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Best Time to Visit Makarska for an Active Holiday

Makarska offers far more than sun and sea. Discover the best months for running, hiking, cycling and recovery, based on weather, crowds and sea conditions, and plan an active holiday that truly matches your rhythm.

Best months for active travel in Makarska: spring and early autumn.

Best Time to Visit Makarska for an Active Holiday

Makarska is famous for sun and sea - but if you travel for movement, fresh air and that "I slept well" feeling, timing matters. This guide breaks down Makarska weather by month, crowd levels, sea temperatures, and the best seasons for running, hiking, cycling and recovery, so you can plan a stay that actually fits your rhythm.

The quick answer

  • Best overall for active travellers: May-June and September-October (comfortable temperatures, long days, fewer crowds).
  • Best for calm training + nature: March-April (cooler air, quiet trails, easy sleep).
  • Best for sea + summer energy: July-August (train early/late, recover in the water, expect peak crowds).

Makarska climate overview

Makarska sits between the Adriatic and the Biokovo mountains, which creates a wonderful mix: sea breezes, bright mornings and dramatic landscapes that make outdoor activity feel effortless (most days). The season shifts are real and that’s great news if you’re choosing Makarska specifically for an active holiday.

At-a-glance: what changes through the year

  • Spring (Mar-May): crisp mornings, comfortable daytime temperatures, quieter promenades.
  • Early summer (Jun): warm sea, long daylight, still activity-friendly.
  • Peak summer (Jul-Aug): hottest months, busiest town vibe, best for water-based recovery.
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): warm sea, softer heat, ideal for hiking and long outdoor days.

Tip: If your main goal is running, hiking or cycling, prioritise air temperature and crowd levels over sea temperature. Your body will thank you.

Best months to visit Makarska for an active holiday

March-April: quiet, fresh, training-friendly

This is the season for people who love the "clean start" feeling: cooler air, peaceful routes, and the kind of calm that makes you want to wake up and move. Expect fewer crowds, easier parking, and that satisfying post-workout hunger that makes breakfast taste better.

  • Great for: running, hiking, cycling, mobility + strength routines
  • Vibe: quiet nature, clear head, “training camp” energy
  • Pro tip: pack layers - mornings can feel cool, midday can be pleasantly warm

May-June: the sweet spot (best overall)

If you can choose only one window, choose this one. Days are long, the sea starts to feel inviting, and the heat usually stays in the "happy" zone - warm enough for outdoor dining, not too hot for a long run or a bike ride.

  • Great for: mixed training (run + gym + swim), longer hikes, active couples’ trips
  • Vibe: energetic but not chaotic - ideal balance of activity and relaxation
  • Pro tip: schedule your toughest sessions for mornings and use afternoons for recovery (sea, shade, slow walks)

July-August: peak summer (train smart, recover well)

Peak summer is for travellers who want the full Mediterranean mood: warm nights, buzzing promenades, and sea time that feels like therapy. For active guests, the rule is simple: move early or late, then recover like a professional - hydration, shade, and sea swims.

  • Great for: sunrise runs, water workouts, gentle hikes (early), recovery-focused stays
  • Vibe: lively, social, high season
  • Pro tip: keep midday for rest - the best training plan is the one you can actually sustain

September-October: warm sea, softer heat, perfect rhythm

This is the "why didn’t I do this sooner?" season. The sea is still warm, the air cools down, and the destination feels more spacious. Long outdoor days return, without the intensity of peak summer heat.

  • Great for: long hikes, steady-state runs, cycling, active escapes with a premium calm
  • Vibe: relaxed, refined, nature-first
  • Pro tip: if you want the best photos + best training conditions, this is your window

Best time to visit Makarska by activity

Best time for running in Makarska

For most runners, comfort wins. Aim for March-June and September-October, when you can enjoy longer sessions without fighting heat and crowds.

  • Best seasons: spring and early autumn
  • Best time of day (summer): sunrise + after sunset

Best time for hiking (Biokovo & coastal trails)

Hiking is at its best when visibility is clear and the air is cooler. Choose April-June or September-October for strong legs, better comfort and a more enjoyable pace.

  • Best seasons: late spring + early autumn
  • Safety: bring water, sun protection and plan routes based on heat and daylight

Best time for cycling

Cyclists usually love the shoulder seasons, when roads feel calmer and the temperature supports longer rides. March-June and September-October are ideal.

  • Best seasons: spring + early autumn
  • Summer tip: start early, finish earlier, recover with swim + shade

Best time for sea swims & recovery

If recovery is part of your routine, plan around warm sea temperatures. The sea is typically most inviting in June through October. This is perfect for contrast recovery (move, swim, rest, repeat).

Why TUI BLUE Makarska works so well for active travel

An active holiday isn’t only about the destination - it’s about how easily your day flows: sleep quality, breakfast timing, access to movement, and a calm base that supports recovery. That’s where a well-designed hotel stay makes a difference.

  • Balanced rhythm: easy mornings, comfortable spaces, and time to recover well.
  • Movement-first mindset: perfect for guests who want to stay consistent (not extreme).
  • Makarska as your playground: sea air + mountain backdrop = natural motivation.

Explore more: Experiences | Rooms | Blue Moments

Looking for your ideal dates? Check availability and plan your active stay at TUI BLUE Makarska.

Crafted by the TT Hotels Croatia Storytelling Team at TUI BLUE Makarska | Inspired by the sea. Created for the soul.