What to say about a month which starts with a holiday? Can a month like that be bad at all? It can’t. May is the absolute Miss Universe of the calendar when it comes to visiting Croatia. In case you are looking to get a peaceful holiday with a lot of potential for outdoor exploration and adventures. This article aims to bring you all the details about the weather for Croatia in May, one of our favorite months when it comes to spending time in nature.
You’ll find out all you need to know about Croatia in May and we’ll answer why we believe that this month might just be the perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities and adventurers visiting Croatia. May is the month characterized by the blooming nature and awakening of everything in Croatia. People start to prepare for the season and hotter days, birds start to return and everything smells so nice.
Welcome to the spring in Croatia, let’s start!
Overview of Croatia’s Weather in May
First things first, let’s start with the overall mood and feeling of May in Croatia. As you already know, May is considered to be late spring. Nature is already awoken and in full bloom. The smell of the spring is in the air and the fresh breeze is bringing it to your nostrils. Yes, this is a subjective presentation of May, we’ll deal with the real numbers and statistics later.
Regarding the warmth of May and the feeling of the weather for Croatia in May, it’s warm, although not hot at all. Since we are outdoor enthusiasts and love to spend time outdoors, we know what to expect from any month in Croatia. We spend a lot of May’s days outside, roaming and exploring all the beautiful parts of Croatia. We often take a swim in the sea which is still a bit cold, but survivable.
We believe that the weather for Croatia in May is perfect for anyone who wants to travel around and explore the most beautiful parts of Croatia with almost no one around. If you are considering swimming in the sea as one of the most important parts of your holiday in Croatia, then you might consider some other months like June, July or August.
Let’s talk numbers a bit so you can see what to expect from Croatia in May:
Average Temperatures:
Coastal areas: Temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). The most pleasant temperature range.
Inland areas of Croatia: From 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Still nice, but be prepared for fresh nights.
Higher altitudes: Still cool temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Depends a lot on the height but nights can be pretty chilly in the mountains of Croatia in May.
Rainfall:
May is known as a month with moderate rainfall, mostly in inland and northern regions of Croatia. Still, it can vary from year to year.
Coastal areas of Croatia may experience occasional showers but are usually dry and sunny.
Sea Temperature:
Adriatic Sea is still not as warm as it will be in a month or so and its temperatures range from 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), making it swimmable for those who enjoy cooler waters like Wim Hof.
Sunlight:
Approximately 10-12 hours of daylight. More than enough for every adventure.
Sea temperature for Croatia in May
Ok, so you already know that Croatia is pretty famous because of its crystal clear Adriatic sea and now you are wondering what it’s like to swim in this sea during May. Let us give you our opinion before we start with numbers. We often swim in May and the sea is not as warm as during the summer months. With that being said, it’s not so easy to stay in the sea for a long period. If you are coming from northern countries, the sea will be warm for you. But if you are used to the usual summer sea temperature, you’ll easily notice the difference.
Let’s talk about numbers now. We’ll take the Split sea temperatures as the reference. You can expect similar temperatures all across Croatia. The average sea temperature for May in Croatia is 18 degrees Celsius. Not good, not terrible. For example, the average sea temperature in June is 22 degrees, 4 degrees warmer than in May. The highest sea temperature is in August with an average of 24 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the average sea temperature for January is 13.5 degrees.
As you can see, the sea temperature for Croatia in May is somewhere in the middle of the yearly values. It’s not so cold, and it’s not so warm. The positive thing about a colder sea is all the good things that come from swimming in colder water such as better circulation and overall nice feeling once you get out of the sea. There are always some benefits to everything. We already mentioned Wim Hof who swears that there is no better thing than swimming in cold water. Google it, it might surprise you.
