The Best Time of Year for Yachting

A good example of a favourite yachting area where the prices can vary depending on the season is the Mediterranean. Some argue that the summer is not actually the best time for chartering this region, as temperatures can approach 90 degrees in countries like Greece, and it is by far the most expensive period. If you prefer the hustle and nightlife of peak season however, the best times (and definitely the busiest) are from June to October, with June, July and August being the time when the crowds really move in!

One should consider avoiding the Caribbean from June through to November, as this period marks the Hurricane season. While it isn’t guaranteed that a hurricane will occur, the chance is enough to put some worry in the back of your mind during your holiday. While peak season is from December to April you might consider visiting during April or May, when good weather is coupled with better prices.

South East Asia offers a fascinating and enjoyable yachting experience. Peak season in this area is from December through April or January through May if you intend to visit the Andaman Sea (the body of water south of the Bay of Bengal and west of Thailand) specifically. May onwards offers less crowds and lower prices, but this period can unfortunately also be rainier and coupled with cloudy water (which is not ideal if you’re a diver).

Locals in the Seychelles are happy to point out that the whole year offers great weather for a yachting holiday. Different periods do offer different advantages, though. North Westerly winds blow from October to March and South Easterly from May to September. Calm periods are in April and October. If you intend to make your visit a diving trip, April and October are thus times when the water will be calmer, and more ideally suited to diving.

The Maldives similarly offer great weather the whole year round, but December through April are said to be the “dry season” when the sun shines for longer. These are also the busiest times, particularly from Christmas through to New Year. May to November can offer up some rain and cloudy skies, but this period is still warm. Again, if diving is an item on your agenda you might consider that February, March and April offer the clearest visibility.

The advantages of a yachting holiday are that you may not have to worry about booking accommodation, as your luxury home travels along with you, so booking in advance during the busy periods is something you may not have to be concerned about. Understanding the weather conditions will ensure, however, that your shore visits meet your own holiday needs and that you are comfortable in your yachting paradise.

By:Kathrina Scholtz