Blessing and a Curse: Croatia Winds

This beautiful setting between mountains, plains and sea that characterize Croatia also characterize the winds which have a large affect on the weather. Especially popular is the "fair weather wind" Maestral, which makes the greatest summer heat bearable and is at its strongest in July and August. The Maestral usually starts in the morning, then increases gradually until early afternoon and then subsides slowly. Sailors appreciate it, especially in Dalmatia, where it appears particularly strong and provides the perfect conditions for water sports.

Jugo, a warm wind from the south-east, is also known in the Mediterranean under the name of Scirocco, and brings not only warmth, but often also rain and overcast sky. These rainfalls occur mainly in the spring up until around June and can last up to a week. In contrast, the Bora occurs suddenly. The cold wind that suddenly collapses down from the Velebit, Biokovo and Mosor mountains to the sea is notorious because of its unpredictable gusts and high wind speeds. Sailors and airmen must be particularly wary of this wind. The good news: The Bora never stops blowing for long except for in the winter months and often brings good, clear weather. Almost as feared as the Bora are also the Lebic and Garbin. Two Southwest winds that bring dry air, but blow very violently and can cause dangerous cross waves, which sailors especially have to watch out for. The Lebic usually announces itself with a glowing sunset.