Weather in Split in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Split and ranks 89th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Croatia it is 1st of 4 (Croatia in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Split is 5.1°C warmer by day and 5.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Split peaks at 21.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 7 days top 25°C and 1 in 500 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.9°C; one night in ten drops to 10.5°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 30.1°C (2009-05-25) and the coldest night 6.2°C (1991-05-19).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 74 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2019 with 238 mm, the driest 2003 with 12 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 17.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.7°C to 19.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:29 and sets about 20:12 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is May a good time to visit Split?

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

Warm enough for light clothes, but pack for cooler evenings

For walking around Split, May offers useful warmth without the usual expectation of intense heat. About 14% of days reach 25°C, so some afternoons will feel distinctly summery, but do not pack as though every day will. A T-shirt may be enough during warmer spells; keep a jumper or light jacket for evenings and cooler weather. The coldest nights can fall to 10.5°C or below, which makes an extra layer sensible if you plan to sit outside late. On warmer days, take a break from direct sun at midday and leave more energetic walking for the morning or later afternoon.

Plenty of daylight, with rain and cold water to work around

May brings about 7.8 hours of sunshine a day within 14.5 hours of daylight, leaving room to shift outdoor plans around the weather. That does not mean reliably dry days: around 9 days have rain, so bring a light waterproof and avoid making every plan dependent on sunshine. The sea is the bigger limitation for a beach-focused trip. Its average temperature of 17.8°C is cold, and the year-to-year range of 17°C to 19°C still points to cold or bracing water rather than an easy, lingering swim. If swimming matters more than walking in warm weather, May is a compromise. If you are happy enjoying the waterfront without getting in, it makes more sense.