Meltemi Winds in Greece: When Does It Blow and Which Islands to Avoid in August?

The meltemi is a dry, steady northerly wind that blows across the Aegean Sea from mid-May to the end of September, peaking in July and August. It typically reaches Force 4 to 6 on the Beaufort scale (Bft), or 11 to 27 knots, with gusts of Force 7 or 8 (28 to 40 knots). In August, the central and eastern Cyclades (Mykonos, Tinos, Andros, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Amorgos, Santorini) are the most exposed. The Ionian Islands and the Saronic Gulf remain the most sheltered areas.

What is the meltemi?

The meltemi (meltemi in Greek, also known as the etesian wind) is caused by the pressure difference between an area of high pressure over the Balkans and a thermal low over Turkey. Air flows from north to south across the Aegean.

• Direction: northeasterly in the northern Aegean, northerly in the Cyclades, northwesterly toward the Dodecanese and Crete.
• Associated weather: clear skies, dry air, tempered heat.
• Sea state: short, steep seas, especially in the straits between the islands.

When does the meltemi blow?

The meltemi follows a fairly predictable pattern:

• During the day: it picks up in the late morning, peaks in the afternoon and often eases in the evening.
• Length of an episode: usually 3 to 7 days, sometimes longer in high summer.
• Lulls: windows of 1 to 3 days of light wind often separate two episodes.

For a yacht charter in Greece in July or August, these cycles matter as much as the sailing area: a lull of 1 to 3 days is often enough to make an exposed crossing.

Which islands should you avoid in August?

The islands themselves are less of a problem than the crossings between them: the Kafireas Strait (between Evia and Andros), the passage between Mykonos and Tinos and the channel between Naxos and Paros are known for rough seas when the meltemi is in full force.

Where to sail in Greece in August?

• Ionian Islands: the best choice in August, with a moderate thermal breeze in the afternoon and short distances. A yacht charter in the Ionian Islands is ideal for families or first-time crews: short legs, often under 15 nautical miles, and plenty of sheltered anchorages.
• Saronic Gulf: close to Athens, generally sheltered, with short island-hopping passages.
• Southern Dodecanese: moderate exposure and short legs between Nisyros, Tilos, Symi and Rhodes.
• Cyclades: best kept for experienced crews, or planned for June and September.

Filovent’s advisors will point you toward the most suitable departure base for your sailing dates and your crew’s experience.

How to sail with the meltemi

• Plan your route to sail downwind (wind behind you) rather than upwind (beating into the wind): head south at the start of the week, then return in short legs early in the morning, or choose a one-way charter when the base allows it.
• Set off early in the morning and arrive before the wind builds in the afternoon.
• Allow 1 to 2 spare days in your schedule in case you get stuck in port.
• Anchor on the south coasts of the islands, sheltered from the swell, but watch out for gusts funneling down from the high ground on mountainous islands (Amorgos, Ios, Andros).
• Check the forecast every day, for example on the website of the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr) or the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (emy.gr).
• Opt for a skippered yacht charter if your crew lacks experience in strong winds.

Frequently asked questions about the meltemi

Is the meltemi dangerous?

It is not dangerous for an experienced crew on a well-prepared boat, but it makes sailing physically demanding and uncomfortable. Before skippering yourself, check the boating license requirements in Greece and assess your ability in strong winds. In strong winds, the Greek port authorities may ban departures; the threshold depends on the type and size of the boat.

Catamaran or monohull in the meltemi?

A catamaran heels very little and is more comfortable at anchor, but it points less well into the wind. A monohull performs better upwind in a heavy sea. Either way, your route matters more than the type of boat.

Can a meltemi episode be forecast?

Yes, usually 3 to 5 days in advance. Weather models and the Poseidon system run by the Greek institute HCMR (poseidon.hcmr.gr) predict its arrival and strength reliably, so you can adapt your route day by day.

Should you avoid the Cyclades in summer?

Not necessarily. June and September remain the best months. In July and August, departing from Lavrio or Athens, favor Kea, Kythnos and Syros, which are less exposed than Mykonos or Naxos, and save long crossings for calmer days.