Things to Do in Hvar in December

December Weather in Hvar

13°C (56°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

84mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Authentic island experience - 90% fewer tourists than summer, restaurants and bars stay open just for locals creating intimate atmosphere
Best accommodation rates - luxury hotels drop prices 40-60% compared to July, with sea-view rooms starting from €80-120 instead of €200-300
Perfect hiking weather - cool 7-13°C (44-56°F) temperatures ideal for exploring Stari Grad Plain and climbing to Sveti Nikola fortress without summer heat exhaustion
Local winter traditions - December brings Advent concerts in Hvar Cathedral, local fishermen's Christmas markets, and traditional peka dinners that summer visitors never see

Considerations

Limited ferry connections - only 2-3 daily ferries from Split instead of hourly summer service, with rough seas cancelling 20-30% of December crossings
Many businesses closed - approximately 60% of restaurants and tour operators shut down November-March, requiring advance research to avoid disappointment
Unpredictable weather - December storms can last 2-3 days with 15m/h (24km/h) winds, potentially confining you indoors for extended periods

Best Activities in December

Stari Grad Plain Archaeological Walks

December's cool temperatures and clear air create perfect conditions for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. With summer crowds gone, you'll have the ancient Greek field boundaries to yourself. The 7-13°C (44-56°F) weather means comfortable 4-6 hour walks without heat exhaustion. Local guides offer winter tours focusing on archaeological details invisible during busy summer months.

Booking Tip: Book through certified heritage guides 5-7 days ahead. Winter tours typically cost €25-40 per person for 3-4 hour guided walks. Look for guides certified by Croatian Heritage Foundation. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Hvar Cathedral and Franciscan Monastery Tours

December brings special Advent programming to Hvar's historic religious sites. The cool weather makes indoor exploration comfortable, and you'll experience authentic local Christmas preparations. The monastery's winter gardens showcase Mediterranean plants thriving in mild December conditions. Evening concerts happen 2-3 times per week in December.

Booking Tip: Self-guided entry costs €10-15 per site. Guided cultural tours typically €20-35 per person. Book concert tickets through local tourist office 1-2 weeks ahead as capacity is limited. Check current availability in booking section below.

Pakleni Islands Winter Boat Excursions

While swimming is limited, December offers dramatic coastal scenery without summer boat traffic. Choppy seas create spectacular wave formations around the islands. Local fishermen offer 2-3 hour sightseeing trips on calm days, sharing knowledge about winter fishing traditions and showing secluded coves inaccessible in crowded summer months.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent trips typically cost €40-60 per person for 2-3 hours. Book through licensed boat operators with weather guarantees. Only 30% of December days suitable for trips. See current weather-permitting options in booking section below.

Lavender Field and Olive Grove Walking Tours

December showcases Hvar's agricultural landscape in winter dormancy. Lavender fields reveal their underlying stone terracing clearly visible only when plants are cut back. Olive harvesting typically extends into early December, offering participation opportunities. Cool temperatures make 5-8 km (3-5 mile) rural walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Agritourism farms offer winter walks for €15-25 per person including olive oil tastings. Book directly through Hvar Lavender Association members. Multi-hour tours cost €35-50. Current farm tour options available in booking section below.

Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Classes

December features seasonal ingredients like winter greens, preserved meats, and fresh olive oil from December harvest. Local grandmothers offer intimate cooking sessions impossible during busy summer season. Learn traditional peka preparation, fish stew techniques, and Christmas pastry making in authentic home settings.

Booking Tip: Home-based classes typically cost €45-70 per person including full meal. Book through local family networks 7-10 days ahead as availability is very limited. Look for classes including market visits and olive oil tastings. See current cooking experiences in booking section below.

Wine Cellar Tours and Winter Tastings

December is optimal for wine cellar visits as harvest fermentation completes and new wines are ready for tasting. Cool temperatures preserve wine quality during tastings. Family wineries offer extended sessions impossible during summer rush, including barrel tastings and winemaker conversations about traditional Dalmatian varieties.

Booking Tip: Cellar tours cost €20-40 per person with 4-6 wine tastings. Premium experiences with food pairings run €50-80. Book through established wineries offering winter programs. Transportation often included for groups. Current winery tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Hvar Advent Concert Series

Local church choirs and visiting musicians perform in Hvar Cathedral and Franciscan Monastery throughout December. Features traditional Dalmatian Christmas music and classical concerts in stunning stone architecture. Intimate 50-100 person audiences create magical acoustics impossible to experience in summer crowds.

December 6

St. Nicholas Day Celebrations

December 6th brings traditional Croatian celebrations with local fishing boat blessings, children's gift exchanges, and special seafood dinners at remaining open restaurants. Fishermen decorate boats with lights and parade through Hvar harbor at sunset.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - December brings 84mm (3.3 inches) rainfall over 10 days, plus morning dew on stone paths making surfaces slippery

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 7°C (44°F) early morning to 13°C (56°F) afternoon requiring adaptable clothing

Wind-resistant jacket - coastal December winds reach 24 km/h (15 mph) regularly, making perceived temperature 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler

Waterproof backpack cover - sudden 20-30 minute rain showers occur without warning, soaking unprotected electronics and documents

Warm hat and gloves - early morning and evening temperatures drop to 7°C (44°F) with wind chill feeling like 2-4°C (35-40°F)

Quick-dry pants - humidity stays around 70% making cotton pants uncomfortable and slow to dry after rain exposure

Portable phone charger - limited indoor heating in restaurants means shorter battery life, and you'll rely heavily on translation apps

Sunglasses - despite low UV index of 3, December sun reflects strongly off wet stone streets causing glare

Thermal underlayers - stone buildings lack central heating, indoor temperatures often match outdoor 7-13°C (44-56°F) range

Slip-resistant shoe grips - wet limestone becomes extremely slippery, especially on Hvar's polished old town streets

Insider Knowledge

Ferry cancellations are common - book accommodation near ferry terminal and have 1-2 buffer days in your schedule as December storms cancel 20-30% of crossings, often stranding visitors

Restaurant reservations essential - with only 40% of establishments open, the few operating restaurants fill quickly with locals and rare tourists, especially for weekend dinners

ATM availability limited - several seasonal ATMs close in December, and card readers often malfunction in humid conditions, so carry more cash than you would in summer

Local buses stop running - December reduces bus service to major sites by 70%, making rental car or pre-arranged transport necessary for anything beyond Hvar town center

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving without confirmed restaurant reservations - tourists show up expecting summer abundance and find 60% of businesses closed with remaining options fully booked

Packing only summer clothes - visitors underestimate December's 7°C (44°F) lows and 24 km/h (15 mph) winds, leading to miserable sightseeing experiences

Not checking ferry schedules daily - December weather changes rapidly, and ferry companies post cancellations only 2-4 hours before departure times