Ionian Weather & Wind Conditions: Seasonal Guide
Why the Ionian is Different
The Ionian Sea is sheltered by mainland Greece to the east. This protection creates dramatically different conditions from the Aegean:
Ionian (west coast):
- Gentle Force 2-5 winds
- Sheltered, calm waters
- Perfect for beginners
Aegean (east coast):
- Strong Meltemi winds Force 5-7+
- Choppy seas
- Challenging for experienced sailors
If you’re new to sailing or prefer relaxed cruising, the Ionian is the right choice.
Prevailing Winds
Summer pattern (June-September):
- Maestro (NW wind): Most common, Force 2-5
- Builds during late morning (10:00-11:00)
- Peaks early afternoon (14:00-16:00)
- Dies down at sunset
- Light or calm at night
Typical summer day:
- 07:00-10:00: Light winds or calm (motor if needed)
- 10:00-17:00: NW Force 3-5, perfect sailing
- 17:00-20:00: Winds ease to Force 2-3
- Night: Calm or very light
Monthly Breakdown
April
- Winds: Variable, Force 2-4, can be unsettled
- Weather: Mix of sunshine and occasional rain
- Water temp: 16-18°C (chilly for swimming)
- Conditions: Quietest month, great value, but less predictable weather
- Best for: Experienced sailors comfortable with variable conditions
May
- Winds: Building NW pattern, Force 2-4
- Weather: Warm, mostly sunny, occasional showers
- Water temp: 19-21°C (refreshing swimming)
- Conditions: Excellent for sailing, quieter anchorages
- Best for: Sailors wanting peace and value
June
- Winds: Established Maestro, Force 3-5
- Weather: Warm and sunny, rare rain
- Water temp: 22-24°C (comfortable swimming)
- Conditions: Perfect, not yet crowded
- Best for: Everyone — sweet spot month
July
- Winds: Reliable Maestro, Force 4-5
- Weather: Hot and sunny, almost no rain
- Water temp: 24-26°C (bath-like)
- Conditions: Busy anchorages, strong winds perfect for sailing
- Best for: Experienced sailors, families wanting guaranteed weather
August
- Winds: Strong Maestro, Force 4-6, occasionally Force 7
- Weather: Very hot, dry, sunny
- Water temp: 25-27°C (warmest of the year)
- Conditions: Busiest month, strongest winds
- Best for: Confident sailors, those who don’t mind crowds
September
- Winds: Easing Maestro, Force 3-4
- Weather: Warm, mostly sunny, occasional showers return
- Water temp: 23-25°C (still warm)
- Conditions: Quieter anchorages, still reliable weather
- Best for: Everyone — second sweet spot month
October
- Winds: Variable, Force 2-4
- Weather: Warm but more rain than summer
- Water temp: 20-22°C (refreshing)
- Conditions: Very quiet, good value, less predictable
- Best for: Experienced sailors, bargain hunters
No Meltemi Here
The Meltemi is a strong northerly wind that dominates the Aegean Sea in summer (Force 6-8, sometimes more). It makes Aegean sailing challenging from July to September.
Good news: The Meltemi does NOT affect the Ionian. You’re sheltered by mainland Greece.
Why this matters: While Aegean sailors are battling Force 7-8 winds and canceling plans, you’ll be enjoying gentle Force 3-5 breezes in the Ionian.
Rare Weather Events
Summer thunderstorms:
- Rare in July-August
- More common in June and September
- Usually late afternoon/evening
- Approach from mountains to the east
- Short-lived (30-60 minutes)
Signs of approaching storm:
- Towering clouds over mainland mountains
- Drop in temperature
- Change in wind direction
- Increasing wind strength
Action: Head to sheltered anchorage, ensure good anchor holding, close hatches.
Sirocco (south wind):
- Rare in summer
- More common in spring and autumn
- Brings warm, humid air from Africa
- Usually lasts 1-3 days
- Can create uncomfortable swell in exposed southern anchorages
Sea State
Typical summer conditions:
- Force 2-3: Calm to slight sea, 0.3-0.5m waves
- Force 4-5: Moderate sea, 0.5-1.5m waves
- Force 6+: Rough sea (rare in Ionian summer)
Sheltered areas (calm even in Force 5 winds):
- East coast of Lefkada
- Meganisi
- Kalamos and Kastos
- Inland bays of Ithaca
More exposed (avoid in Force 6+ winds):
- Southern tip of Lefkada
- West coast of Kefalonia
- Open passages between islands
Weather Forecasting
Sources before departure:
- Marina office (daily printed forecasts)
- Poseidon.hcmr.gr (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research)
- Windy.com (excellent visual forecasts)
- PredictWind (detailed wind predictions)
VHF weather broadcasts:
- Channel 16, 08:00, 14:00, 20:00 local time
- Greek Coastguard issues warnings
- Covers Ionian Sea area
Onboard observations:
- Barometer trend (falling = deteriorating weather)
- Cloud formations (towering cumulus = possible thunderstorms)
- Wind strength and direction changes
Best Weather Windows
For passage making:
- Morning (07:00-10:00): Light winds, flat seas, calm conditions
- Early afternoon (10:00-14:00): Building winds but still moderate
For anchoring/docking:
- Late afternoon (17:00-19:00): Winds easing, easier maneuvering
For swimming:
- Anytime! Water is warm May-October
Season Summary
| Month | Winds | Crowds | Value | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | Variable F2-4 | Very quiet | Excellent | For experienced only |
| May | Building F2-4 | Quiet | Excellent | Superb month |
| June | Maestro F3-5 | Moderate | Good | Perfect balance |
| July | Strong F4-5 | Busy | Fair | Great sailing, busy |
| August | Strong F4-6 | Very busy | Fair | Strongest winds, crowds |
| September | Easing F3-4 | Moderate | Good | Excellent month |
| October | Variable F2-4 | Quiet | Excellent | Good for experienced |
Our recommendation: June or September for the best balance of weather, crowds, and value.
For beginners: May, June, or September. Avoid August (too strong winds, too busy).
For experienced sailors: Any month May-October works. April and October offer great value if you’re flexible.