Things to Do in Hvar in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Hvar
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Swimming season officially begins - sea temperature reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F), comfortable for extended swimming without wetsuit
- Lavender fields in full bloom across the island - peak harvesting season means intense purple landscapes and aromatic hiking trails
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than July-August peak, with most hotels and restaurants fully operational
- Perfect sailing conditions - consistent 10-15 knot winds and calmer seas than summer, ideal for multi-day island hopping
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - can shift from sunny 22°C (72°F) to rainy 16°C (61°F) within hours, requiring flexible daily planning
- Limited ferry schedules to other islands - Split-Hvar catamaran runs only 3-4 times daily vs 8-10 in summer
- Some beach clubs and seaside restaurants still closed - about 25% of Hvar Town's beachfront venues don't open until June
Best Activities in May
Lavender Field Photography Tours
May is peak lavender bloom season when fields across Hvar's interior plateau turn deep purple. Morning tours (7-10am) offer the best light and strongest fragrance before afternoon heat. The Velo Grablje village area has the most accessible fields within 8 km (5 miles) of Hvar Town. Avoid midday visits when sun is harsh and flowers close slightly.
Sea Kayaking and Cave Exploration
May offers ideal conditions for paddling - calmer seas than summer months but warm enough for comfortable water activities. The Pakleni Islands are 20 minutes paddle from Hvar Town with crystal-clear visibility for snorkeling. Water temperature 18-20°C (64-68°F) means you can stay in longer without full wetsuit. Morning sessions (8-11am) avoid afternoon wind pickup.
Wine Harvest Preparation Tours
May is when Hvar's famous wineries prepare for the growing season - pruning, soil preparation, and early grape development. Visit Stari Grad Plain UNESCO vineyards where 2,400-year-old Greek land divisions are still visible. Tastings feature previous year's harvest including indigenous Plavac Mali variety. Cooler May temperatures make vineyard walking tours comfortable vs scorching summer heat.
Fortress Hiking and Sunset Photography
The 30-minute hike to Španjola Fortress above Hvar Town is perfect in May's moderate temperatures - not the 35°C+ (95°F+) summer heat. Panoramic views of Pakleni Islands and lavender-dotted landscape. May sunsets occur around 7:30pm, giving time for afternoon exploration followed by golden hour photography. Trail is 2.5 km (1.6 miles) with 200m (656 ft) elevation gain.
Traditional Fishing Village Cycling
May's cooler mornings are ideal for cycling to authentic villages like Vrboska and Jelsa. The 'Little Venice' canals in Vrboska are particularly photogenic in spring light. Coastal road offers sea breezes and lavender field detours. Total circuit from Hvar Town is 45 km (28 miles) - manageable in May's 22°C (72°F) temperatures vs summer's heat.
Blue Cave and Five Islands Boat Tours
May offers the best Blue Cave experience - fewer crowds than summer but warm enough for swimming stops. Sea conditions are generally calmer for the 45-minute boat ride to Biševo Island. The ethereal blue illumination is strongest midday (11am-2pm) when sun angle is optimal. Combined tours visit Vis, Stiniva Beach, and other islands with swimming opportunities in 18-20°C (64-68°F) water.
May Events & Festivals
Hvar Lavender Festival
Local celebration of lavender harvest season with traditional distillation demonstrations, lavender product markets, and folk music performances in Velo Grablje village. Experience authentic island culture while fields are at peak bloom.
Mediterranean Garden Show
Annual botanical exhibition in Stari Grad featuring indigenous Dalmatian plants, traditional herb uses, and sustainable gardening workshops. Coincides with spring growing season when local flora is most vibrant.