Winds in Greece

Greece has over 3,000 islands, so if you're planning to sail there, it helps to break things down a bit. For most sailors, that means thinking in two main zones: the Ionian and the Aegean. The difference? The Ionian is known for its calm, friendly winds — perfect if you’re after a relaxed trip or you’re still finding your sea legs. The Aegean, on the other hand, is home to the famous Meltemi, a wind that can either give you a thrilling ride or a serious headache. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the wind in Greece.

Sailing in the Ionian is usually a relaxed affair. The wind here tends to be gentle, even in summer, which makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for a laid-back cruise. You’ll rarely encounter anything too dramatic — just enough breeze to keep things interesting without making life difficult.

The main sailing season runs from June to September, when the weather is warm, the sea is calm, and the winds are just right. But don’t rule out April, May, or October — the sea is still pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the temperatures are comfortable. Just pack a few warmer layers if you're heading out in the shoulder season. And if you're planning to swim in spring or autumn, a thin wetsuit might come in handy — especially if you feel the cold.

In spring, the Sirocco sometimes makes an appearance. It’s a warm wind from the south that usually isn’t dangerous, but it can carry dust from the Sahara and leave a haze in the air. It tends to disappear by May.

You might also come across sudden, local downdrafts — especially in spring and autumn. These are short bursts of strong, gusty wind that come down off the mountains and hit anchorages unexpectedly, often in the evening or at night. They're not long-lasting, but they can be a headache if you're anchored in a bay. Think of them like a brief version of Croatia’s bora wind, blowing at around 5 to 6 on the Beaufort scale.

The Aegean Sea is a different story from the calm Ionian. It’s windier, wilder — and often much more exciting. Even in the height of summer, you can run into some seriously strong winds. The biggest player here is the Meltemi, a powerful seasonal wind that shapes the sailing experience across much of the region.

But because the Aegean covers a wide area — and each island group has its own wind patterns — let’s break it down archipelago by archipelago.

We’ll start with the Cyclades, where the wind is at its fiercest. If you're looking for a real sailing challenge, this is the place. Calm days are rare here — even in summer — and it’s the Meltemi that dominates the scene.

The Meltemi usually kicks in during the morning, blows steadily throughout the day, and eases off again by evening. It comes from the north or northwest, driven by a pressure high over the Peloponnese and Ionian Sea, clashing with a low in the northeast. On a typical day, it blows at around 20–25 knots, offering great sailing if you’re up for it.

But it can get a lot stronger — up to force 8 on the Beaufort scale — and then it’s no joke. When the Meltemi really roars, even ferries stay in port. It’s at its strongest in July and August, so be ready.

The wind also stirs up short, steep waves, sometimes as high as four metres, which can make things rough. Most importantly, when planning your route, try to avoid having to sail back against the Meltemi — it’s a long, exhausting slog you’ll want to skip if you can.

The Meltemi reaches the Sporades too — though it's not quite as intense as in the Cyclades. Here, it usually blows from the northeast, ranging between force 4 and 7 on the Beaufort scale.

That said, don’t underestimate it. The nearby mainland and the high islands in this area can cause sudden gusty winds in the lee, which often catch sailors off guard. When planning your route and choosing where to anchor, it’s worth keeping this in mind — especially in more exposed bays.

The Dodecanese islands aren’t spared the Meltemi either — in fact, it’s part of the appeal for windsurfers and kitesurfers, who come here to take full advantage of it. In July and August, the Meltemi is a regular feature, typically blowing from the west to northwest. While it can reach up to force 7, that’s less common here than in the Cyclades.

In spring, the wind is much milder — around force 3 to 5 — which makes the Dodecanese more accessible for less experienced sailors.

With a gentle Meltemi, downwind sailing is smooth and fast, although you can expect a fair bit of rocking, so it’s good to prep your crew in advance. But when the Meltemi gets stronger, sailing upwind becomes tough — and sometimes impossible. There have even been cases where charter crews couldn’t make it back to their home marina in time and had to return by ferry, with the boat picked up later by the charter company. Definitely a situation you’ll want to avoid — so plan ahead.

Crete has some of the most unpredictable wind conditions in Greece. In spring and autumn, warm southerly winds are common — sometimes even carrying Saharan dust with them. During July and August, the Meltemi makes its presence known here too.

Generally, the south coast is much windier than the north, but don’t expect consistency. It’s not unusual to have one beach getting battered by strong winds while another, just a few kilometres away, is completely calm. And the pattern can flip the very next day. Wind strength also varies through the day — sometimes it blows solidly all day and night, other times it comes and goes with no clear rhythm.

If you're looking for gentler conditions, the Saronic Gulf is a great choice. The Meltemi does reach here in July and August, but it’s usually weaker — though occasional gusts can spike up to force 6. Most of the time, you’ll get light northeasterly winds, making this region ideal for novice sailors and family-friendly cruising.

In Halkidiki, the Meltemi is a rare visitor. That makes this area a peaceful, relaxed option — perfect if you’re after easy sailing, quiet bays, and a stress-free route. It’s a great pick for a family holiday or for anyone who prefers calm seas over adrenaline sailing.