Travel time: Year-round
Dubrovnik is characterized by a classic Mediterranean climate ($Csa$ in the Köppen classification), defined by hot, bone-dry summers and mild, wet winters. Positioned on the southern Adriatic coast at the foot of Mount Srđ, the city’s weather is a constant dialogue between the sea and the stone mountains behind it.
Summer is the season of stability. High-pressure systems dominate, bringing long, sun-drenched days with over 11 hours of sunshine. Temperatures frequently climb to $30°C$ ($86°F$) or higher. Rainfall is rare, often limited to short, intense mountain thunderstorms that roll in from the Dinaric Alps and dissipate quickly. The Adriatic Sea reaches its peak warmth in August, averaging $25°C$ ($77°F$).
September is arguably the most temperate month, retaining summer’s warmth ($25°C$) while the sea remains perfectly swimmable. However, by late October, the transition to the "wet season" begins. November is historically the wettest month, seeing significant rainfall (up to 198mm). This is when the humid southern wind, the Jugo, begins to dominate, bringing heavy clouds and a restless, choppy sea.
Winter in Dubrovnik is mild compared to continental Europe, with daytime highs rarely dropping below $10°C$ ($50°F$). True freezing temperatures and snow are exceptional events. The primary challenge is the rain and the wind. While the city remains green due to its Mediterranean flora, the atmosphere is often gray and damp, punctuated by the piercingly cold, dry "Bura" wind.
Spring is a period of rapid awakening. March can still be breezy and volatile, but by May, temperatures rise to a comfortable $21°C$ ($70°F$). The landscape is at its most vibrant, though the sea takes longer to catch up, remaining "refreshing" (around $18°C$) until June.
In Dubrovnik, the weather is often defined more by the wind than the thermometer. Locals identify three primary winds that dictate the "feel" of the day:
During the summer, the climate follows a predictable rhythm. Mornings are calm and clear. By mid-afternoon, the Maestral breeze picks up, making the coastal heat manageable. Evenings are balmy and conducive to outdoor life. In winter, the daylight hours are short (around 9 hours), and once the sun set behind the mountains or the Elaphite islands, the temperature drops sharply, especially if a northern wind is blowing.
The Old Town, encased in thick limestone walls, acts as a heat sink, staying significantly warmer in the evening than the more open areas like Lapad or Babin Kuk. Conversely, the narrow stradun (streets) can act as wind tunnels during a Bura event. Areas further inland or higher up on Mount Srđ can be $3$-$5°C$ cooler than the coastline and are more prone to fog and cloud cover.
Dubrovnik’s architecture is a direct response to its climate. High ceilings and stone walls in the Old Town provide natural insulation against the summer heat. Historically, the city’s cisterns and water systems (like the Onofrio Fountain) were engineered to manage the long, dry summers. Locals adapt to the seasonal shifts by shifting their schedules—taking a "siesta" during the $2 PM$ peak summer heat and embracing the "Bura-cleared" sunny winter days for long walks along the coast.