Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Fall/Autumn: Your Complete September–November Guide (2026)
If Plitvice Lakes had a single defining season for photography, it would be autumn. From late September through early November, the beech and maple forests surrounding the park's 16 terraced lakes transform into a tapestry of gold, amber, burnt orange, and deep crimson. These warm tones reflected in the turquoise water create a color combination that feels almost unreal — and the images you'll capture will confirm it.
Beyond the visual spectacle, autumn offers practical advantages that make it one of the smartest times to visit. Crowds thin dramatically after September, ticket prices drop from the peak-summer €40 to €23 and then €10, temperatures are comfortable for hiking, and the park takes on a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere. Misty mornings and low-angle autumn light add layers of mood that summer's bright sunshine simply cannot replicate.
This guide covers everything you need to plan an autumn visit to Plitvice Lakes: month-by-month weather, ticket costs, what to see and do, photography strategies, packing advice, and insider tips.
Weather & Climate in Fall (September–November)
Autumn weather at Plitvice is a gradual descent from summer warmth to early-winter chill. The park's inland, elevated position (500–640 meters) means temperatures cool faster than on the coast, and rain becomes increasingly common.
September
September still feels like an extension of summer, especially in the first half. Average highs reach 22 °C (72 °F), with lows around 11 °C (52 °F). Rainfall picks up slightly to about 85–95 mm over 9–11 days. The foliage begins turning in the last week of September, starting with the higher-elevation Upper Lakes. It's warm enough for comfortable hiking in a t-shirt during the day, though mornings and evenings require a light jacket.
October
October is the crown jewel of Plitvice's autumn. Highs average 16 °C (61 °F), lows drop to 7 °C (45 °F), and the fall colors reach their peak between October 10 and 25 — though timing varies by a week or two depending on the year. Rainfall increases to about 100–120 mm across 11–13 days, and foggy mornings become common (a photographer's dream). All trails remain open through most of October, though boat service hours may be reduced.
November
November signals the transition to winter. Average highs fall to 10 °C (50 °F), lows hover near 3 °C (37 °F), and the first frosts appear. Rainfall stays around 100–110 mm, and the first snow is possible at higher elevations by late November. Most autumn foliage has fallen by mid-November, replaced by bare branches and a haunting, atmospheric beauty. Some upper trails and the boat service may close for the season in late November.
Summary table:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Foliage Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 22 °C | 11 °C | ~90 mm | Beginning to turn |
| October | 16 °C | 7 °C | ~110 mm | Peak colors |
| November | 10 °C | 3 °C | ~105 mm | Late/bare |
Crowds & Ticket Prices
Autumn's crowd curve drops steeply, making it one of the best value-for-experience seasons at Plitvice.
Ticket Prices (2026)
- September: €40 per adult (same as summer peak rate). Note: the price drops to €23 from October 1.
- October: €23 per adult — the mid-season rate. Children (7–17) pay €8.
- November: €10 per adult — the lowest winter-rate tier. Children pay €5.
The steep price drops in October and November make autumn an excellent budget choice, especially considering you get the park's most dramatic scenery at a fraction of the summer cost.
Crowd Levels
- September: Moderate to high in the first half (summer momentum), dropping to moderate by late September. Weekdays are comfortable.
- October: Moderate. Weekdays in October are genuinely pleasant — enough visitors to feel safe and served (cafés are open, boats are running) but few enough to enjoy the boardwalks without jostling. Peak foliage weekends can draw photographers and tour groups.
- November: Very low. The park feels almost empty on weekdays. Some facilities close for the season, but the core trails remain open.
Booking note: September still requires advance ticket booking, especially for weekends. October and November can often be purchased same-day, but online booking is always recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
What to See & Do
Fall Foliage
The undeniable headline attraction of an autumn visit is the foliage. Plitvice's forests are dominated by European beech, hornbeam, maple, and fir trees. The deciduous species put on a spectacular show:
- Beech trees turn golden yellow, then deep orange-bronze
- Maples produce vivid reds and oranges
- Hornbeams add warm yellows to the canopy
- Firs and spruces provide a dark green backdrop that makes the autumn colors pop
The contrast between these warm autumnal tones and the lakes' turquoise water is what makes Plitvice's fall scenery globally famous. The Upper Lakes, surrounded by denser deciduous forest, offer the most intense color display. The Lower Lakes canyon, with its steeper terrain, provides dramatic overhead canopy views from the boardwalks.
Peak foliage timing: The sweet spot is typically October 10–25, but this varies annually depending on temperatures and rainfall. Monitoring local webcams and social media posts in the weeks before your visit helps you time it perfectly.
Walking Routes in Autumn
All eight official routes (A through K) are open through most of autumn, though some upper boardwalk sections may close in late November due to weather or maintenance.
Best autumn routes:
- Route C (2–3 hours): Covers the Lower Lakes with views of Veliki Slap surrounded by fall color. Compact and satisfying.
- Route H (4–6 hours): A comprehensive loop covering both Upper and Lower Lakes, the boat crossing, and the panoramic train. This is the best single-day autumn experience.
- Route K (6–8 hours): The full park circuit for dedicated hikers. In autumn, the changing light throughout the day transforms the same views dramatically from morning to afternoon.
Mushroom Season
Autumn is prime mushroom season in the Lika region. While you cannot forage inside the national park (it's strictly protected), the forests in the surrounding area are rich with wild mushrooms. Local restaurants feature seasonal mushroom dishes — look for juha od vrganja (porcini soup) and grilled mixed mushroom platters on menus in October and November.