Aerial view of the famous Nugal beach near the city of Makarska in Dalmatia, Croatia, which was proclaimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Air temperature for Croatia in May
Continuing with the air temperature for Croatia in May. May is the perfect middle when it comes to the air temperature. Days are perfectly warm and you can wear short-sleeved shirts and summer clothes during the day. It’s just perfect comparing it to the hot summer days which sometimes feel like the day spent in the oven. Summer days are simply best when spent in the sea and that’s the fact.
Let’s talk about numbers. Again, we’re looking at the Split air temperature as the reference point. Similar temperatures apply to the whole coastline of Croatia. You can expect the daily air temperature for Croatia in May to be somewhere around 20 degrees Celsius. This is the average temperature in the shade. Usually, temperatures can get much higher, all the way to 25 degrees Celsius, or even higher on some days.
The nights in May are not so cold but we still suggest bringing a long sleeved t-shirt for the evenings and nights in Croatia in this period. Now you know what to expect when it comes to weather for Croatia in May, at least regarding the temperatures of sea and air.
Let’s move onto another important topic – how crowded Croatia is during May?
Aerial view of tourist boat on Adriatic sea near Makarska city and Hvar and Brač islands in Dalmatia, Croatia. Are there many tourists in Croatia in May?
Apart from the nice weather, the best thing about Croatia in May is the lack of tourists. Don’t get us wrong, we love tourists, but sometimes their number can be overwhelming for everybody, even for themselves. Summers in Croatia are usually too crowded and there are many people all around. May, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Everything is almost empty and you can truly enjoy it in any place in Croatia.
Take any of the national parks in Croatia as an example. These are some of the most popular places in the whole of Croatia and they are full of visitors during July and August. You come to visit them in May and what happens? You’re almost alone, especially if you come during the working weekdays and not weekends. We still tell the story of how we explored the empty Mljet National Park at the beginning of May. True, it was in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, but still, May can sometimes feel like that even nowadays.
Take Dubrovnik as another example. There are rivers of people in its streets during the summer months. May is much more bearable in this sense. There will still be a lot of people in Dubrovnik if you visit it in this period, but way less than in the peak season period. And all these crowds are easier to bear when it’s not as hot as during the summer. Driving through Croatia is also a much more pleasant experience during May and other periods outside of the peak season when the roads are not congested with traffic of any kind.
Is May 1st a holiday in croatia?
Yes, May 1st is a holiday in Croatia just like in many other countries of the world. It’s International Worker’s Day (Labor Day) and everybody is spending it somewhere in nature with friends, usually preparing a barbecue or indulging in different outdoor activities.
That’s how we do it in Croatia. You might say that May 1st is the turning point of the year which means that from that day on the real tourist season is slowly starting to roll and everything starts to heat up when it comes to tourism in Croatia.
may vs. september in croatia
We have already written about September in Croatia but let’s see how the weather for Croatia in May compares with that of September. We think that these two months are somewhat similar, they are just on opposite sides with peak season just in between them.
Regarding the air temperature, the average air temperature in September is 21,5 degrees Celsius compared to 18 degrees air temperature in May. It’s a bit warmer but not significantly. When it comes to the sea temperature, that’s where you can see the real difference.
The average sea temperature in September is 23,7 degrees Celsius. Compare it with 18 degrees which is the average sea temperature for Croatia in May and you’ll notice that the difference is rather big. The reason for that is the hot summer months preceding September which contribute a lot to the sea temperature in September in Croatia.
When it comes to a number of tourists in September and May, there are much fewer people in Croatia in May than in September, although September is still way less crowded than July and August. The overall mood of September is somewhat melancholic, it’s almost like you can feel nature preparing for the autumn and winter, while May is bright and happy. If you know what we mean.
Why May is a Great Time to Visit Croatia
So let’s summarize the most important things and see why we believe that May is great time to visit Croatia, especially if you are looking to spend a calmer holiday with lot of outdoor adventures and activities. If you are looking for a warm sea and vibrant nightlife for example, then May might not be the best month to visit Croatia in your case.
