Travel time: Year-round
Located on a small peninsula along the Dalmatian coast, Split enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate (Csa). This translates to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but the city's unique geography—buffered by the Adriatic Sea and framed by the Dinaric Alps—creates distinct local weather phenomena that define the experience for residents and visitors alike.
Split's daily weather is heavily influenced by its proximity to the water. During the warm months, a thermal wind known as the Maestral typically begins in the mid-morning, peaking in the afternoon. This refreshing northwesterly breeze acts as a natural air conditioner, cooling the city and providing ideal conditions for sailing. As night falls, the land cools faster than the sea, often leading to a gentle offshore breeze (Burin) that keeps evening strolls on the Riva promenade comfortable.
Summers are characterized by intense sunshine and minimal rainfall. Temperatures frequently climb above 30°C (86°F). July is the sunniest and driest month, often seeing the sky clear 80% of the time. While the heat is dry and generally low in humidity (around 50% in August), the high solar radiation can make mid-day feel significantly more intense than the thermometer suggests.
September is arguably the most pleasant month, as the Adriatic Sea retains its summer heat while the air temperature mellows to the mid-20s°C (70s°F). However, November marks the start of the wet season. This is the month with the highest rainfall frequency, often delivered in heavy, dramatic downpours rather than persistent drizzle.
Winters are mild by European standards, with average highs around 10°C (50°F). Snow is a rare event that typically melts quickly. The "feel" of winter in Split depends entirely on the wind. Sunny days can be remarkably pleasant, but cloudier days bring higher humidity (averaging 67% in December) and a damp chill.
Spring is a transitional period of rapid change. Early spring can be volatile as cold air masses from the interior clash with maritime warmth. By May, the city enters a stable "pre-summer" phase with comfortable temperatures and blooming Mediterranean flora, though the sea remains brisk for swimmers until late June.
In Split, the wind is more than just weather; it is a cultural and psychological factor.
Split's microclimate is shaped by Marjan Hill, which provides a windbreak for parts of the city. Additionally, the surrounding islands like Šolta and Brač act as a physical barrier from the open sea, often making Split's coastal waters calmer than those further out. However, the proximity to the mountains means that while the coast stays sunny, storm clouds can often be seen gathering just a few kilometers inland over the Klis fortress.
Split locals, or "Splićani," have a high level of weather literacy. You will often see them adjusting their daily rhythm based on whether it is a "Bura day" or a "Jugo day." Rain in Split is rarely a quiet affair; it usually arrives with theatrical thunder and lightning, causing the stone streets of the Old Town to become famously slick. When the sun returns, life immediately moves back outdoors to the Riva, reflecting a culture that is deeply synchronized with the Adriatic's moods.