Lake Kozjak Boat Crossing
The electric boat service across Lake Kozjak operates through October and into early November (weather dependent). The crossing is particularly magical in autumn: the surrounding hillsides reflected in still morning water create a mirror of golden foliage that's unforgettable.
Photography Opportunities
Autumn is widely regarded as the best season for photography at Plitvice Lakes. The combination of fall foliage, turquoise water, misty atmospherics, and low-angle light creates conditions that professional landscape photographers travel from around the world to capture.
Top autumn shots:
- Turquoise and gold — The contrast between the blue-green lake water and golden beech canopy is the signature Plitvice autumn image. Best captured at the Lower Lakes canyon viewpoint and along the Upper Lakes boardwalks.
- Reflection shots — Still, calm mornings (common in October) produce perfect mirror reflections on Lake Kozjak and the Upper Lakes. Arrive at opening for glassy water before wind picks up.
- Misty forest paths — October and November mornings frequently produce mist rising from the warm lake water into cool air. These ethereal conditions are ideal for moody, atmospheric compositions.
- Fallen leaf details — Beech leaves resting on moss-covered travertine barriers and floating on turquoise pools make stunning macro and close-up subjects.
- Veliki Slap with fall frame — The Great Waterfall framed by golden canopy overhead is a classic composition best captured in mid-October.
Gear tip: A polarizing filter is essential in autumn to cut glare on the water surface and deepen the saturation of fall colors. A tripod allows long exposures for silky waterfall effects, especially useful on the overcast days common in October.
What to Wear & Pack
Autumn weather at Plitvice ranges from pleasant September warmth to near-freezing November mornings. Layering is the strategy.
Clothing:
- Waterproof outer jacket — non-negotiable; autumn rain is frequent
- Warm mid-layer: fleece, merino wool, or light down jacket (essential October–November)
- Long trousers (trails and boardwalks are damp)
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — fallen leaves on wet boardwalks are slippery
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf for November mornings
- A buff or neck gaiter for variable conditions
Gear:
- Small daypack for layers, water, snacks
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or phone flashlight if you plan to catch sunrise (early October sunrise is around 7:00 AM, so it's less of an issue than summer)
- Camera with polarizing filter and tripod for photography
- Rain cover for your backpack and camera
- Thermos with hot tea or coffee for November visits
Pros & Cons of Visiting in Fall
Pros
- Spectacular fall foliage — the park's most photogenic season
- Dropping ticket prices — €23 in October, €10 in November
- Thinning crowds — especially October weekdays and November
- Comfortable hiking weather — cool but not cold (September–October)
- Atmospheric conditions — mist, soft light, and dramatic skies for photography
- Mushroom season — seasonal cuisine at local restaurants
Cons
- September is still peak-priced — €40 per adult until October 1
- Unpredictable weather — rain and fog can dominate for days
- Shorter days — less daylight than summer, especially November
- November closures — some trails, boat service, and facilities may close
- Foliage timing is uncertain — peak color varies year to year
- Wet and slippery conditions — fallen leaves on boardwalks increase slip risk
Tips & Recommendations
Target October 10–25 for peak foliage. This is the window when color is most likely at its best, though it shifts slightly each year. Follow the park's official social media channels for real-time updates.
Well-maintained paths provide comfortable walking alongside the famous turquoise lakes. Photo by Maksim Shutov on Unsplash Visit on a weekday — even a single day's shift from Saturday to Monday makes a dramatic difference in crowd levels during October.
Arrive at opening — autumn sunrise aligns well with park opening times. The morning mist on the lakes is a fleeting phenomenon that burns off by 10:00 AM.
Start at the Upper Lakes for the most intense foliage. The denser deciduous forest surrounding Prošćansko Lake and the chain of upper cascades produces the most concentrated fall color.
Wear shoes with excellent grip. Wet fallen leaves on wooden boardwalks are genuinely treacherous. Hiking boots with rubber soles are strongly recommended over sneakers.
Bring a rain cover for everything — your pack, camera, phone. October rain can be persistent, and the mist from waterfalls adds to the moisture.
Book accommodation in Rastoke or Slunj — charming villages within 30 minutes of the park, with watermills and their own small waterfalls. Fall colors are beautiful there too.
Check November operating hours — the park switches to shortened winter hours (typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) in November, and the boat service may cease operations by late November.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak fall foliage at Plitvice Lakes?
Peak autumn color typically occurs between October 10 and 25, though it can shift by a week in either direction depending on temperatures and rainfall. The Upper Lakes turn first due to higher elevation.
Is September considered fall or summer at Plitvice?
Practically, early September feels like summer — warm temperatures, green foliage, high crowds, and peak ticket prices. The transition to autumn begins in late September when temperatures cool and the first leaves start turning.
Are all trails open in autumn?
Through October, yes — all routes and the boat shuttle operate normally. In November, some upper boardwalks may close for seasonal maintenance, and the boat service may stop depending on weather conditions. Check the official park website before visiting.
Is it worth visiting in November?
Absolutely, if you appreciate solitude and atmospheric scenery. The foliage is largely gone by mid-November, but bare trees create a haunting, minimalist beauty, and you'll have the park virtually to yourself. At €10 per ticket, it's exceptional value.
Can I see the autumn colors in a half-day visit?
Yes, but a full day is better. Routes A or B (2–3 hours) cover the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap, which are beautiful in autumn. For the full foliage experience including the Upper Lakes, plan for 4–6 hours (Route H).
How do autumn crowds compare to summer?
October sees roughly 40–50% fewer visitors than July or August. November drops to around 10–15% of peak summer levels. The difference is dramatic and immediately noticeable on the boardwalks.
