The Aegean has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters but the weather has changed a little in recent years. Here’s a seasonal guide to what to expect.

Spring Sailing

Spring is a delightful time of year in Greece. March usually heralds the start of fine, dry weather and brings a breathtaking array of cultivated and wild spring flowers. In recent years the weather has been unpredictable in early spring but by May temperatures are pleasantly warm.

Ports and harbours are quiet and pleasant with no mad jostle for berths at the end of the day. The winds are less fierce than later in the year and it’s a good time to visit the Cyclades before the meltemi begins to blow.

The warm Greek hospitality is even warmer than normal as taverna and shop owners welcome the new season’s tourists into their freshly painted premises. Yachts are in prime condition too after their winter maintenance and before the many people on board have taken their toll.

Prices are often at their best during the early months so it is an ideal time for those seeking a bargain.

The sea will still be a little cool and only those who are fairly hardy choose to swim before late spring.

Summer Sailing

This is the perfect time for those who love the sun! Between June and August the temperature steadily increases and you are virtually guaranteed sunshine every day. There will be little or no rain, the sea is warm and the skies are blue. Those who enjoy lively places will find more on offer during the peak summer months.

For many northern Europeans escaping from a cold climate, summer sunshine is what sailing in Greece is all about. There is certainly nothing to match the pleasure of anchoring for lunch and swimming in a bay from your yacht.

The heat brings its own problems. Temperatures can get as high as 40°C (104°F) or over and at night it can feel extremely hot and sticky in a yacht cabin. Few yachts have air-conditioning (our new yacht, Phoebe is one that does) and a/c will only work when the yacht is attached to shore-power.

July and August bring the crowds. Getting a berth in the more popular harbours can be difficult unless you cut short your sailing and head in early.  Finding a place to moor in a congested harbour is one of the more stressful aspects of sailing in the generally laid-back atmosphere of Greece.

During the summer the famous meltemi wind blows down through the Aegean. This strong northerly wind makes for uncomfortable seas in the Cyclades and it’s not uncommon for yachts to be stormbound for several days in that area. Sailing upwind back to base can be a challenge.

The other areas of Greece are less affected by the meltemi. It is unusual for storms to prevent sailing for more than a day in the Saronic, Ionian, Sporades, or Dodecanese.

Autumn Sailing

Autumn is my personal favourite time of year. The sea is pleasantly warm in early autumn and often remains so until late October. Those who dislike extreme heat will find autumn temperatures perfect for comfort both day and night.

The summer crowds of tourists and sailors have disappeared and there are bargains to be had both in yacht charter and the shops. It is no longer as busy in port, allowing for a leisurely and late entry at the end of the day – more time for sailing! This is one of the most popular times of the year for our clients to sail and the school is normally busy.

Although September can sometimes be as warm as August, it is usually balmy with a little light rain. The main rainy season begins around mid-October bringing cool wet weather, alternating with days of sunshine. The Ionian has more rainfall than the more eastern and southerly areas.

The meltemi begins to subside but autumnal gales are a possibility. They do not normally last for more than a day.

With no meltemi it’s possible to plan a trip to the Cyclades. Some people find these islands too barren after the summer, although others love the brown rock and brilliant white houses. The more northerly sailing areas are greener throughout the year.

Winter Sailing

You can sail in Greece all year round. We run several courses over the winter months for groups or couples and normally they are delighted by the weather they find.

We don’t promise continuous sunshine and take care to provide both wet weather clothing and warm bedding on board. Most rain falls between November and February but there are many sunny days in winter. A heavy overnight rain is often followed by brilliant sunshine next day.

Many of the islands are very seasonal and you will find the majority of shops, tavernas, and hotels closed in some ports. Facilities such as electricity and water can be hard to locate.

Those tavernas that open year-round will give you special treatment as winter visitors.