May in Croatia is characterized by:
Pleasant Weather: Great for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. Pleasant temperatures make everything else more pleasant too.Fewer Crowds: May is the start of the tourist season in Croatia and everything is still warming up. Literally. This allows you to enjoy popular attractions such as national parks in Croatia in peace.Lower Prices: Accommodations and flights are generally more affordable than in July and August. Another great thing when it comes to visiting Croatia in May.Beauty of the nature: Lush vegetation, blooming flowers, pleasant smells, and clear skies make Croatia’s stunning landscapes even more magical.
Regional Weather in May
Croatia is divided into few regions and each of these has its own microclimate and weather in May can vary significantly from region to region. Let’s see what to expect out weather in May for each of these regions in Croatia:
1. Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar):
Generally warm and sunny weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F).
Perfect for exploring historic towns of Dalmatia, island hopping adventures, and exploring stunning Dalmatian coast .
2. Istrian Peninsula (Pula, Rovinj, Poreč):
Mild weather with occasional rain showers. Similar to Dalmatian coast, but a bit more rainy.
Some great activities for this period in Istria include cycling, wine tours, and truffle hunting.
3. Inland Croatia (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Slavonia):
Cooler temperatures with occasional rainfall. Totally different than the coastal part of Croatia, but still pleasant. Much cooler night though.
Perfect weather for hiking, exploring national parks, or any other type of sightseeing.
4. Islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and others):
Warm and tranquil, with temperatures similar to the Dalmatian Coast . Croatian islands in May are even less crowded than the coastline, apart from some famous places such as Hvar town on Hvar island.
Perfect for overall relaxation and water-based activities that don’t include much swimming (kayaking, SUP tours, and so on).
Best Outdoor Activities in Croatia in May
Finally, we come to our favorite topic – adventure tours in Croatia. When it comes to the weather for Croatia in May, we believe that it’s the perfect period for all sorts of adventure activities Croatia offers – rafting tours, hiking, ziplines, kayaking tours in Croatia, and much more.
We spend most of our Mays in Croatia somewhere outside, exploring new places or returning to the ones we really liked.
Here are some activities that May in Croatia is perfect for:
1. Hiking and Nature Walks
Croatia is not most famous for its mountains, but they still make significant portion of Croatian land. There are some parts of Croatia we can’t even imagine without the mountain, take Makarska Riviera with Biokovo mountain rising above it as an example. It would be a completely different landscape if you took away the Biokovo mountain. Croatia is also full of all kinds of hiking trails and hiking in Croatia is one of the best things you can do in May.
Biokovo Nature Park: Mountain full of trails with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea located just below it. Biokovo Nature Park is a place you must visit when staying on Makarska Riviera .Plitvice Lakes National Park: Wooden trails made above water level and passing near waterfalls and above lakes. Absolutely magical.Krka National Park: Shorter hikes combined with breathtaking waterfalls.Paklenica National Park: Known as the best place for rock climbing in Croatia but perfect for all sorts of hiking too.
2. Cycling
Cycling is yet another great activity we suggest doing in Croatia during May. Our country is full of all kinds of cycling trails so you’ll have no problem finding the one you like and exploring the landscape on 2 wheels.
Explore wine routes and coastal trails of Istria region.
Cycle through Dalmatian old villages, vineyards and olive groves.
Enjoy scenic rides along the Makarska Riviera, the part with the most beautiful beaches in Croatia .
3. Island Hopping
We already mentioned Croatian islands, but did we mention how much we love them? Each summer, we spend a lot of time on various islands of Croatia and we love every single moment spent on these. They have some of the clearest seas you’ll ever see and are perfect for all sorts of adventures. Many island hopping tours can be found in almost every larger city on the Croatian coastline.
Visit islands such as Hvar, Brač, and Korčula for a mix of history, beaches, and local culture and gastronomy delights.
