April-May: occasional showers, temperatures from 20-28 C. Winds generally NW 10-20 Knots (sometimes up to 25 Knots). June – August – sunny, stable, temperature from 26 – 30 C. Winds generally 10-20 Knots.
Sept-Oct: occasional showers (rain possible in late Oct). Winds generally NW 10-20 Knots but can be stronger in Oct up to 30 Knots.

The popularity of the Croatian coast as a sailing destination lies as much in the ideal climate as in the beauty of its shores and in the variety of sailing conditions. During the sailing season, May-October, blue skies, and warm weather prevail. However, colder and rainy weather can be always expected, especially in off-season months (Apr. May. Oct.). Sailors must be careful as the weather can change very quickly.

For successful sailing in Croatia, it is essential to know the weather behavior as the wind directions and force vary. Finding the protected spot for a lunch or overnight is therefore crucial. Luckily, the Croatian coastline offers an abundance of protected spots for all kinds of winds, whether they are coming from NE, SE, NW, etc.

Here are the most dominant winds

NW wind called Maestral is the most common wind you will find during the summer and it comes with good weather. Begins usually to blow around 10 a.m. and reaches full force around 1-2 p.m. Most of the time it dies before the sunset but sometimes can be expected during the night as well. Maestral picks up slowly while reaching the full force of approximately 16-20 kts. (can go up to 25kts).

NE-Bura is the strongest wind in Croatia. It’s dry and cold, blowing from the land to sea, in summertime brings good weather and clear skies. Because of the hilly configuration of the Croatian coast, Bura blows locally with varying force. It also causes Bura to blow in strong gusts and to begin unexpectedly. The force of the Bura may vary from a light breeze to very intense. Sailors must be careful as the gusts can suddenly pick up 10-15kts of the current wind strength for a short time.

SE-Jugo is a warm and humid wind. It blows over the entire Adriatic coast and brings the rough seas. Almost always comes with cloudy weather and rain. During summer Jugo mostly blows for 2-3 days. It blows with equal speed and doesn’t come suddenly therefore its strongest force and roughest seas can be expected on a second or third day of blowing. On average it blows 16-20kts.

Local showers and thunderstorms: Apart from the winds sailors have to be very careful about the sudden and strong local storms when sailing in Croatia. Usually coming from the W to E, storms are short but very often strong and intense. Very quickly they can turn sunny and calm weather into heavy showers and winds up to 60kts for a short period of time(up to an hour).