When to go small ship cruising in Croatia

Vis regatta in early May is a very local event with Croatian skippers at the helm. It not only includes sailing, but also concerts, local food and an environmental day. We love it.
The best time to go on a Croatia cruising holiday is when the skipper is ready to set sail, and this is generally between April to October. Conditions are calmer and the islands are starting to open for business. It is also when the water is starting to warm up, because with all that island hopping, you won’t be able to resist taking dips here and there. By taking a small ship cruise during peak summer months, you’re also avoiding all the queues for the island ferries by just hopping on your own vessel and going.

Best time to go on a small ship cruising holiday in Croatia

April (especially Easter) is a great time for processions, pilgrims festivities and flowers all over Croatia. May and June are perfect out on the water for those who can’t do seriously hot, with temperatures around 23 -27°C. The wind can be a bit unpredictable during these months and storms can happen, so be prepared for flexible itineraries. Many cruises begin and end in Dubrovnik, so you could check out the Dubrovnik Summer Festival which runs through July and August. It’s a bit like Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the sun, with arts performances from around the world, but with a strong backbone of Croatian culture. August really is peak of peaks in Croatia, and so if you are going to some of the popular spots on the coast, be prepared for crowds. If you are doing city visits to Split or Dubrovnik, avoid the cruises that arrive into the big ports early in the morning, bringing a tidal wave of tourists. They all head back on board around 3pm generally, so time your city visit accordingly. There are ships all year round, but these are busiest times. The end of September marks the end of the season on some of the islands, with restaurants and bars closing for the winter. The great thing about travelling with local skippers, however, is that they know exactly which taverna is open and where. They know all the archipelago’s secrets. However, many island vineyards are harvesting in October, which is a great time for local festivities. This can be a wonderful time to visit islands like Vis or Krk.

Our top Croatia cruising Holiday

Southern Croatia cruise in comfort

Southern Croatia cruise in comfort

Cruise Croatia's beautiful islands on a small cruise ship

From £669 to £979 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 1 Jul, 8 Jul, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Croatia cruising or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RECOMMENDS

Powell Ettinger, director of our leading Croatia specialists The Small Cruise Ship Collection, shares his top tips: “The current season is April or May to October. It is very unlikely to extend. The busiest seasons tend to be June and September, as the sort of client these cruises appeal to likes to avoid the heat and the perceived crowds and families in July and August.”
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Anrie Papp] [Topbox: Jared Lisack] [Powell Ettinger quote: Oliver Ash]