The climate of Split
Split,
Croatia, situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, falls under the Cfb or oceanic climate category of the Köppen climate classification. This climate classification, often associated with marine west coast climates, boasts a warm summer. Split enjoys a pleasantly mild climate throughout the year, making it a favored destination among regional and international tourists.
The weather in Split transforms across the calendar months, offering a different ambiance per season. An analysis of the weather patterns highlights a significant differentiation in temperature, sunlight, and rainfall. High temperatures switch from a cool 10.3°C (50.5°F) in
January to a warm 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
July. Low temperatures also correspondingly shift between 5.4°C (41.7°F) during January to 21.6°C (70.9°F) during the peak of summer in July.
In terms of daylight, Split exhibits longer days during the summer months, from a low of 9.4 hours in January to a peak of 15.4 hours during
June. Sunshine, a crucial aspect of a holiday experience, typically ranges between 3.8 hours in
December to a high of 11.3 hours in July.
Rainfall in Split shows a varying pattern across the year. The driest period occurs during July with a rainfall of 28mm (1.1"), while
November brings with it the highest amount of precipitation, reaching up to 114mm (4.49").
The best time to visit Split
The peak tourist season in
Split falls during the summer months, from
June to
August, when the average high temperature rises from 22.5°C (72.5°F) (in
May) to reach between 25.1°C (77.2°F) (
September) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) (in
July). These high temperatures combine with hours of daylight above 14.7 and long sunshine hours varying from 8.8 to 10.6 to provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Simultaneously, the seaside resort town sees relatively lower rainfall, between 28mm (1.1") in July and 72mm (2.83") in September. The sea temperature is also at its warmest during these months, varying from 18.3°C (64.9°F) in May to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in August. As a result, travelers can indulge in water-related activities, including swimming, sailing, and snorkeling.
The worst time to visit Split
The period from
November to
January tends to exhibit less favorable weather conditions for tourists. During these months, the high temperatures fall to around 11°C (51.8°F) in
December and 13.7°C (56.7°F) in
March, with low temperatures chilling down to 5.4°C (41.7°F) in January to a slightly better 7.6°C (45.7°F) in March.
Rainfall significantly heightens during these months, spiking from 78mm (3.07") in
October to 114mm (4.49") and 104mm (4.09") during November and December, respectively. The sea temperature also drops during this period, with December marking a cool 16°C (60.8°F).
Spring weather in Split
Spring in
Split, extending from
March to
May, possesses moderate weather conditions. During these months, the average high temperature escalates from 13.7°C (56.7°F) in March to 22.5°C (72.5°F) in May, as the low temperature concurrently rises from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). The sea's temperature also gradually warms, ranging from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in
April to 18.3°C (64.9°F) by May.
Spring also sees a corresponding reduction in the rainfall pattern, declining from 64mm (2.52") in March to 56mm (2.2") in May. Daylight hours increase from 11.9 hours in March to 14.7 hours in May, creating plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Split
Summers in
Split, extending from
June to
August, with high temperatures between 22.5°C (72.5°F) and 29.5°C (85.1°F), promise the best conditions for tourism. The lows maintain a pleasant range from 15.2°C (59.4°F) in June to 21.5°C (70.7°F) in August. A significant decrease in the average rainfall, along with a steady rise in daylight hours, contributes to a favorable summer climate.
During summer, the sunshine duration elongates to a stretch varying from 10.2 to 8.2 hours, promoting longer, enjoyable beach days. The sea's temperature also peaks at its highest, ranging from 22.3°C (72.1°F) in June to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in August, making it perfect for water-related activities.
Autumn weather in Split
Although the Autumn in
Split (from
September to
November) sees an average high temperature reduction from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F), it is still a good time for visiting, especially for those who prefer a cooler climate. The average low temperature ranges from 18.1°C (64.6°F) in September to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in November.
However, an increase in average rainfall along with a gradual reduction in sea temperature (from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F)) and daylight hours makes it less ideal than the summer. The sunshine duration decreases from 8.2 hours in September to 4.3 hours in November, but the time is still adequate for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Split
Winter months in
Split, from
December through
February, bring cooler weather. Average high temperatures fall from 14.9°C (58.8°F) in
November to 11°C (51.8°F) in February, while average low shrink from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to a lower 5.5°C (41.9°F) during the same period. The sea temperature also decreases to a low of 13.7°C (56.7°F) in
January, making it unsuitable for water-based activities.
Rainfall peaks in November, remains high in December, and eventually starts to decrease in January. Daylight hours also reduce, averaging between 9.7 hours in December to 10.5 hours by February. However, snowfall is almost entirely absent, making it more comfortable for visitors unfamiliar with snowy conditions. Though sunshine hours decrease during winter, they range from 3.8 to 5.2 hours per day, sufficient for short outdoor strolls and city exploration.
Weather in January
The new year in
Split,
Croatia starts with cool average temperatures from 10.3°C (50.5°F) for the highest daytime to 5.4°C (41.7°F) for the lowest at night, setting a chilly beginning for the year. As the sun shines brightest up to 4.2 hours a day, the winter sea maintains a comfortable warmth of 13.7°C (56.7°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February's weather pattern shows a minor increase in temperatures as compared to
January, heralding the transition from winter toward spring. The sunlight duration extends, thus making daylight visibly longer. However, there is no significant shift in terms of precipitation and sea temperature.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is highlighted with a considerable rise in temperatures, signifying the onset of spring in
Split. The increase is noticeable in both the day and night temperatures. Also, longer sunlight hours contribute to the warming trend this month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a further upswing in temperature, with the environment becoming significantly warmer. Correspondingly, the duration of sunlight extends and the days get longer. With an increase in sea temperature, water activities begin to gain popularity.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The arrival of
May in
Split ushers in a marked shift in weather, with the temperatures soaring high and summer clearly on the horizon. It's also when the city sees the longest sunshine hours, making it an opportune time for sunbathing on the beach.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June stands out with the highest sea temperature and the longest daylight hours, marking the beginning of the summer season. This month sees a significant surge in temperatures, turning the city decidedly warm. It's also the start of the summer solstice, resulting in the lengthiest days of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the hottest month in
Split, with temperatures climbing to the year's highest. The abundance of sunshine ensures that the city basks in warmth throughout the month. Moreover, the decreasing trend in rainfall, coupled with the maximum UV index, adds to the summer heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains a nearly identical temperature range as
July, making it the second warmest month of the year. With minimal rainfall, the weather remains typically dry throughout the month. The daylight and sunshine hours start to dwindle gradually, indicating the nearing end of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a gradual decrease in temperature, marking the transition from summer to autumn. Though the sea remains warm, the diminishing sunshine hours can make swimming in the sea less appealing. With an increase in rainfall and frequency of rainy days, the dry spell ends, replacing it with more moist conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a noticeable drop in temperatures as well as a significant increase in rainfall, symbolizing the full onset of the autumn season. The days become considerably shorter, and the sunshine duration decreases. Even though sea temperatures remain reasonably comfortable, the lesser daylight and increased rainfall make beach activities less popular.
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November, the temperatures in
Split further dip by a substantial margin, indicating the upcoming winter. Along with the increase in the frequency of rainy days, the city also experiences the highest rainfall of the year. The daytime becomes even shorter, and the sunshine duration reduces, adding to the cold weather conditions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December sees the lowest temperatures, marking the onset of winter in
Split. With shorter days and longer nights, the daylight hours are at their shortest due to the winter solstice. Compounding to the winter chill is the low sea temperature, making water activities unfavorable.
Weather in December » [Resources]