Plitvice Lakes Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Timings

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Tuesday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Wednesday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Thursday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Friday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Saturday	08:00–16:00	14:00
Sunday	08:00–16:00	14:00

Plitvice Lakes National Park is open 365 days a year. However, the public access hours vary depending upon the season.
Due to the weather conditions, the Upper Lakes are closed for visitors during winter and open again only in April.

Best time to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Weekday vs Weekend

Plitvice Lakes National Park tends to be more crowded on weekends, so visiting on weekdays can offer a more relaxed experience.
To avoid long waiting lines and midday crowds, it is best to reach the national park in the morning, at opening time.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Peak season vs low season

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is during the off-peak season months of May, June, September, and October, which are the spring and autumn seasons.
These months usually see pleasant weather, allowing visitors to fully explore the national park and take their time hiking or walking along all the trails.
Tourist numbers are also lower compared to the peak season summer months (July and August), so the national park tends to be less congested.
The low season is during the winter from November to March. During these months, the park sees few tourists, and certain areas are closed if there is heavy snowfall.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long does it take to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is spread across an area of 296.85 square kilometers in central Croatia. It has several stunning natural features including 16 interconnected lakes, many waterfalls, and verdant forests. On average, visitors need 4 to 5 hours to explore the national park, including the panoramic train and boat rides.

However, if you are a nature enthusiast or simply wish to spend more time in this splendid setting, you can extend the length of your visit to the whole day or even two days. There are restaurants and hotels located within the national park for you to plan your stay and dining options.

Frequently asked questions about Plitvice Lakes National Park hours

What are Plitvice Lakes National Park Opening hours?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is open throughout the year. However, the opening hours and duration that the park is open differ from season to season. From November to March, it is open from 8 AM to 4 PM. In April and May, the hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM. From June to August, the park is open between 7 AM and 8 PM. In September and October, the timings are from 7 AM to 7 PM.

When is Plitvice Lakes National Park closed?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is open throughout the year. However, depending on the weather, the park might only be partly open for visitors during winter, particularly on days with heavy snowfall.

What is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The best time to plan your visit is during the months of May, June, September, and October.

How long does it take to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park?

A visit to the national park usually takes about 4-5 hours. However, you can spend your entire day at the park.