Visiting Croatia in May might be an even better idea than you think! This stunning coastal destination is magical in late spring and early summer, and it’s best enjoyed without the summer crowds. Keep reading this blog post to find out why you should visit Croatia in May and what to do there!
While Croatia is known as a summer destination, those who visit in spring or fall often say they enjoy it even more. Sunny May offers everything you need to fully experience Croatia, so if you’re thinking of visiting Croatia in May, this is the perfect blog post for you.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WEATHER IN CROATIA IN MAY
There’s no better time to travel to Croatia than in May. Croatia in May experiences pleasant spring weather with warm temperatures and finally longer daylight hours. Along the coast, in popular destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Korcula, temperatures typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
The lower temperatures are present in the mornings and evenings, while during the day it’s usually over 20°C. It’s mostly sunny, with a few cloudy days, and it rarely rains. However, the sea temperature is still a bit chilly. In May, it typically ranges from 18-20°C (64-68°F)—perfect for the brave!
If you’re visiting inland areas such as the capital Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, or Slavonia, temperatures tend to be a bit lower, but still quite warm. Mornings and evenings can go as low as 10°C (50°F) but daytime highs typically reach 22°C (72°F). There’s still a lot of sunny days, but rain is a bit more frequent.
WHAT TO PACK FOR CROATIA IN MAY
May in Croatia is pretty warm, but you might get a few unexpectedly cooler days, so it’s good to pack accordingly. Expect mild spring weather, plenty of warm days, and the occasional rain shower.
When it comes to clothing, a few light layers are always a good idea. You’ll probably spend your days in t-shirts, shorts, and dresses, but your mornings and evenings will require long pants, and sweaters or light jackets. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket for those occasional surprise rain showers.
You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While you maybe won’t feel the high temperatures, the sun is still quite strong even in May. The sea won’t be the warmest, but bring your swimwear anyway—you might be brave enough for a dip, or at least enjoy the hotel pool!
Finally, make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes. Croatia is best explored on foot, and many old towns have cobbled, uneven streets, so comfy shoes are a must. If you’re planning to swim in the sea, water shoes are a good idea since the entry points are often rocky
WHERE TO GO IN CROATIA IN MAY
Dalmatia
Dalmatia is definitely the most popular region in Croatia and should be at the top of your itinerary. There are so many lovely towns to visit, like Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Cavtat, Omis, Trogir, and more. Not only are these towns full of charm with their magical old towns, but they’re also perfect for beaches, water activities, exploring nature, and enjoying delicious food.
Spending a few days in Dubrovnik, or visiting Split and hopping between nearby islands, can be one of the best ways to enjoy Croatia in May!
Istria
If you’re into charming, laid-back holidays, Istria might just be the perfect region for you. This beautiful peninsula is home to some of Croatia’s most breathtaking small towns, like Rovinj, Pula, Grožnjan, Motovun, and more. Spend a few days exploring the peninsula by car, and you’ll definitely fall in love. Enjoy the incredible food and wine, so truffle hunting, and visit the beaches!
Zagreb
While not the most popular holiday destination in Croatia, Zagreb still deserves a spot on your itinerary as the capital city. There’s plenty to see and do, and if you’re visiting in May, you’ll get to experience the city’s stunning spring vibe. Be sure to check out some of Zagreb’s prettiest natural spots, like Maksimir Park, Zrinjevac, and the Botanical Garden.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA IN MAY
Explore the Stunning Dalmatian Coast
Of course, the coast is probably the main reason you’re here, but I’m telling you, you have to explore beyond the popular towns. Some of the smaller towns are even more charming than the big tourist hotspots. I’d recommend renting a car and driving along the coast, stopping at cute spots like Primošten, Omiš, Šibenik, Trogir, Ston, and more. These places offer a more authentic experience and let you discover the hidden gems of the Croatian coast.
Discover Croatia’s Natural Beauty
Croatia is home to many gorgeous national parks, and you have to visit at least some of them. Firstly, Plitvice Lakes NP is the first and obvious choice. These magical waterfalls and lakes are truly something special, and visiting them in May is the perfect time. They’re fuller from the spring rains, the weather is great, the crowds are smaller, and the tickets are cheaper.
