Delivery plans follow each region's wind pattern. Below are prevailing winds, currents, capes and straits to watch, and typical conditions by season for the Sea of Marmara, North Aegean, South Aegean and Mediterranean.
Seasonal summary
| Region | Spring (Apr-May) | Summer (Jun-Sep) | Autumn (Oct-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Mar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea of Marmara | Changeable; shifts between NE and SW | Mostly NE, short steep sea | SW gales begin | SW and NE gales, cold |
| North Aegean | Meltemi still light, many good windows | N-NE meltemi, strong in the afternoon | Meltemi fades; first SW gales | SW brings rain and sea, NE cold |
| South Aegean | Good delivery season | NW meltemi, strongest in July-August | Good season; watch for southerlies | Southerly gales, longer weather waits |
| Mediterranean | Good delivery season | Afternoon W-SW, very hot | Good season | Southerly and south-westerly gales |
From November to March the windows between gales shorten; winter deliveries involve longer waits and are planned accordingly.
Sea of Marmara
Prevailing winds
North-easterlies blow for most of the year. South-westerly gales come mainly in autumn and winter and raise the sea quickly; in strong south-westerlies even the surface current can reverse.
Current
The surface current runs from the Black Sea towards the Aegean. At the Dardanelles exit it flows south at 1.5-3 knots; one branch continues north of Gökçeada towards Saros, the other down to Baba Burnu. It helps southbound and works against you northbound.
Traffic
The straits have traffic separation schemes and heavy commercial traffic; timing and track are planned accordingly.
For deliveries
In summer north-easterlies build a short, steep sea. In autumn and winter watch south-westerly forecasts closely; the Marmara islands' harbours and Paşalimanı Bay are the nearest shelters.
North Aegean
Prevailing winds
In summer the meltemi blows from north and north-east and strengthens in the afternoon. Heading north between Çanakkale and Baba Burnu is hard going with few good days; the cape at Babakale was historically called the 'windy cape'.
Gulf of İzmir
On summer afternoons the imbat sea breeze blows onshore and dies at dusk. South-westerlies bring rain and sea; northerlies and north-easterlies bring cold, and north-westerlies also occur.
Dikili Strait
Wide shoals extend offshore along the eastern side; keep well off. Many fishing buoys lie off Lesbos and are dangerous at night.
For deliveries
Northbound legs start at first light and finish before the meltemi builds. In winter, wait for a window between south-westerly and north-easterly gales.
South Aegean
Prevailing winds
In summer the meltemi blows from the north-west, usually building in the afternoon and easing towards evening. It is strongest in July and August.
Capes
Wind and sea pick up at Deveboynu Burnu off Knidos and at the peninsula tips. Round capes early in the morning or once it eases.
Bodrum peninsula
Bays on the south side are sheltered from northerlies but open to southerlies; choose shelter accordingly in spring and autumn. East of Bodrum, gusts come off the high ground.
For deliveries
Northbound or westbound legs start at first light. Southbound and eastbound the wind is behind you, but still plan to arrive before evening. In winter southerly gales raise the sea.
Mediterranean
Prevailing winds
On summer mornings a light land breeze comes off the mountains; in the afternoon the wind swings south-west and west. July and August are very hot and humid.
Yediburunlar
Mountains up to 1,000 m stand behind the capes between Ölüdeniz and Patara; north-westerly gusts come down and build a steep sea. Sail this stretch early in the morning.
Gulf of Antalya
Capes, rocks and debris lie off the mountains; give capes a wide berth. East of Antalya the coast flattens into beaches and shelter becomes scarce.
Eastern Mediterranean
Westerlies and south-westerlies prevail around Mersin; summers are hot and humid. Watch for ships anchored off the commercial ports.
For deliveries
Westbound legs start early and finish before the afternoon westerly. Eastbound the wind is behind you. In winter southerly and south-westerly gales raise the sea; mild air can be deceptive.
Related guides: Passage planner · Coastal map · Cape passage board · Sea conditions · Routes and departure timing · Provisions, water and fuel calculator · Fuel stops · Safe anchorages · Harbours
This guide supports passage and delivery planning; current official charts, pilot books and forecasts come first. The skipper makes the departure call on the day's forecast. Information as of September 2026.