Winds on the Adriatic are named according to the direction from which they blow. The most common winds are the bura (NE) and jugo (SE). Weather conditions in the Adriatic are determined by movement of cyclones over Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The usual direction movement of cyclones is from west to east. Light to moderate winds with few storms last until June, while in July and August prevail stable weather conditions, although there is the possibility of more frequent storms. From September the wind strength is increasing.
is a dry and cold northeastern wind which blows from the mainland. It brings bright weather. It blows mostly in winter, while in summer it can last for two days. Bura blows in gusts and starts quite suddenly. Waves are low, short and irregular. It is strongest in the Velebit Channel and the Gulf of Trieste.
is a warm and humid southeastern wind which blows from the sea. It occurs during cloudy and rainy weather and develops high waves, up to 5 meters. It blows throughout the Adriatic. It’s not sudden like the bura and often blows steadily. It is strongest in the southern Adriatic. Can last for three days, while in winter for nine days.
is a northwestern wind and it’s characteristic for nice and stable weather. It blows from the sea, mostly in the summer. It is created by the differences in temperature between the mainland and sea. Usually starts blowing around 9 or 10 in the morning, reaches its highest strength in the afternoon at about 5, and fades at sunset.The maestral can reach force from 5 to 6 beaufort.
Tramontana is a type of bura which blows from north. It is a local, cold and dry, short-term wind but not so strong and gusty as bura. It’s stronger in the south parts of the Adriatic.
is a type of bura which blows from east. It’s a short-termed wind, which blows steadily, without gusts. In winter it is often followed by rainy weather and low temperatures, while in summer, in sunny and stable weather, sometimes blows in the early morning through channels in between the mid Dalmatian islands.
blows from the southwest. It is a stormy wind which carries showers, creates huge waves and lack of visibility. It is particularly strong during winter and autumn, and because of its huge waves and sudden appearing it is dangerous for unprepared and unprotected boats.
blows from the west. It is a rare, transient, short-termed, cold and dangerous wind. Brings short but abundant rain.
