Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, is characterized by a temperate oceanic framework, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfa and Cfb. This region experiences a broad temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a frigid -26°C (-15°F) in January, contrasting sharply with summer peaks that soar to a sweltering 39°C (103°F) in August. The average annual temperature settles at a mild 15°C (59°F), which underscores the region's diverse climate conditions that significantly influence its ecological and social landscapes.
In Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations that reflect the region's temperate climate. Winter months are marked by frigid conditions, with January recording minimum temperatures as low as -26°C (-15°F) and averaging around 6°C (42°F), while February and March see slightly milder ranges. As spring unfolds, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in May when average highs reach 31°C (88°F). The summer months of June, July, and August are characterized by warmth, with August hitting maximums of 39°C (103°F) and maintaining average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to decline again, with October averaging 15°C (60°F) and November witnessing a return to cooler conditions. This cyclical trend, from harsh winters to warm summers, showcases the significant seasonal transitions within the region.
In Tisno, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (23°F) in January to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F) in August, reflecting a typical Mediterranean climate. Similarly, Sibenik experiences slightly cooler winters with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) in January but can reach an impressive maximum of 37°C (98°F) in August. Vodice shares the same winter low as Tisno at -5°C (23°F) in January, with summer highs also peaking at 31°C (88°F) in August. For more detailed information, visit the monthly temperatures in Tisno, Sibenik, and Vodice through the respective links: monthly temperatures in Tisno, monthly temperatures in Sibenik, and monthly temperatures in Vodice.
Precipitation in Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, exhibits a marked seasonal pattern, with the winter months generally receiving substantial rainfall. January and February see significant precipitation, at 84 mm (3.3 in) and 97 mm (3.8 in) respectively, while March begins to taper off to 86 mm (3.4 in). The spring months of April and May maintain moderate levels at 76 mm (3.0 in), signaling a gradual decrease as the region transitions into the drier summer season. June through August experiences the lowest amounts of precipitation, with July receiving just 31 mm (1.2 in), coinciding with a decrease in rainy days, particularly in July and August with only four days marked by rainfall.
As autumn arrives, precipitation levels rise again, culminating in significant rainfall during the later months. October records 102 mm (4.0 in), while November sharply increases to 204 mm (8.0 in), making it the wettest month of the year. December also remains notably rainy with 173 mm (6.8 in). This pattern highlights a consistent trend of higher precipitation in the cooler months, contrasting with the drier and warmer conditions experienced in summer, ultimately shaping the region's hydrological cycle and influencing the local climate.
In Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, reflecting the transition from winter to summer. The year begins with modest sunlight, with January offering only 194 hours, gradually increasing to 252 hours in February. As spring progresses, sunlight becomes more abundant, surging to 324 hours in March and peaking with 399 hours in May. This transition into longer daylight hours sets the stage for summer, where sunshine reaches its zenith, hitting 435 hours in July, followed closely by August with 403 hours.
As summer gives way to autumn, a gradual decline in sunshine hours is observed. September still retains a healthy 344 hours, but this figure decreases further to 312 hours in October and drops to 236 hours in November. The year then closes with December producing just 231 hours of sunshine. This overall pattern highlights a pronounced increase in sunlight from winter through summer, providing not only longer days but also creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities, before transitioning back to the shorter daylight hours typical of the colder months.
In Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, the UV Index exhibits significant variability throughout the year, closely correlating with seasonal changes in sunlight exposure. Winter months like January and December feature low UV levels, with values of 2 and corresponding burn times of 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As spring arrives, UV exposure begins to increase, peaking in March with a high index of 6, and further escalating to a very high index of 9 in May, where burn time dramatically reduces to just 15 minutes, emphasizing the urgent need for sun protection during this time.
Summer months are particularly noteworthy, as both June and July reach a peak UV Index of 10, categorizing the exposure as very high and reinforcing the importance of protective measures like sunscreen and clothing during these months. Even August maintains a high level of risk with a UV Index of 9. As autumn sets in, the UV Index gradually declines, with October recording a moderate level of 5, followed by November and December returning to low levels. This annual cycle underscores the crucial need for vigilance against UV exposure, particularly from late spring through summer when the risk is significantly elevated.
