Sailing in Croatia – A Month-by-Month Overview

Ever wondered what's the best time to take a cruise in Croatia?

Keep on reading to find out… 

Croatia is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, so is there actually a period of the year that’s best for a private cruise around the beautiful Dalmatian islands and coast? To put it simply, the answer is yes. If you want to rent a yacht in Croatia and have a carefree sailing vacation, it is recommended to do it from April until mid-October. Of course, it all depends on what type of cruise in Croatia you hope to have, but during those months, the weather is usually sunny and the sea generally calm.

If you are looking for fewer crowds, you can definitely count on April and May as a sort of pre-sailing season, as well as September and October, which are considered part of the post-sailing season.
Even though the sea is chilly in April and May, this is a beautiful time of year in Croatia when the days are longer and warmer and the winds are calmer. September and October, on the other hand, are lovely months with slightly shorter days, but still plenty of opportunities to swim and sunbathe. June, July, and August are obviously the peak of the cruising season in Croatia, with gentle winds and lots of opportunities to swim, dive, sunbathe, and enjoy other water sports. To help you make the best possible decision about your sailing holiday in Croatia, let’s take a look at each month individually.

April

As we already mentioned, April is considered a pre- season for charter in Croatia. Having this in mind, you ought to know that this also implies lower booking prices. Winds are steady but not as mild as in the peak of the season, providing perhaps the feeling of a true sailing experience. Sea temperatures aren’t usually high enough for swimming but you can take full advantage of exploring the stunning coastal towns and islands without the constant crowds. Sightseeing, wine-tasting tours and various inland excursions are only a bit of what you can expect from your cruise in Croatia at this time of the year.

 May

Renting a boat or a yacht in May will still guarantee fair prices and booking discounts, but with the advantage of having slightly warmer and longer days with that giddy feeling of summer being just around the corner. Winds tend to be milder than those in April, and some may even try swimming. Better yet, there are still no big crowds, so you can enjoy your private cruise in Croatia to the fullest.

June

Peak season for charter in Croatia starts in June, which means that charter prices are higher than those in April and May, but you can still find beautiful yachts for rent.
June is the perfect month for a cruise vacation in Croatia if you want to enjoy the longest days of the year, plenty of sunshine, and sea temperatures warm enough for swimming and diving. Best of all, the islands and the beautiful Dalmatian coast are still not overcrowded with tourists, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet as well.

 July

July is the very heart of the sailing season in Croatia, and yacht rates are adjusted accordingly. Long, sunny days, pleasant sea temperatures, and mild winds make a cruising vacation in July a perfectly relaxing and fun opportunity to explore Croatia and its amazing islands. Even though summer crowds are common at this time of summer, if you rent a private gulet or a crewed yacht, the captain or skipper will know how to get around the crowds and show you the more secluded sailing spots.

August

Just like July, August is considered the peak sailing season in Croatia when you can explore many lovely ports along the Croatian coastline and discover the charms of islands in Dalmatia. Even though yacht prices are high at this time of year in Croatia, it is totally worthwhile as you can swim in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, have fun with a variety of water sports, soak up the sun, and enjoy the balmy evenings perfect for al fresco dining. Naturally, you won’t be able to avoid summer crowds at all times, but with an experienced captain at the helm, you will be able to experience the best that a yacht charter in Croatia has to offer.

September

Although September is technically considered post-season, it is often a time when you can experience an Indian summer, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Another advantage of renting a private yacht for a holiday in September is the fact that charter prices go down again. The winds may not be as mild as in July or August, but they are pleasant enough for comfortable sailing along the Croatian coast. Another plus is that the summer crowds are starting to thin out too, making it easier to explore the ports and enjoy sightseeing at a much more relaxed pace.

 October

October truly is a post-sailing season in Croatia, as the summer crowds are completely gone and yacht prices are much more affordable. Even though there are still plenty of sunny days at this time of year, the temperatures do drop when compared to the peak season. If you want to go for a swim, it might still be possible, especially if you prefer cooler sea temperatures. On the other hand, October is a perfect month to combine sailing with lots of other fun activities, such as sightseeing, wine-tasting, and inland excursions.