Weather in Dubrovnik in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Dubrovnik and ranks 93rd of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Croatia it is 2nd of 4 (Croatia in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Dubrovnik is 4.9°C warmer by day and 6.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Dubrovnik peaks at 21.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 8 days top 25°C. Nights average 14.6°C; one night in ten drops to 11.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 29.0°C (2020-05-18) and the coldest night 7.2°C (2019-05-08).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 10 days with 1 mm or more, 89 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2019 with 229 mm, the driest 2003 with 22 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.6°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.7°C to 19.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:25 and sets about 20:03 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is May a good time to visit Dubrovnik?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days but expect showers. The best months for Dubrovnik on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug.

Warm afternoons, cooler evenings

Pack for pleasantly warm days, not a full summer wardrobe. Daytime temperatures suit walking around, while an average night low of 14.6°C makes a jumper or light jacket useful after dinner. Cooler nights can fall to 11.5°C or below, so relying entirely on shorts and T-shirts would be a mistake. There can be warmer spells: 13% of days reach 25°C, making lighter clothes and a shaded break at midday sensible. Still, that is an occasional bonus rather than the usual pattern. May suits travellers who prefer being active in moderate warmth more than those whose main aim is sustained heat.

Useful sunshine, but leave room for rain

The main compromise is rain. With about 10 rainy days, May is not a month to book on the assumption that every day will stay dry. Bring a light waterproof and shoes you are happy to wear in wet weather, and avoid making every plan depend on sunshine. There is still about 7.5 hours of sunshine a day within 14.4 hours of daylight, so the outlook is not simply grey. Those averages leave plenty of scope for time outdoors, but they do not tell you when rain will arrive or how long it will last. Keep your schedule adaptable rather than expecting uninterrupted sun.

Treat sea swimming as optional

The sea is the clearest reason to temper expectations of a beach-focused trip. At an average of 18.6°C, it is bracing, even when the air feels warm enough to sit outside in light clothes. The year-to-year range of 18°C to 20°C stays below the 22°C threshold for comfortable swimming, so do not count on a warmer year solving that problem. If you already enjoy cool-water swimming, a dip may be part of the appeal. If you prefer lingering in warm water, make swimming optional rather than the purpose of the holiday. Pack swimwear, but give layers and rain protection equal priority.