Secondly, if you’re staying near Split, Krka National Park should definitely be on your itinerary. Known for its strong, powerful waterfalls, it’s quite different from those at Plitvice Lakes. Krka is also less crowded in May, and you can explore it at a lower price than in the summer.
Finally, if you’re visiting Istria, Brijuni National Park should definitely be on your list. This stunning park is an archipelago, but only the two largest islands (Veliki and Mali Brijun) are open to visitors. Veliki Brijun is absolutely magical, and you can spend the day biking through some of the prettiest nature in Croatia, plus hang out with the animals at the safari park.
Enjoy Food & Wine Experiences
Food and wine are a huge deal in Croatia, and the locals are really proud of it. Dalmatia has some of the best food in Croatia, based on Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the dishes you must try are Octopus “ispod peke”, Crni Rižot, and Pašticada.
If you’re visiting Istria, you can enjoy some of the best truffle delicacies in this part of Europe. For wine lovers, Istria and Pelješac are must-visit spots. These two regions are the heart of wine production in Croatia and offer amazing wine tours you’ll definitely enjoy.
Take a Boat Trip
Some of the best day trips you can take in Croatia are by boat. Whether that’s a ferry, a boat tour, or your own rented boat, island hopping is one of the best activities you can do in Croatia. If you want to explore the islands, I’d recommend staying in Split, Trogir, Korcula, or Dubrovnik—these spots have some incredible islands nearby that are definitely worth visiting.
Explore Croatia’s Historic Towns
I’d say the old towns in many Croatian cities are what really make this country special. Sure, lounging at the beach and enjoying the sea is amazing, but exploring the old towns has its own kind of magic. Strolling through Dubrovnik’s Old Town or visiting Diocletian’s Palace in Split is an unforgettable experience. I’d definitely recommend adding as many old towns as you can to your itinerary.
THINGS YOU CAN’T DO IN CROATIA IN MAY
Swim in the sea
While Croatia in May is warmer than other months, it’s still not quite warm enough for comfortable swimming. The sea temperatures are around 20°C or lower, so if you’re feeling brave, you might take a quick dip, but you won’t be spending your days lounging at the beach.
Be super spontaneous
While the summer season technically starts in May, it’s still more of a shoulder season, with businesses slowly gearing up. Being overly spontaneous and making last-minute plans won’t work as well here. In May, it’s best to be a bit more organized. Some restaurants will be open, and some won’t. Ferries also run on different schedules compared to the high season, so there will be fewer options each day. You won’t run into issues if you plan your time in advance.
Enjoy the beach and water sports
As I’ve mentioned, the sea in May is still too cold to fully enjoy everything the Croatian coast has to offer. While a quick swim might be doable and sunbathing is definitely possible, the whole ‘beach day’ vibe isn’t quite realistic. Water sports like jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and others aren’t really available until June. However, if the waters are calm, there are plenty of kayak tours to enjoy.
CROATIA IN MAY – FAQ
Is it a good time to visit Croatia in May?
Yes, May is a fantastic time to visit Croatia. It’s warm and sunny, but without the summer crowds. I’d definitely recommend visiting Croatia in May!
Can you swim in May in Croatia?
It depends. For most people, the Adriatic Sea is too cold to swim in at that time, with temperatures ranging between 15-20°C. However, if you can handle the cold, swimming might be fine, though it probably won’t be the most comfortable experience.
Is Croatia hot in May?
Croatia is quite warm in May, but I wouldn’t call it hot. Temperatures are usually between 22-25°C, with an occasional day going higher. It’s not nearly as hot as summer (when it can reach up to 38°C), so it’s perfect for exploring the country comfortably, even during the hottest part of the day.
Is Dubrovnik good to visit in May?
Dubrovnik is an excellent idea in May. While the city is overrun by tourists during summer, the shoulder season can still be very enjoyable in Dubrovnik. The weather is excellent and the crowds are much smaller, especially if you can avoid the days when cruise ships arrive. Almost everything is open, and most attractions and activities are ready for you!
Where is the warmest place in Croatia in May?
The south of Croatia is the warmest, which means Dubrovnik, Korcula, Mljet, and nearby destinations get the most sun and the highest temperatures in May—usually between 25-27°C. If you’re chasing the sun, these are the places you should visit!
