nannibray

I am planning a trip to Croatia and Slovaia in 2009 and need opinions on the month to go.
My thoughts are April 24 to May 13.
I choose these dates because that is when I can get free air travel on American Airlines (40,00 required).
However, is this too early? Will the weather be too cold and rainy in April in Ljubljana where we will start?
Rick Steves says:
OFF SEASON: Mid-October through early May are dead as a doornail. Many coastal towns close down entirely, with only one hotel and one restaurant remaining open during that time. The weather can be cool and dreary, ...
If we go after May 15, it requires 60,000 miles for the free ticket. We have the miles but would rather save them for a future trip. WOULD THIS BE A MISTAKE?
Has anyone had experience traveling this early in the season?
Thanks to all you experts!
Nannibray

adrienne

I'm pretty sure that's exactly he time I went to Slovenia and Croatia; probably the every end of April through the first two weeks in May. The weather was great and there were plenty of people around. I only needed a light jacket for evenings and most of the days didn't need the jacket at all. I think it only rained 1 day during the trip - the rest of the time was sunny.

Please don't believe everything Rick Steves says and do not accept his opinion as complete authority.

trad

Well it depends, but on Croatian especially Dalmatian coast temperature can be 30C. Pretty hot ... But also can be 19-20C. If you are looking for accommodation in Croatia take a look at http://www.traveladriatic.net portal

nannibray

Thanks Adrienne and Trad
Do either of you have an opinion on the Lake Bled area? Lots of rain?? We will begin in Ljubljana and work our way south.
Nannibray

maitaitom

We just stayed at the B&B Slamič in Ljubljana and Pension Berc in Lake Bled. Loved both places. Don't miss Vintgar Gorge while visiting Bled. Ljubljana was a very pleasant surprise. Cute town. My trip report will talk about both of these places shortly.

By the way, we were in Croatia and Slovenia from June 5 though June 17. Weather was warm, but not overly hot.

yorkshire

You can never predict the weather. If a higher potential for sunny mild weather is important for your enjoyment of the trip, then spend the miles and go later for sure.
No guarantee of warm weather in May either, but a much better chance (speaking of southern Croatian coast specifically). To me, nights in Mat (on three different years) have been chilly enough for a light jacket. Days have been hot in many cases, but you just never know what you will get in spring.
If you have any interest in swimming, May is a must (and still iffy).
If you want less crowds, April would be heaven. May won't be overcrowded like the summer months, but there will be crowds in places like Dubrovnik.
At weather.com you can see stats for last several years in those weeks.

tcreath

We went to Croatia and Slovenia in November, way off season, and absolutely loved it. I think that April/May would be a fantastic time to visit. In November there were no crowds, but when you see how small some of the towns are, you will be thankful that you are not there during the height of tourist season.

There may be some things closed, but its not like the country is shut down, and late April/May is close enough to the tourist season that I'm sure there will be more things open than when we were there. Hopefully someone who has been during these months can chime in.

Tracy

croatiantravelady

This past April and May were wet in Dubrovnik, we didn't have much spring as it became summer overnight. No one can predict the weather and that's the change one must take when travelling.
Slovenia will be much cooler and much more rain, until you come to Southern Dalmatia and Dubrovnik.
Rick Steves makes a very good living off his advise, take it with a grain of salt.
Dobrodosli

JP

We spent a few days around Bled at the end of April this year. Some sun, some clouds, a little drizzle. The temperatures were quite nice the whole time.

http://tinyurl.com/56lsoq

nannibray

Thanks everyone! I am encouraged to go April - May 13 as planned.
"if you want less crowds, April would be heaven" YEA!
Tcreath - glad your trip in Nov was good. April should be as good or better. Thanks. JP - your pictures were helpful. The early spring leaves on the trees were very pretty and there were even some flowers.
Yorkshire - We are Seniors and not interested in swimming - only pretty scenery and lovely towns.
Thanks everyone!

betsym

Go with the April/May time line - we were there at exactly that time this past Spring and the weather was perfect! However, it would be too cool to go swimming but not crowded and everything we saw was open. We loved it. Go with the free miles and spend your money on something special.

nannibray

Thanks everyone! The trip is set for April 21 into Dubrovnik and May 9 Zagrib to Belgium and May 14 Belgium home. Am looking forward to the free 5 night stay in Belgium.