I understand that Croatia is extremely busy in the summer months. Would it be advisable to go end of May (memorial day week) or end of August (Labor day week)? Which would be a better time to go?
Thank you fodorites!

My choice would definitely be May for many reasons. It will be busy but not as bad as August. The weather should not be as hot as August. You can swim in May as well. Some accommodations require booking for more than one night in July and August and prices can climb during those months.

I love Croatia in September/October for harvest season - grapes (wine), veg and fruit, and truffles (especially white).

How long do you get to go for?

I visited Dubrovnik the last week of August 2006, and when the cruise ships were in port, the old city was jam packed -- it was much more pleasant at night and early morning, before the herds of day trippers arrived. It wasn't only the number of day trippers, but their seeming inability to wander independently, instead they traveled in large flocks and blocked up each side street they entered. If I had the choice, I'd opt for May -- it has to be better.

My view is based only on visit to Dubrovnik (my only other visit to Croatia was several years ago to Zagreb, and I would guess that Zagreb is never busy, at least from a tourist perspective).

Thank you so much for your quick replys! We intend to go for a little over a week. I want to definately go to Dubrovnik, Hvar and Plitvice. Other than that I have no idea where to fly into or out of or how to get from here to there. Any suggestions? We would probably fly out of NY May 22 and leave June 1.
I read that Hotel Adriana in Hvar is great! Any suggestions welcomed!

I went to Croatia from 2001 to 2006 in September - Dubrovnik, the central islands and a little bit of the central coast. . As the years progressed I found September becoming more busy - it's a wonderful time - the weather,the crowds are less, just a hint of fall in the air - it's my favorite month to travel. Dubrovnik will always be packed during good weather thanks to the cruise ships now. In October the weather is a bit iffy and things have definitely started to wind down (especially on the islands) - restaurant sclosing however as travel2live2 says the harvest season is in full swing. If you're a water person - September is probably better than May/beginning of June.

Hi, We were in Croatia for 16 days last September--part on a tour and part in an apartment in Sept. We found the weather quite pleasant--some days a bit warm and some day, some thunder, lightening , and rain. But on the whole, we had no complaint. There were crowds, esp. in Dubrovnik--but on our 3 extra days there, on our own, we were able to avoid the crowds by doing things early in the day and after the cruisers went back to the ships.

We flew into Zagreb and spent three days there--one on our own. Although many people do not like Zagreb, we enjoyed it and found its history and architecture very interesting. We LIKED Croatia. Ciao! mhm

I was there in September - it was beautiful weather, although I don't know about water temperature if you want to swim although many were doing it. So, it gets my vote.

I agree with most of the posters. I would opt for May; it may not be quite as crowded as August and not quite as hot.

We just got back and our taxi driver told us they're expecting 740 cruise ships this season which, with the ever-present bus tours, translates into about 1 million tourists in the Stari Grad.

thit_cho makes a good point to visit it early and late, after the tour groups have left because they do tend to clump and clog!

I assume your planning to go this summer? If so, I'd make the hotel reservations as soon as possible. Let us know what you decide.

I'll put in my vote for the end of August in to September which is when I was there. The water was truely amazing to swim in at that time. True, cruise ships arrive in Dubrovnik in droves. Some days are worse than others. But, I planned my days around the influx. I would enjoy the mornings, late afternoons & evenings in town & take day excursions in between. It worked for me. Also, the vegetables were absolutely delicious at the end of the season. I swear I had the best tomatoes I have ever eaten there. Days were hot, but not oppressive. Nights did cool off. I found it to be perfect weather.

Enjoy your trip. Croatia is extraordinary.

There aren't enough adjectives to describe how beautiful Croatia is! Dubrovnik will be busy even at the end of May (which is when we visited), especially with day trippers from cruises, but probably more so in late August.

Unfortunately there aren't any direct flights from the US to Dubrovnik, so you'll be flying to a European destination (Frankfurt, London, etc), then connect to Dubrovnik, or even Zagreb, with another connection to Dubrovnik. If you have the time, visit Zagreb-it's small, won't be heavily touristed and really offers a lot, before heading to coastal Croatia. I would allot for a mininim of 2 fulls days in Dubrovnik and definitely include the wall walk on your must do list. If ships are in port, the city will be extremely crowded so plan accordingly. If you get a chance, visit Cavtat, which is south of Dubrovnik and must less crowded and Lokrum, easily reached by a 10 minute boat ride from Dubrovnik. Lokrum won't be very crowded, there's only 1 small outdoor restaurant on it, but offers a nice escape from the congestion of Dubrovnik.

Two popular day trips from Dubrovnik are heading to Montenegro or Mostar and would recommend either one (we did both and my preference was Mostar) if you have time.

If you're seriously considering a May visit, you'll need to get your plane tickets and hotel reservations made asap, although an advance SOBE reservation may not be necessary.

Your love affair with Croatia is about to begin! ENJOY!