What makes the seasons in Plitvice Lakes National Park so different?

Few places in the world show such dramatic seasonal changes as Plitvice Lakes National Park. In this blog, we will take you to Plitvice in every season – decide which one calls to you the most!

Spring

Spring in Plitvice Lakes National Park is a season of renewal. The first flowers appear on the tourist trails, the air is filled with birdsong, and the waterfalls, fed by the winter snow, flow in all their splendor. The lakes, known for their deep blue and green colors, sparkle with bright green colors, and the high water levels add to the beauty of the park. Imagine yourself wandering along paths where sunlight penetrates the bare branches of trees, casting light over a mirror-like lake, occasionally stirred by cascading waterfalls of varying heights.

Early in the morning, you rarely enjoy the warmth of the sun. Spring mornings in Plitvice are often cold, but as the day goes on and the sun rises, the whole experience of nature changes. A winter jacket may be needed in the morning, but during the day, you won’t need it as the temperature can rise from 4 – 5°C to a pleasant 20°C.

It is interesting to see the flora and fauna of the Park as they wake up after a long winter, starting yet another natural cycle. In the tourist areas, you will often see wild ducks and ducks, various types of fish, birds, squirrels, salamanders, and other animals, many of which want to stay warm. Spring flowers sometimes cover the entire slopes leading down to the ponds, creating powerful carpets that resist waterfalls and ponds beautifully. In spring, the sound of cascading waterfalls, the morning mist over the lakes, and the awakening of the forest are unusual effects that are rarely found in one place. As time goes by, the colors of the lake change every day, the waterfalls make different songs, the birds sing new songs, and the flowers prepare for the next season, which brings a unique beauty to the area. The park begins its journey towards summer.

Summer

With the arrival of summer, the nature in Plitvice Lakes National Park can only be described as truly spectacular. Lush greenery surrounds lakes and waterfalls, creating bursts of vibrant colors and unforgettable views. As they walk along the paths near the lakes, which are full of life in the summer, nature lovers often say that they feel like they are in a paradise-like state. In a forest full of beech, 16 flowing lakes appear in rich shades of blue, green, and turquoise.

There is a wonderful attraction of the colors of the lakes, the reflection of the forest in them, the view of the waterfalls, their sound, and the mist they create. It is something that engages all the senses and leaves a lasting impression of being immersed in nature. The summer heat is more bearable here thanks to the waterfalls, abundance of water, and the cool shade of the forest, making a visit to the park at this time of year a refreshing escape. An electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak offers a relaxing break from travel, with a refreshing breeze from the water. The microclimate in Plitvice Lakes National Park can cause rapid changes in weather. The long, warm summer days are sometimes replaced by periods of rain, which lower the temperature significantly and make the waterfalls more spectacular.

This park is very popular with families at this nice and sunny time of year, as they make the most of their summer holidays and school breaks to go. However, the increased number of tourists during the summer season and the possibility of crowded routes may encourage you to avoid a mid-day visit to Plitvice Lakes. For those looking for a more peaceful experience, visiting early in the morning or enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll allows one to focus on the magnificent nature around them. Another special feature of summer in the park is the weekends, which are filled with local concerts, music, and dance by artistic communities. With their playfulness, these communities bring a touch of culture to the unique green backdrop of the Plitvice Lakes.

Autumn

As summer temperatures fade and visitor numbers dwindle, the Park enters its most colorful season. Plitvice’s autumn is marked by the wonderful colors of the forest reflected in the lakes, creating views worthy of a postcard. This lovely period is a masterpiece of nature, drawing inspiration not only from countless visitors but also from professional photographers. The transition from lush greens, leaves and fruits to warm autumn colors, rendered in reds, oranges, golds, yellows, burgundy, browns, and purples, makes Plitvice Lakes particularly attractive. On warm autumn days, visitors to the Upper and Lower Lakes can enjoy the rustling of leaves underfoot and the cascading waterfalls, creating a beautiful scene.

On shorter days, the Park’s operating hours are also shorter, and during long periods of rain, some trails may be closed for the safety of visitors. It is always recommended to check the announcements of the Park on its website to enjoy the beauty of autumn without interruption. Although some may say that the rain reduces the output, in Plitvice Lakes National Park, all weather conditions are special, because the natural beauty here is so great that nothing can overshadow it. The fog over the lake after the rain gives a mystical touch, like scenes from movies – some of which were shot in Plitvice Lakes. The colors of the lake change from the usual turquoise and green to cool shades of blue and deep green. The change is influenced by the growing shadows due to the changing of the day and the weakening of the light, as well as the temperature of the water and the colors in the area, which gradually fades as winter approaches.

Winter

When the autumn rains bring an abundance of water to the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, and the cold snaps all the leaves off the trees, the quietest time of the year lives in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Winter here has many faces, alternating between dry and rainy seasons, snow cover, and sub-freezing temperatures. While the forest is asleep, the Park is dominated by the sound of waterfalls, full of water. The first snowflakes always bring joy, as they indicate a new change in nature, turning the Plitvice Lakes into a real winter wonderland. Imagine leaving tracks in the snow while walking along the paths near the lakes, watching the amazing views from the viewpoints where the white of the forest meets the green and green colors of the lakes, and enjoying the peace that only winter can bring. When temperatures remain below freezing for ten days or more, the waterfalls become silent, turning into ice that decorates the transition between flowing pools. The snow glistening in the winter sun and the sparkling surface of the lakes make the Park almost otherworldly.

When the Great Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Croatia, located in the Lower Lakes, is covered with snow, it becomes a rare and beautiful sight that attracts many locals. Frozen waterfalls are truly a natural wonder of winter, which we can marvel at. Depending on weather conditions, the Upper Lakes are usually closed during the winter, while the lower lakes are open to visitors throughout the year. Families with children, attracted by the joy of snow, can not only enjoy walking in the Plitvice Lakes in the winter idyll but also enjoy sledding, skiing, or snowboarding at the nearby skiing area in Mukinje. While many enjoy the magic of winter, the plants and animals around the lakes quietly await the arrival of the first rays of sunlight and the promise of another spring.

Each season in Plitvice Lakes National Park has its own magic that never fails to amaze. In the center of the park there are hotels, some of which are open all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of each season for a long time. It is up to you to choose which season you would like to experience on your next visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks.