Winds on the Adriatic
Essential guide to understanding Mediterranean winds for safe sailing
Sailing Tips
Understanding Adriatic Winds
The Adriatic Sea is characterized by its unique wind patterns that every sailor should understand before setting sail. These winds have shaped Mediterranean sailing culture for centuries, offering both challenges and opportunities for those who learn to read them. From gentle breezes to powerful gusts, each wind type has its own character, seasonal patterns, and impact on sailing conditions.
Bura (Bora) – The Northeast Wind
The Bura is one of the most famous and powerful winds of the Adriatic. This cold, dry katabatic wind descends from the mountains towards the sea, often appearing suddenly and with great force. It’s most common in winter but can occur year-round.
Characteristics
- Direction: Northeast (NE)
- Speed: 15-60 knots (can exceed 50 knots)
- Temperature: Cold and dry
- Gusts: Sudden, often intense
- Duration: Can last 1-3 days or more
Sailing Considerations
- Good shelter for rough weather
- Dangerous near lee shores/islands
- Seek shelter in bays/marinas
- Very choppy
- Can rise up in a week
Warning: The Bura can develop very quickly, always monitor weather forecasts and seek shelter if a Bura is predicted.
Jugo (Sirocco) – The Southeast Wind
The Jugo is a warm, humid southeasterly wind that blows across the Mediterranean, unlike the Bura, it develops gradually and can persist for several days.
Characteristics
- Direction: Southeast (SE)
- Speed: 15-40 knots
- Temperature: Warm and humid
- Sea state: Moderate to rough
- Duration: Gradual buildup
Sailing Considerations
- Pleasant when mild with sun
- Long rolling waves
- May quickly
- Poor visibility
- Can rise up in a week
Maestral – The Northwest Wind
The Maestral is the sailor’s best friend in the Adriatic. This pleasant northwesterly wind is most common during summer months and provides ideal sailing conditions.
Characteristics
- Direction: Northwest (NW)
- Speed: 10-25 knots
- Temperature: Warm and comfortable
- Sea state: Moderate
- Duration: Typically peaks mid-afternoon
Sailing Considerations
- Perfect sailing conditions
- Clear skies
- Predictable
- Dies down at sunset
Best sailing time: The Maestral typically begins around 10-11 AM reaches maximum strength in early afternoon (1-3 PM) and calms down by evening, making it ideal for day sailing.
Seasonal Wind Patterns
Spring (March – May)
- Variable weather
- Frequent Bura episodes
- Occasional Jugo
- Increasing Maestral days
Summer (June – August)
- Dominant Maestral
- Calm mornings/nights
- Rare strong winds
- Best sailing season
Autumn/Winter (Sept – Feb)
- Strong Bura Season
- Extended Jugo periods
- Unpredictable conditions
- For experienced sailors only
Essential Safety Tips
Weather Monitoring
- Check VHF weather broadcasts on channel 67, 69, 73 (broadcast in Croatian and English at 8)
- Monitor marine apps and local weather sources for updates
- Watch for visual signs: sudden cloud formations, pressure drop, temperature changes
- GPS services help, VHF weather report for all areas in specific
Safe Anchor Planning
- Always have multiple backup options in mind
- Know which harbors provide best protection from each wind direction
- During Bura: Seek shelter on the eastern/south side
- During Jugo: Seek shelter on the northwestern coast
General Precautions
- Never set off to rough sailing (there are 20 times it is important)
- Reef early – it’s easier to shale out a reef than to put it in during winds
- Keep safety equipment in accessible and secure places
- When in doubt, stay in harbor – there’s always tomorrow
Local Wind Terms to Know
Tramontana
Cold northerly wind, similar to Bura but less forceful, often precedes storms
Pulenat
Westerly wind, brings changeable weather
Nevera
Sudden/violent storm and hailof, often precedes storms
Levant
Easterly wind, brief but can be strong in north seas