Winds in Croatia

Winds
The most frequent winds on Adriatic are the Bura,Jugo and Maestral. Rarely blows Ostro, Lebic, Pulenat, Tramontana and Levant, as well as winds of coastal circulation like Burin or Zmorac. During the summer are dominated winds Mistral and Tramontana dominate. In winter months, dominated winds are Bura and Jugo. On the Adriatic coast the weather conditions in can change rapidly. Wind can turn the direction very fast.Therefore it is always good to follow the weather forecast and respect conditions at sea.

Bura (NNE to ENE)
Bura is a dry and cold north-easterly wind blowing from land to the sea. Extremely unpleasant and unpredictable because it begins abruptly and blows in gusts. The strongest bora occurs in mountain passes and its strength weakens moving away from the coast. On the coast can reach speeds of over 200 km/h. Bura is the most powerful in winter period, when can last up to 10 days. Often causes problems in traffic. During the summer usual blows for one or two days as local wind. For sailors can be very dangerous because it comes very suddenly and with strong wind gusts. Bura makes a short waves with foam on the top. It raises the sea dust and reduce visibility. Bura is most dangerous in its strength and speed in the Kvarner region, Velebit channel, area of Maslenica, Nin bay, Vrulje bay and on Peljesac peninsula.

Jugo (ESE to SSE)
Jugo is mostly warm and moist southeasterly wind. It comes from Otranto and creates large,long waves. It develops slowly over 24 hours and blowing up to 5-6 days. Air pressure drops and there are many low rainy clouds. It can develop into stormy south wind without raining. During the summer occurs as local wind, mainly in the southern Adriatic.

Maestral (SE to NW)
Maestral is a pleasant summer wind that blows from the northwest. It is caused by temperature difference between shore and the sea. It begins to blow every day around 11.00 pm, slowly increasing and ends with the sunset. With its low constant speed, relieves summer heat along the coast. Maestral is ideal for sailing in the summer and during the charter season. It is well known to the sailors.

Tramontana (N to NW)
Tramontana is northern dry wind that lasts for a very short time, usually one day. It occurs more frequently in the southern Adriatic and it comes with good weather and high air pressure.

Burin
Burin is gentle summer wind or breeze. Blowing from the north at night and announces clear skies.

Nevera
Nevera is the thermal storm coming from the west and open sea. It is very unpleasant as it comes suddenly and rapidly.Before the storm is usually very calm and quiet. The colors of the sea are more intensive. It last very short, but has vast power and can cause major damage. The strongest storms occur in summer and early autumn, when you should be very careful. Don’t let to surprise you, so it’s the best to change the route immediately!