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May travel to Dubrovnik

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I'm planning a solo trip to Dubrovnik area and BIH in May. This may be splitting hairs but I'm wondering if anyone has advice for whether to visit in early vs. late May.

For logistical reasons, my tentative plan to go for 10 days in early May. But if anyone has advice around whether the weather is predictably better and doing water activities, I'd consider changing my plans to going in late May.

Alternatively, I may also be able to travel there in September. I'd prefer not to for logistical issues at home, but I'm reading the ferry schedule is better than May, and I'm wondering if swimming would be easier if the water is warmer in September (vs. May).

I likely have more questions to post later as this is my first trip to Europe and the region. Thanks!

Posted by
2405 posts

The sea temperatures in Dubrovnik are quite cold until June when they start to warm up. By August, sea temperatures average 77 degrees— perfect for swimming, in September the ocean cools a bit to 73 degrees. Here are the average sea temps: April 59 degrees; May 63 degrees; June 72 degrees; July 77 August 77 degrees; September 75.
Air temperature averages are: April 65; May 73; June 72; July 78; August 82; September 75.
Those are just the average monthly temperatures— there can be a range in water temperatures even during a single day.

While on the island of Hvar near Split in early October a few years ago, we were swimming in 77 degree water. And that was perfect.

Posted by
1755 posts

We were in Croatia early-to-mid-May-ish in 2022 (May 7-19). We started in Dubrovnik--May 7-10, followed by Hvar, Split, Zadar, Plitvice, and Zagreb.

We found the weather to be quite hot and summery. In fact, I had packed for more springlike weather and ended up buying a couple of light caftans, because I got tired of being hot all the time.

That said, the sea was cold for swimming, as was the "Dead Sea" on Lokrum Island (no surprise, as it is fed by the Adriatic). We swam a couple of times, anyhow--in the Dead Sea and in the Green Cave on the way to the Blue Cave (not allowed in the Green Cave later in the season, as it's too busy), because we wanted the unique experiences. The Dead Sea, being shallowish was cold but bearable, but the water in the Green Cave was cold enough to literally take my breath away. I had to hang onto the boat for a minute until I could catch my breath.

We're glad we went when we did--not as hot and not as crowded as just a little later in the season. (Towards the end of May, apparently universities in Europe are done, and a lot of students travel to Croatia, particularly to Hvar.) But if swimming and being in the water is a major draw for you, then early May would probably be too early.

Posted by
21311 posts

bethcsanders,
Some of my favorite places. I generally shy away from tourist towns like Dubrovnik but for some reason I enjoy Dubrovnik and keep ending up there for a night or two when going to or coming from someplace else (Bosnia or Montenegro). Bosnia & Herzegovina is a nice choice. I hope you can get beyond Mostar. There are a number of nice places to visit. For me much more interesting than Croatia. I will post some videos below.

I was in Bosnia & Herzegovina last May (mid) and the May two years prior to that. I have been in Dubrovnik on two different Mays over the years. Why so much May travel? Start of the fly fishing season. AND, I will be Budva, just south of Dubrovnik in mid-May this year (enjoying the coast after a fly fishing trip in the high country of Montenegro). Wave if you see me. Then back to BiH probalby late September (end of fly fishing season).

The weather can be really good to not so nice. Who really knows? Generally cool in the morning and nicely warm in the afternoon. Not the rainy season at all. I would make it as late in May as you possibly can, but not fret if its earlier. Generally speaking its a lovely time for the region and you will get to enjoy Dubrovnik with a little lower tourist count.

Despite several trips to Croatia, BiH, Montenegro I still call on Dijana Krkotic, +382 69 277 749 (whatsapp), [email protected], www.docleatravel.com to do the details and the transportation. She has done better on some hotels than I could do. Shes very good.

Banja Luka https://youtu.be/U3yhWyBOEbo?si=njMKOaXirL60MesT Blagaj https://youtu.be/HdKr-FW25fw?si=uheAGwdNf5S5G09- Jajce https://youtu.be/OKZu3RJrjX8?si=6VBaswvmAU4b8HCw Ključ https://youtu.be/P72a5ZFo2yY?si=KFODNOYnyjw6PGij AND the Hotel Kraljevac https://youtu.be/QNpUWXV3RkI?si=2b1AMFCT4ROGp_0Q Kravica Waterfall https://youtu.be/dVoR-jsXU6A?si=ONDjr9tGO5n5Ekmt Mostar https://youtu.be/S_Qtqd-Xm8s?si=ZKTtWy_9tO6f694I Sarajevo https://youtu.be/YsoVyRGepMs?si=9wFXgbC0wbjvJuTm Travnik https://youtu.be/QymcxBUN7gA?si=tjJfG1qasQyvElCY Trebinje https://youtu.be/O45FB8F4Cso?si=NN2C4Pl1M-vnggMM Una National Park & Štrbački Buk Waterfall https://youtu.be/gxt3wvZshe4?si=ZrWQRYkUSA68u2tI Best of BiH https://youtu.be/DSdlDqJTdT8?si=L1Z4yMgHWL9c4zVm

Rafting https://youtu.be/LEZSSJbE_rI?si=qxSmiQkc8FtIvJwP Zip Line https://youtu.be/MlR_BZnHvRY?si=Cww46YXW_o1zolP6 Paragliding https://youtu.be/HQggh5rciWQ?si=NVIpuoYpaYij00dl Kayaking https://youtu.be/JfdZCm9YZRU?si=yquIpaCryV2TJL08 Caves https://youtu.be/g1FBi8S8tTI?si=5-XA8BxZwzdaY1R4 Wine https://youtu.be/FAqz1VgrC8A?si=sYHMuFu1U0sW6cIa

.

And if you go to this thread you will find some videos of Montenegro that might tempt you to expand your trip further https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car

Posted by
5465 posts

September would be my ideal time to visit based on my previous four trips--three in late May and one in June. I always found it possible to swim in late May, but the sea temps were what I call bracing. So fine if you have a hot day (typical for late May) and can make yourself get acclimated. My husband has an easier time doing this than I do.
Ferry should be fine in late May, but feel free to share your itinerary to make sure.
Overall, I would have no qualms about a late May trip, and would definitely recommend it over early May if water activities are a goal!

Posted by
2 posts

THANK YOU, so much, everyone! I am amazed with so many helpful responses and insight. I bookmarked travel dates for late May, in hopes of slightly warmer water.

@valadelphia, based on your encouragement I'm sharing my conceptual itinerary, in case anyone has advice you'd like to share to inform improvements to this plan. I will not rent a car, am interested in walking, history, architecture, local wine and food, markets, swimming, nature, islands. Will not do much nightlife activities. I would enjoy a small amount of organized tours/meetups with other tourists since I'm on my own.

Option 1 - more transfers, less time near Dubrovnik

-Sarajevo (2-3 nights) - museums, food, markets
-Mostar (1 night or day trip during transfer)
-Split (2 nights) - explore city, day trip to smaller cities or nearby islands
-Korčula (2 nights) - explore the island, tour nearby islands
-Dubrovnik (2 nights) - explore city, day trip to Elephanta Islands or Bay of Kotar

Option 2 - less transfers, more time in Dubrovnik area

-Sarajevo (2-3 nights) - museums, food, markets
-Mostar (1 night)
-Dubrovnik (2-3 nights) - explore city, day trips to Elephanta Islands, and/or mljet
-Consider staying 1-2 nights in or near Bay of Kotor

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