Weather and climate in Poljica
Central Dalmatia has a genuine Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, rainier winters. With around 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, the region is among the sunniest in Europe – more than the French Riviera.
Below is a year-round overview for Poljica. Values refer to the Split-Marjan weather station (about 30 km away, representative for our coast).
Climate across the year
| Month | Air (avg day) | Air (avg night) | Sea | Sun/day | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 °C | 5 °C | 13 °C | 4 h | 11 |
| February | 11 °C | 5 °C | 12 °C | 5 h | 10 |
| March | 14 °C | 7 °C | 13 °C | 6 h | 10 |
| April | 18 °C | 10 °C | 15 °C | 7 h | 9 |
| May | 23 °C | 14 °C | 18 °C | 9 h | 8 |
| June | 27 °C | 18 °C | 22 °C | 11 h | 6 |
| July | 30 °C | 21 °C | 24 °C | 12 h | 4 |
| August | 30 °C | 21 °C | 25 °C | 11 h | 5 |
| September | 26 °C | 17 °C | 23 °C | 9 h | 7 |
| October | 20 °C | 13 °C | 20 °C | 6 h | 9 |
| November | 15 °C | 9 °C | 17 °C | 4 h | 12 |
| December | 11 °C | 6 °C | 15 °C | 4 h | 12 |
Values are long-term averages – individual days will vary.
The seasons
Spring (March – May) is our favourite time. The landscape is still green, flowers bloom (mimosa as early as February, broom from April), the air is crystal clear. Days are T-shirt weather, evenings cooler. The sea is 15–18 °C – some guests swim anyway.
Early summer (June) brings stable, warm days, the sea reaches 22 °C, and the peak crowds haven’t arrived yet. Ideal for active travellers, families and couples: warm enough for the water, not yet overrun, temperatures below 30 °C.
High summer (July – August) – 30 °C daytime, sea around 25 °C, and also full beaches and restaurants. The AC in every apartment becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Plan hikes and city trips either early in the morning or after 5 pm. Evenings stay warm far into the night.
Late summer (September) is a second peak – the sea is still 23 °C, but the air cools down and the crowds thin out. Many returning guests pick this month.
Autumn (October – November) is a mild transition. October often still above 20 °C daytime, sea around 20 °C, good hiking. November cools noticeably and gets rainier, but days rarely drop below 15 °C.
Winter (December – February) has mild temperatures but more rain and occasionally strong northerly winds (see below). Snow on the coast is extremely rare – fleeting if at all. For hikers, cyclists and city travellers, winter is also a viable season.
The local winds
Two winds define the Adriatic climate – you’ll hear their names from locals.
- Bura (northeast) – dry, cold, often strong. Mostly in winter and spring, occasionally storm-force. With bura the sky goes crystal clear but the sea stays rough. Sailors stay in port when bura blows.
- Jugo (southeast) – warm, humid, often cloudy and rainy. Brings most of the precipitation. Can last several days.
- Maestral (northwest) – the pleasant summer wind. Reliably picks up in the afternoon, cools the coast, gives sailors their best days.
Current forecast
Best time to visit, by type of holiday
- Beach holiday: June to September
- Active travel (hiking, cycling): April to June and September to October
- City trips, without the heat: April, May, September, October
- Quiet, no tourism: November to March – weather-lottery in January/February
- Olive harvest season: November to December