Things to Do in Hvar in September

September Weather in Hvar

25°C (77°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

64mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Sea temperature still perfect at 22°C (72°F) - warmer than most swimming pools and ideal for extended swimming sessions
Tourist crowds drop by 70% after September 15th when Croatian schools resume, meaning shorter lines and better restaurant service
Lavender harvest festivals throughout the month offer authentic local experiences with fresh lavender products at 30-40% lower prices than summer
Ferry schedules still run frequently (hourly to Split) but with guaranteed seating, unlike the overcrowded July-August madness

Considerations

Some beach clubs and restaurants begin closing after September 20th, reducing nightlife and dining options by about 25%
Occasional bura winds (strong northeasterly gusts up to 60 km/h or 37 mph) can disrupt boat trips for 1-2 days
Evenings require layers - temperature drops 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset, catching many visitors unprepared

Best Activities in September

Pakleni Islands Boat Tours

September offers the perfect balance for island hopping - calm seas, warm water for swimming, and reduced crowds on secluded beaches. The golden hour light is spectacular for photography, and you'll actually find quiet spots on Palmižana beach. Water visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) due to reduced boat traffic stirring up sediment.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at Hvar marina. Tours typically cost 300-450 kuna per person for full-day trips. Look for operators with newer boats that handle potential bura winds better. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Stari Grad Plain Cycling Tours

September temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) make this UNESCO World Heritage agricultural landscape perfect for cycling. Grape harvest season means you'll see traditional harvesting methods and can stop at family-run wineries for tastings. Morning mist creates dramatic photo opportunities across the 2,400-year-old field system.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes locally for 150-200 kuna per day or join guided tours for 400-600 kuna including wine tastings. Start early (8am) to avoid afternoon heat and get the best lighting. Self-guided routes available through local operators listed in the booking section.

Hvar Lavender Farm Experiences

Late lavender harvest in early September offers hands-on experiences unavailable other times of year. You'll learn traditional distillation methods, make your own lavender oil, and purchase products at harvest prices. The purple fields against golden September light create Instagram-worthy shots without summer's harsh shadows.

Booking Tip: Contact farms directly or book through agrotourism operators for 200-350 kuna per person including products. Velo Grablje village offers the most authentic experiences. Morning sessions (9-11am) offer the best aromatherapy benefits when dew enhances lavender scent.

Wine Harvest Participation Tours

September is prime harvest season for Hvar's indigenous Plavac Mali grapes. You'll participate in traditional hand-picking, learn about island viticulture challenges, and taste new wine directly from fermentation tanks. The experience includes traditional harvest meals prepared by winemaker families.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as they depend on grape ripeness. Costs range from 500-800 kuna per person including meals and tastings. Zlatan Otok and Tomić wineries offer the most comprehensive programs. See current availability in booking section below.

Fortress Hvar Sunset Photography

September offers the year's best sunset conditions from Fortica Hvar - clear skies 75% of evenings, perfect 22°C (72°F) temperatures, and golden light lasting 45 minutes longer than summer. The 30-minute climb (240m or 787 ft elevation gain) is comfortable in cooler temperatures, and you'll avoid summer's tourist crowds blocking prime photo spots.

Booking Tip: Free access but guided photography tours cost 250-400 kuna. Start climbing 90 minutes before sunset for best positioning. Bring layers as temperature drops quickly after dark. Check sunset times and current photo tour options in booking section.

Traditional Konoba Dining Experiences

September brings harvest season specialties unavailable other months - fresh olive oil, new wine, fig preserves, and carob-based dishes. Restaurant terraces remain comfortable for evening dining, but you'll need reservations as many venues reduce seating capacity after summer staff departures.

Booking Tip: Make dinner reservations 24-48 hours ahead, especially for waterfront tables. Expect traditional harvest menus priced 20-30% lower than peak season. Look for 'berba' (harvest) special menus featuring seasonal ingredients. Current restaurant options available through local booking platforms.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Lavender Harvest Festival

Traditional celebration of the final lavender harvest featuring demonstrations of distillation techniques, traditional music, and artisan markets. Local families open their farms for authentic experiences including lavender honey tastings and handmade soap workshops.

Mid to Late September

Wine Harvest Celebrations

Family wineries across the island hold informal harvest festivals where visitors can participate in grape picking, traditional grape stomping, and taste new wine. Each winery celebrates on different dates based on grape ripeness, creating multiple opportunities throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - bura winds bring sudden temperature drops of 8-10°C (14-18°F) and brief showers

Layers for evening - temperatures drop from 25°C to 17°C (77°F to 63°F) after sunset, making outdoor dining chilly without preparation

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - lavender fields and wine terraces can be slippery when damp from morning dew

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection, especially with longer outdoor activities in pleasant temperatures

Light cotton or linen clothing - 65% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 25°C (77°F) afternoon temperatures

Small backpack for day trips - perfect weather encourages longer outdoor excursions requiring water, snacks, and extra layers

Swimwear and quick-dry towel - 22°C (72°F) sea temperature ideal for swimming through the entire month

Camera with extra batteries - golden September light and clear skies create exceptional photography conditions that drain batteries faster

Light sweater or cardigan - essential for evening ferry rides when sea breeze combines with cooler air temperatures

Waterproof phone case - occasional rain showers and boat trips require electronics protection

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by August 15th - September prices drop 40% from August, but locals prefer longer-term guests as daily turnover decreases profitability

Shop at Stari Grad morning market on Saturdays - harvest season brings special produce like fresh figs, carobs, and early olive oil unavailable in supermarkets

Take afternoon ferries (2-4pm) to avoid morning commuter crowds and evening party groups - you'll get better seats and photo opportunities

Local restaurants switch to winter menus after September 25th - experience summer specialties like grilled fish platters before they disappear until next June

Avoid These Mistakes

Not bringing evening layers - tourists consistently underestimate the 8-10°C (14-18°F) temperature drop after sunset, leading to uncomfortable dinners

Expecting full summer hours - many attractions and restaurants reduce hours after September 15th when school resumes, catching visitors off-guard

Booking last-minute boat tours - September weather can change quickly, and tours fill up as operators reduce frequency, leaving flexible travelers disappointed