The climate in Croatia is "Mediterranean", with dry and hot summers and sometimes cool and wet weather during the winter. The coast is considered as one of the sunniest areas in Europe! It often counts over 2.500 hours of sunshine per year, the seawater has a good bathing temperature from May to October. If you are choosing a cruise along the Adriatic, you will find a very pleasant weather and warm water from April to October (even at the end of the month). Winds vary, in summer they tend to get weaker, while in spring and autumn they can be stronger. The choice of a bay, where you can anchor the boat during the night, should be chosen according to the prevailing wind:
Maestrale (also called Maestral) - This wind should not be confused with the "Mistral" of the Rhone valley in France, which is extremely unpredictable! Maestrale, on the other hand, is typical and common fair-weather wind that will often guide you during the yacht charter in Croatia. It starts in the late morning and lasts until the evening, mostly with wind forces up to 4 Beaufort. Deep blue sky, rare clouds, sailor courage! What else do you need? Maestrale is a thermal wind and it forms due to faster air heating on land than at sea. Therefore, the air flows over the land, blowing in the lower layers from the sea to land, and in the upper area, it blows back into the sea. This creates the perfect wind dynamics for sailors, which lasts from 10 to 18 o'clock. The opposite effect is often observed during the night in a less intense form: Burin, a night wind, caused by faster cooling of the land mass by the sea.
Jugo - This is where the weather gets worse, it blows from the southeast. First, there is a harsh weather, followed by the rain and the strong wind, which develops a force up to 7 Beaufort. It takes a day or two, then it ceases. However, in autumn and spring, it can also blow stronger and longer, so it should not be underestimated.
Bora - This wind (female) is dangerous, but fortunately quite rare. Bora blows from the northeast and comes with the proverbial clear sky! It is not uncommon that the wind speed rises up to 9 Beaufort on the mainland. This is caused by a large difference in the air pressure between the water and the mountains. It usually only lasts one day, then it is over and the wind is moderate again.
Air and water temperature in the year overview in the recommended charter months:
April: 21° air - 17° water
May: Air 23° - Water 20°
June: Air 29° - Water 23°
July: Air 29° - Water 24°
August: Air 29° - Water 24°
September: Air 25° - Water 23°
October: Air 22° - Water 21°