UV Risk Categories
In Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, daylight duration follows a distinctive seasonal pattern, highlighting the transition from short days in winter to longer days in summer. January begins with just 9 hours of daylight, slightly increasing to 10 hours in February as the region starts to emerge from the winter gloom. The trend continues through March, reaching 11 hours, and then accelerates rapidly in spring, with daylight extending to 13 hours in April and peaking at 14 hours in May.
As summer arrives, daylight reaches its annual maximum, with both June and July offering 15 hours of sunlight, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, this duration begins to ebb as autumn approaches, with August seeing a decrease to 13 hours and September further declining to 12 hours. By October, daylight reduces to 10 hours, and the trend tilts back towards winter, culminating with just 8 hours in December. This cyclical pattern emphasizes how daylight duration is intricately linked to the seasons, affecting daily life and activities throughout the year.
Knin, Croatia experiences a continental climate with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. Winters can be quite cold, with January averages around 2°C (37°F) and minimums reaching as low as -16°C (4°F). Summers, particularly in July and August, are warm with temperatures averaging around 23-24°C (74-75°F) and maximums peaking near 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter months, especially November, while summer months see significantly less rainfall. For more details on weather patterns, visit Knin climate.
Murter, Croatia, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a chilly 9°C (48°F) in January to a peak of 26°C (79°F) in August. Rainfall is more prevalent in the late autumn and early winter months, with November receiving approximately 226 mm (8.9 in) of precipitation, while summer months tend to be drier. The island enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in summer, with July boasting around 435 hours of sun. For more details, visit Murter climate.
Primosten, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -5°C to 15°C, while July and August reach highs of up to 31°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with November being the wettest month at 197 mm. The summer months enjoy the most sunshine, averaging over 400 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Primosten climate.
Rogoznica, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C, while July sees highs around 29°C to 31°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in November at 197 mm, while summer months are relatively dry with July receiving only 15 mm. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, with July recording up to 435 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Rogoznica climate.
Sibenik, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C to a maximum of 15°C, while July sees highs reaching 35°C. Precipitation is heaviest in November (196 mm) and lightest in July (25 mm), with the sunniest months being July and August, offering over 400 hours of sunshine. The overall climate is conducive for both outdoor activities and tourism throughout most of the year. For more details, visit Sibenik climate.
Skradin, Croatia experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with chilly winters where temperatures can drop to -7°C (20°F) in January, and warm summers reaching up to 37°C (98°F) in August. Precipitation is relatively high in the colder months, particularly November and December, with averages exceeding 190 mm, while summer sees significantly lower rainfall, peaking at just 25 mm in July. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from May to July, with sunshine reaching around 400 hours monthly. This favorable climate makes Skradin appealing for both winter and summer activities. For more information, visit Skradin climate.
Tisno, Croatia, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C with significant precipitation, peaking at 218 mm in November. The summer months, especially July and August, are warm with average highs around 25-31°C and much less rainfall, approximately 22-24 mm. Sunshine is abundant from May to July, with over 400 hours of sunlight, contributing to the area's appeal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Tisno climate.
The climate in Tribunj, Croatia, features a range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averages around 8°C (46°F) and peaks in August at approximately 25°C (78°F). Seasonal rainfall varies significantly, with November receiving the most precipitation at 218 mm (8.6 in), while July is the driest month with only 22 mm (0.9 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in summer, with July boasting 435 hours of sunlight. Overall, the region experiences a moderate climate ideal for outdoor activities, especially in the warmer months. For more details, visit Tribunj climate.
Vodice, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C, while July averages between 17°C and 29°C, making it the warmest month. Precipitation is highest in November with 218 mm, while July and August see significantly less rain, around 22-24 mm. Sunshine hours peak in July with 435 hours, ensuring plenty of bright days during the summer. For more details, visit Vodice climate.
Zaton, Croatia, experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) and maximums reaching 15°C (59°F), while July boasts temperatures between 17°C (64°F) and 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is highest in November at 218 mm (8.6 in), with a noticeable decrease during the summer months. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 435 hours, contributing to its pleasant summer climate. For more details, visit Zaton climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia, exhibits a rich tapestry of seasonal variations that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the frigid winter months to the warm summer peaks, each season distinctly shapes the region's ecological and social dynamics. Increased sunshine and UV exposure during the summer months call for heightened awareness and protection, while the significant rainfall in the fall and winter months underscores the importance of water resources in this Mediterranean climate. Understanding these patterns not only enhances our appreciation of the local environment but also aids in promoting sustainable practices and informed planning for both residents and visitors alike.