Seasonal· Rhodes· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean
Rhodes west-coast meltemi
36° 18.0′ N · 27° 51.0′ E · approximate
From May to October the prevailing wind around Rhodes blows W–NW at Force 4–6, strongest in July and August. It makes the west coast a lee shore and the east coast a gusty lee.
Practical
Position approx: representative point off the west coast between Kamiros Skala and the open Aegean. Rodosmarina.com: May–October prevailing W or NW Force 4–6; heading for Kos, winds are usually calmer, from N or sometimes NE, once you pass the Turkish cape west of Symi. PlainSailing: June–August Force 4–5 (11–22 kn) through the day, occasionally Force 8; it drops at night but can return in the early hours. Sailing Issues: during the meltemi the lee (east) side of Rhodes gets severe westerly gusts (Tsambika is notorious). Prevailing winds in Rhodes town's ports are W–NW, with large waves in NE winds; avoid entering or leaving port in strong SE. Forecasts: the National Observatory of Athens sailing forecast and meteo.gr; Olympia Radio Rhodes VHF 63 (see area file).
Best for
Planning legs and anchorages around the prevailing wind
Season
May–October; peaks July–August