece jacket under a coat) will ensure your comfort throughout the day. Given the number of rainy days in the year, it is recommended to choose waterproof shoes so that nothing prevents you from enjoying the city's sights.