How Much Does It Rain in Plitvice Lakes?
Rainfall plays an important role in shaping the landscapes and waterfalls of Plitvička Jezera. Below you’ll find an overview of how much it rains throughout the year, based on available official observations, including monthly averages and annual totals.
Rainfall & Precipitation Overview
Table: Average monthly precipitation throughout the Year
| Month | Avg (mm) | Years used (n) | Min–Max (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 125.1 | 6 | 12.7–264.4 |
| February | 121.3 | 6 | 44.8–333.1 |
| March | 94.7 | 6 | 19.5–181.4 |
| April | 111.2 | 6 | 29.4–211.4 |
| May | 187.0 | 6 | 97.4–421.2 |
| June | 91.6 | 8 | 14.4–236.9 |
| July | 83.0 | 7 | 13.8–189.2 |
| August | 93.7 | 7 | 29.2–194.2 |
| September | 193.5 | 6 | 86.1–384.7 |
| October | 187.2 | 7 | 59.2–355.6 |
| November | 152.3 | 6 | 59.2–287.5 |
| December | 117.7 | 7 | 4.0–228.8 |
Terms: Precipitation is the umbrella term used by meteorological services. It includes: rain, snow, sleet, and hail. All of it is measured in millimetres as “water equivalent”. So if it snows, the snow melts and is counted as mm of precipitation. Therefore, the term ‘precipitation’ includes rain and snowfall, measured as water equivalent. Here is a chart:
Average Monthly Precipitation Chart
Precipitation in the Lakes follows a clear seasonal rhythm, with wetter periods in late spring (May) and early autumn (September–October). Summer months tend to be drier on average, although short-lived showers and storms are still possible. Higher winter values reflect a combination of rain and snowfall, which contributes to overall precipitation but does not always mean frequent rain.
Annual Rainfall: How Wet Is a Typical Year?
| Year | Total (mm) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1702.0 |
| 2018 | 1787.1 |
| 2019 | 1599.3 |
| 2020 | 1597.4 |
| 2021 | 1597.4 |
Annual rainfall varies from year to year, but complete observations show that Plitvička Jezera typically receives around 1,600–1,800 mm of precipitation annually.
Note: Annual precipitation totals shown for years with complete monthly data only.
What This Means for Visitors
Rain is an important part of what makes Plitvice Lakes so lush and green, feeding its upper and lower lakes, cascades, and waterfalls throughout the year. Spring and autumn tend to be wetter, but they are also when the waterfalls are at their most impressive, and the park is at its most vibrant. Summer is usually drier overall and popular with visitors, though occasional showers or thunderstorms can still occur. In winter, precipitation often falls as snow, creating a quiet and atmospheric landscape rather than persistent rainfall. Checking a short-term weather forecast before visiting is always recommended, regardless of season. Dress accordingly!
Popular Routes: Zagreb to Plitvice, Zadar to Plitvice, Split to Plitvice
