Croatia in May: Travel Tips For Spring
It is the start of the tourist season in Croatia in May, with visitors flocking its many islands and cities. The weather is pleasantly warm, making it a perfect time for sightseeing in the historic centers of Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. May is also ideal for swimming and sunbathing on the enchanting beach of Zlatni Rat, as the Adriatic Sea starts getting warmer. Read on to find out what a holiday to Croatia will look like in May.
- Julie Stokes
- From England
Croatia Weather in May
Croatia in May is warm and sunny, with average temperatures of 20°C during days and 10°C at night. It is the last month of spring and the rainy season is practically over. Days are longer during this time of year, and the Adriatic Sea will be warm enough for swimming.
In Dubrovnik, the average temperature sits at an enjoyable 20°C while the sea temperature is 19°C. Since there's a low chance of rain—an average of 14 days across May—in Dubrovnik, this is one of the best times to go sightseeing. Croatia's capital city of Zagreb has an average high of 22°C and in Split, it is slightly hotter at 23°C.
Check out our seasonal overview for the best time to visit Croatia.
Weather in Croatia in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 3 | 8 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 8 | 4 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -3 | -1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 2 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 38 | 47 | 56 | 59 | 68 | 74 | 81 | 81 | 72 | 59 | 47 | 40 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 27 | 31 | 36 | 40 | 50 | 56 | 59 | 59 | 50 | 45 | 36 | 31 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 38 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 86 | 104 | 72 | 79 | 66 | 54 | 118 | 53 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 20 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 10 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 68 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 50 | 56 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 66 | 86 | 104 |
Why Visit Croatia in May
There are many good reasons why people love to visit Croatia in May. Here are some of them.
- Fun spring festivals: For those looking to enjoy a party holiday in Croatia, May is the best time to visit. Many festivals take place in the country during this month, such as the Spring Break Island at Zrce Beach on the island of Pag. It is a four-day event full of beach parties along the Adriatic Sea. Another festival to be at while holidaying in Croatia in May is the Sea Star Festival in Umag, Istria.
- Perfect sightseeing weather: One of the main reasons why many tourists would come to Croatia is the weather, which is comfortable enough to explore or go sightseeing. In summer, there is plenty of daylight too, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. The country has many Unesco World Heritage Sites, such as the St. James Cathedral in Sibenik, Stari Grad Plain on the Island of Hvar, and the historic city of Trogir.
- Great time for sailing: If you want to explore the Adriatic coast on a cruise, you should visit in May. The sea is calmer during this month, and the islands will start to open for business. May is also an ideal month for taking up watersports, although the wind can be a bit unpredictable, so be flexible with your itinerary.
- Time for hiking: May is a great time to go hiking in Croatia, as the weather is warm and dry. Also, the routes are quieter, especially in the first few weeks of the month when the tourism season is just starting.
Where to Go and What to Do
The best thing to do in Croatia in May is to explore the Dalmatian Coast just before the peak tourist arrival. Begin your trip in Split, a beautiful historic city in central Dalmatia, where you can check out historical sites like the Diocletian Palace and the St. Domnius Cathedral. Split is also a perfect jumping-off point to the medieval city of Šibenik.
May is the perfect time to go trekking in Biokovo, a massive mountain range overlooking the Dalmatian Coast. Conquering the seven-hour trek may not be easy, but the views at the lookout points will make the journey well worth it. The mountain's highest point is Sveti Jure, which opens to stunning views as far as Italy. Depending on how many days you will spend in Croatia, consider camping at the foot of Mount Biokovo for a truly wonderful experience.
You can go sunbathing and swimming in Croatia in May. And if you are wondering where to go in Croatia for a great beach holiday, head to Makarska Riviera. On its coastline of about 60 kilometers, you will find many secluded bays and idyllic beaches. The most famous among these is Punta Rata Beach, voted by Forbes magazine as one of the world's most beautiful beaches in 2004.
May is a great month to visit Croatia before the summer crowds start flooding its islands and other attractions. The country has warm and pleasant weather conditions in May, making it the best time for cruising, hiking and general outdoor activities. You can also take advantage of the mild temperature to swim and sunbathe at the country's many beautiful beaches.
Plan a customized trip to Croatia with the help of our local tour experts. Check out our tours to Croatia in May for more ideas.
Other articles:
Croatia in April
Croatia in June