Take day boat tours to the Kornati Archipelago for untouched natural beauty or book a speedboat tour to Blue Cave on Biševo island near Vis.
4. Water Activities
Although the Adriatic Sea in Croatia in May is not as warm as in the months following May, you can still enjoy in many water based activities such as kayaking or SUP tours. Rafting in Croatia in May is also great idea since the rivers like Zrmanja and Cetina have much higher water levels than in July and August.
Kayaking and paddleboarding along the Adriatic Coast is the perfect water based activity for May.Snorkeling and diving to explore marine life and underwater caves. Make sure you wear the neoprene suit for a comfortable experience.
Booking a rafting tour in Croatia in May is a great idea.
Weather in Croatia by Month This article is all about weather in Croatia in May, but we’ll make a guide for each month so you can easily get all the necessary information about Croatia throughout the whole year. If you click on the link of the month below, you’ll open the article about weather in Croatia in particular month that will contain all the information you might need if you plan to visit Croatia in that period.
Croatia in January – The coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. Snowfall is common in inland regions, although not as common as in previous decades. The weather on the coast of Croatia remains milder but windy. Ideal for winter hikes in the mountains. Almost all of the tourist facilities are closed in this period.Croatia in February Croatia in March Croatia in April – Spring is in full swing, with blooming landscapes and average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (highest are usually around 28 degrees Celsius). A great time for outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.Croatia in June – The start of summer, with temperatures rising to 30°C. The Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming, and tourist destinations begin to get busier. Places like Dubrovnik are already pretty crowded at this time of the year.Croatia in July – Peak summer, with hot and dry weather reaching up to 35°C or more. The beaches are packed, and summer festivals are in full swing. Expect high tourist numbers, especially in the second half of July.Croatia in August – The hottest month in Croatia, with sea temperatures perfect for swimming. Popular spots are usually crowded, but the islands offer a great escape. Further the island is from the mainland, more peaceful it gets during the summer months.Croatia in September Croatia in October – Bit cooler than September but still very comfortable, with averages of 15°C to 20°C. The fall colors in inland Croatia are simply stunning, and the coast remains very warm. Perfect month to enjoy the nature of Croatia.Croatia in November – A noticeable drop in temperatures (10°C to 15°C), with increased rainfall. The Adriatic can be windy, and many tourist attractions start to close and prepare for the winter.Croatia in December – Winter sets in, with festive Christmas markets bringing warmth to cities. Snowfall is common inland, while coastal areas remain mild but damp.
Tips for Visiting Croatia in May
Here are just a few final tips before you start packing your suitcases and head toward your vacation in Croatia in May. When it comes to visiting Croatia in May:
Pack Smart:
Bring different clothes and prepare for cooler evenings and mornings in Croatia.
Make sure you bring proper walking shoes for outdoor activities such as hiking.
Bring rain gear and be prepared for occasional showers. A nice rain poncho won’t take a lot of space, but it can mean all the difference.
Book in Advance:
While the number of tourists in Croatia is still not as large, popular accommodations and tours can still fill up quickly, especially in areas such as Dubrovnik or Split.
Rent a Car:
Our best advice when it comes to visiting Croatia in May. Great if you want to explore multiple regions at your own pace.
Plan for Outdoor Meals:
Although not all the restaurants are open in May, try to find local ones and try local food specialties, no matter where in Croatia are you staying.
Check Event Calendars:
There are often different kinds of events in Croatia in May so check the event calendar, you might stumble on the event you’ll like.
Before You Venture to Croatia in May
What do you think? Is May the perfect month for your visit to Croatia ? Apart from the weather for Croatia in May, there are many other advantages of this period of the year that will make you fall in love with Croatia and experience the best of it. Hope this article helped you with some useful information about what to expect when visiting Croatia in this period. Feel free to explore the rest of our articles, we’re writting about a lot of topics regarding Croatia so you just might find one that will be useful for you.
Enjoy the May in Croatia!
