Winds around Korcula

Bura (Bora) Wind – The Bura is an unpredictable wind that blows from the mainland towards the sea in gushes. It is relatively cold and dry, reaches moderate strength and can last several hours. It cleans and clears up the atmosphere, therefore visibility after the Bura wind is excellent and the weather is sunny and clear. Although it is generally a winter wind, it is present year-round and mostly in the morning, reaching an average speed of 11 m/s. Given that it gushes from mountain slopes towards the sea, it comes most often from the northeast, that is from the NNE, NE or ENE directions. On the open sea, the Bura often changes into the northwestern wind. The Bura is known for its “capriciousness”, that is, it is blowing in gushes, as well as sudden and often unexpected beginning. The gushes of wind can be accompanied by rumbling and exchange with the calm or weak wind in periods of one or more minutes. The summer Bura appears mostly in the northern Adriatic in the area where the mountains are narrowest (Velebit). The coming of the Bura can be recognised by the cloud cap that covers the top of Velebit or Biokovo mountains before the beginning of the wind. The waves that are created by the Bura are short and move away quickly from the mainland, while their broken tops are transformed into white sea foam. Strong gushes can temporarily lift drops of water into the air creating a “sea dust”.

Here’s some practical advice when it comes to the Bura: if sailing along the coast of an island that is facing the mainland you run into a zone without vegetation, this is a sign that a strong Bura blows there. If you are sailing during the Bura, excitement will abound because it is a great challenge that requires caution with regards to the preparation of both boat and crew. Along with avoiding sailing close to windy coastlines, prepare yourself for possible manoeuvring and arm yourself with patience, since you will probably have to change the combination of sails several times. Do not forget to put safety first. Sailing in small sailboats is recommended to top-notch yachtsmen only. More about Bura (Bora) Wind in Korcula – Peljesac Channel and see photos & videos + Video of Bora Scura in Korcula

Gregal (Gregale) Wind

Lebic blows from the southwest, from the African coast – this wind is called libeccio in Italy and this means that it blows from Libya.

Levant or Levanat is a warm southeastern wind that brings moist air.

Jugo/ Siloko : Jugo/Siloko is a southwestern wind of moderate strength that blows from the sea towards the coast, and is present along the entire coastline, blowing in the ESE, SE or SSE directions. Generally, you will run into it more often when sailing south of the northern Adriatic and, as it belongs to the group of spring-fall winds that are accompanied by rain and humidity, the Jugo does not blow often in the summer.
When it does, you can recognise it by the following characteristics: the wind blows with a gradual increase without interruptions, creating very beautiful, long waves without noise and foam. Only when a strong Jugo blows do the waves pound against the shoreline, retreating towards the open sea with a rumble. Seeing as its wave are equal, and its constant strength and wind direction are its greatest challenge, the Jugo allows for dynamic sailing with sails taut with a constant wind that allows the sailboat to achieve great speed. Video: Vela Przina Beach in Jugo/Siloko wind – December 2009 + more videos of weather in Korcula

Maestral – Maestral is a typical Adriatic summer northwestern wind and one of those winds that are characteristic for beautiful and stable weather. After the morning calm, almost always around noon during summer begins its pleasant circulation that can last, with increases, to dusk. The Maestral can reach force 5 to 6 winds, while areas, where this wind is most common, are the Zadar and Korcula channels.
It is almost as though the Maestral was created for pleasant and carefree sailing without manoeuvring because its force is constant and its nature is predictable and mild. While the Bura and Jugo, each in their own way, offer yachtsmen excitement and challenge, the Maestral guarantees pure pleasure during which you can enjoy in the sea without any worries. Due to the fact that, at sunset, the necessary conditions for the creation of the Maestral disappear, at the first sign of darkness, a gentle night force 3 breeze starts to blow from the mainland to give way at sunrise to a calm sea that will, on a regular basis, once again around noon be replaced by the refreshing Maestral.

Even though the Adriatic sea does not belong to seas that are dangerous and unpredictable and sailing can take place all year round, nevertheless, the most favourable conditions are from mid-June to mid-October when even those with little experience can enjoy in sea adventures. See photo of Strong Maestral Wind in Korcula + video of Maestral arriving in Peljesac Channel

Nevera is a stormy wind on the sea, without constant direction, it is a passing and very strong wind. Nevera or neverin is a storm of short duration that are frequent weather conditions in the Adriatic. It moves at very high speeds, and the faster it moves the more violent are the winds. It usually features thunder, lightning, heavy rain or hail, and violent gusts of wind. The sudden Nevera may be highly dangerous especially for small boats. See photo of Nevera by Night in Korcula and video of Nevera / Neverin in Peljesac Channel

Pulenat is a moist west wind which is rather frequent during springtime.

Tremuntana (Tramontana) – The name Tramontana comes from the Italian word ‘Tramonto’ which means sunset. It’s a northern thermal wind (usually it’s a little bit colder) and blows in the evening when the weather is stable.
When it’s on in the afternoon the wind is never stronger than 10-15 knots. However, the Tramontana is also a wind that comes after rain or a storm and it can be very dangerous and strong. Photos of Tremuntana in Korcula

Related Info: My Korcula Weather video channel on Youtube