We have been in October for the last 3 years and while the
weather is more variable, it is generally warm both air and sea. We were there for 3 weeks in early October last year and the
weather was fantastic with air in mid 30s, sea temperatures near 30C. While the sea is
cooling down it will still usually be in the mid 20s which is nice unless you are special or Australian. Diligently listen to the
VHF forecast from Zadar, Split or Dubrovnik and act on it if the
wind is NE (Bora) or E/SE (Yugo), i.e. choose a sheltered anchorage from that
wind direction.
We choose to sail on the shoulder periods because its much quieter. Downside is that some restaurants are shut (but there will still be some open although the more
remote island ones are likely to be shut),
mooring buoys may be removed, shops may be open
winter hours and there may not be anyone to take your
money for
mooring (except
marinas which are hideously expensive unfortunately). Plus side is that you can
anchor or moor elsewhere easily.
It is difficult to recommend places as there are so many. There are very few stinkers. Most people reckon Hvar, Split Korcula and Dubrovnik are must do's. Get hold of a copy of 777 Harbours and
Anchorages which covers every cove and/or the Croatia
Cruising Companion by Cody & Nash which covers only Dalmatia up to Zadar but gives a lot more information to get the feel of the places. They both also give good
advice re shelter aspects of each place.
Our
boat is chartered through Trend Travel and Yachting who I would recommend. There are lots of good charter comapnies so I suggest you find one with the
boat you want and then search on web and ask on here for
reviews of the company.
You will need a large capacity memory card for your
camera, lightweight waterproofs (no boots) and maybe a hat for the sun.