Hi, we are in the planning stage of nine nights trip which starts and ends in Dubrovnik in September. Does it make sense to spend five nights in Dubrovnik, making day trips?
Mike

I wouldn't, but I don't like crowds.

It would depend on which day trips, but five nights strikes me as a bit on the high end for Dubrovnik.

I would in October, I might in September, the later the better because of the crowds and the heat.

Could I find enough to do? Yes.

I'd base myself say in Split which is more of a hub with good access to pretty islands and Trogir. This will be busy but quieter than D and its mamoth ships and the hoards that come with it.

I wouldn't want to plan a lot of time in Dubrovnik later than the end of September if possible. By October some options (excursions) are done for the season, and depending on how long the summer weather lasts, various things start shutting down. I was there around October 10 a few years ago for a few days. The weather was warm and nice, and the Buza Bar was still open; I was told later that the day that I left, the weather turned cold and rainy and the Buza Bar closed for the season.

There were plenty of daytime tourists in October when I was there. I wouldn't be surprised if September would be even worse.

If you want to do day trips, figure out which ones you'd want to do first. Personally, I'd split up my time, however, and stay somewhere else for a few nights.

Use this to check for cruise ship arrivals: http://www.portdubrovnik.hr/girica1.php

Andrew makes a good point. When the Bura (north wind) comes through, it can be bitter and flying is a real adventure, but it isn't continuous and the weather in between can be glorious.