Charter yachts work the Croatian coast from May until October. High summer brings the warmest water and the fullest harbours, and the months either side offer a warm sea with fewer boats. Three winds matter to sailors here. The maestral, a north-westerly sea breeze, fills in around midday on most summer days and dies away towards sunset. The bora, a cold, gusty north-easterly that falls from the mountains, and the jugo, a warm, damp south-easterly that brings cloud, rain and long swells, blow more often outside the summer.

APRIL AND MAY

17–23°C

Best for stone towns and spring walks

Spring brings mild, bright days, green islands and plenty of free berths. At about 14–16°C in April, rising to 17–19°C by late May, the water is bracing rather than warm, so this is the time for exploring old towns and walking in the national parks. The Krka waterfalls run at their fullest after the winter rain, and a passing bora can still bring a day or two of strong, cold wind.

JUNE

25–28°C

Best for maestral sailing and long evenings

June evenings stay light until late, and by the end of the month the Adriatic off Dalmatia has warmed to 21–23°C. The maestral is at its most dependable, giving good sailing between the islands on most afternoons. Summer is under way, yet there is more room on the coast than in July and August, so June suits every cruising area, from the Kornati down to Dubrovnik.

JULY AND AUGUST

28–31°C

Best for the warmest sea and busy waterfronts

High summer brings the most heat and the most boats. The sea reaches about 23–26°C, warmest in the south, and Hvar, the Pakleni islands and Dubrovnik are in full swing, with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival running from 10 July to 25 August. Marinas and town quays fill early, above all on Saturdays, when many charter boats change over, so the crew books berths and restaurant tables well in advance.

SEPTEMBER

24–26°C

Best for the grape harvest and warm water

The water holds most of its summer warmth, at around 22–24°C, while the crowds thin out as schools go back across Europe. Grapes are picked in the vineyards of Pelješac and Korčula, and the maestral still blows on most afternoons, though spells of jugo grow more frequent late in the month. Warm water, quieter anchorages and harvest-time food make it a strong choice for a charter.

OCTOBER

19–22°C

Best for truffles, olives and empty bays

With the sea at around 19–21°C, swimming is still pleasant, and the anchorages are almost empty. Expect more variety in the weather, with spells of bora and jugo between calm, clear days, and some island restaurants shutting for the winter during the month. Istria’s white truffle season is under way, and the olive harvest begins along the coast.