When going on a luxury yacht charter, one of the most difficult decisions is deciding where to go—a difficult decision simply because there are so many amazing places out there and each location offers something different. Different months of the year lend themselves to some locations better than others.
The best time to go to certain locations depends on many variables, from the climate and weather, to when national holidays are taking place. The High Season of locations is the most sought after and therefore the most expensive. If you plan to go for a yacht charter in the High Season of a location, we recommend booking well in advance to ensure you have the widest pool of yachts available to choose from.
The Mediterranean is a hugely popular sailing destination, and it is clear why! Croatia, Greece, Turkey, the west coast of Italy, Monaco, the French Riviera, Sardinia, Sicily and Spain all make for the perfect yacht charter destinations with their history, culture, scenery, beautiful weather conditions and of course their delicious culinary traditions. The Mediterranean has always been, and will continue to be, a yachters’ paradise!
When thinking about the best time to charter in the Mediterranean there are a couple of important things to consider when planning a charter. How do you feel about crowds? What weather do you enjoy? What kind of activities interest you?
The months of July and August are the Mediterranean’s High Season months. These months are bursting with colour, life and boast the years’ warmest, driest temperatures. The sun’s heat will have made the sea ideal for swimming and water sports. The High Season also benefits from having the longest days, so that you can fill them with activities, sailing and time with loved ones. On the other hand, they are the busiest months due to the majority of European schools being on holiday. Towns will be bustling with visitors. Yacht charter rates will be at their highest during these times and advance bookings for certain activities and on shore visits are recommended. As the season is so sought after, it gets booked up quickly.
If Greece has taken your fancy, please be aware that during the months of July and August the Meltemi winds, in the Aegean, are at their strongest. These winds can have an impact on charters in the Cyclades as strong winds can stop boats leaving port. Consequently, many charters go to the Ionian Islands or the Saronic Gulf during these times.
May and September (Mid Season) are quieter months and are a little cooler than July and August. The weather however is still very pleasant and, in September, the sea is still perfect for swimming. In fact, September is considered to be the most beautiful month in the Mediterranean. Those months are also popular with sailing yachts and the clients who enjoy the thrill of sailing but still want plenty of time to explore on land, too. Chartering a yacht in Mid-Season also allows travellers to visit these places in a more relaxed fashion, allowing time for a deeper appreciation of the destination.
Finally, the remaining months of the year are known as the Low Season. Chartering in the Low Season is ideal for guests who prefer quieter times, less heat and fewer crowds. Many attractions, shops and events that rely on the tourist trade may have reduced opening hours or may be closed completely, as the demand simply isn’t there. However, the beauty of the area can be enhanced in those quieter times. This period is also popular with true sailors, as the winds are somewhat stronger and more frequent.
Low Season: May and October
Mid Season: June and September
High Season: July and August
Low Season: May and October
Mid Season: June and September (June is an ideal month for visiting the Cyclades)
High Season: July and August (NOTE: the Cyclades area is affected by strong Meltemi winds during the High Season)
Low Season: April and November
Mid Season: May, June and October
High Season: July, August and September
Low Season: May and October
Mid Season: June and September
High Season: July and August
Who doesn’t love incredible turquoise seas, sandy beaches, cocktails and palm trees? The Caribbean is simply dreamy. This yacht charter destination is a home to some of the best sailing in the world and what makes it even more appealing is that the High Season is during the northern hemisphere’s winter.
Despite the weather being mostly warm all year round, an average of 26 degrees, anyone booking a charter in the Caribbean must be aware that the Caribbean has a hurricane season. The hurricane season runs from June through to the end of November and it mostly affects the Leeward Islands (includes the Virgin Islands). During this period there is a reduced number of boats available in this area. Some will use this period for the maintenance and others will likely head south to the Grenadines to avoid the worst of the weather.
The season starts to pick up mid November and by Thanksgiving the High Season is well and truly underway. Within the High Season there are two peak weeks to be aware of: Christmas and New Year, the festive period. What better way is there to spend such a magical holiday than on a yacht with family and friends? The festive season period gets booked up well in advance, so we suggest planning your yacht charter a year ahead to get the best choice of yachts. The North American ‘Spring Break’ in late March is also a very popular charter period to be aware of.
Generally speaking, the best time to charter in the Caribbean is November through to July, although the seasons in some areas of the Caribbean vary slightly. Take a look below to see the exact High and Low Season months for specific parts of the Caribbean.
High Season: November through April
Low Season: June through October
High Season: December through April
Low Season: May and June
High Season: December through April
Low Season: June through November
High Season: December through April (although December and January can still be chilly in that area)
Low Season: June through September
French Polynesia is an extraordinary place to sail with over 100 islands to explore. It is a relatively unexplored part of the world but everyone who has sailed there is mesmerised by the place. There is a large coral atoll chain, incredible landscapes, perfect snorkelling and diving areas, kitesurfing, lagoons and rainforest peaks. We recommend that you take at least 10 days for your charter, as covering the area takes time and should be done at a gentle pace.
The most desirable cruising areas are the islands of Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Huahine. These islands are close to each other and offer a fantastic variety of places to explore above and below the water’s edge. They offer such an array of experiences to be enjoyed. On the coastline of Raiatea, seek out Polynesian temples and ancient petroglyphs carved in the stones. From Ha’amene Bay hike up into the lush green mountains, making sure to enjoy the staggering views and visit the vanilla farms. Snorkel amongst the colourful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish in the shallow waters between Taha and Bora Bora. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to swim with eagle rays. These islands certainly make for an unforgettable charter.
French Polynesia has two seasons, just like the Caribbean and Mediterranean, however here the High Season is commonly known as the Dry Season compared to the Low Season being the Wet Season. July and August (High Season) are considered the best months for visiting as the weather is dry and mostly predictable. The temperatures are between 20 and 28 degrees. During these popular times prices are higher and forward planning is required to book into restaurants and attractions.
The Low, or Wet, Season, is November through to April. These months can be very humid with temperatures beginning around 30 degrees. Chartering in the Low Season is recommended for guests who prefer quieter times with less crowds.
It should also be noted that while French Polynesia is located on the edge of the hurricane belt, hurricanes can still occur during the months of December and January.
Travelling during Mid Season (the months of April, May, October and November) is also a good time to travel this area.
Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands. A trip to Indonesia is a travel experience like no other—out of the ordinary and unforgettable. As soon as you are immersed in this location, Indonesia’s beauty will consume you. On your own private floating villa, navigate some of the most remote locations in the country, away from crowded areas, with little-to-no human contact. Just you, family or friends and nature.
There are various areas ideal for chartering; each has its own charter season.
Charter Season: May to October
Charter season: May to October
Charter Season: October to November and March to April
Charter Season: November to April
Charter Season: November to April
Charter Season: October to November and March to April
Every voyage to the Antarctica is unique. The route to explore this last true wild continent is decided by the weather and ice conditions, making every charter different.
Meet at Punta Arenea, Chile (known as the gateway to Antarctica) then fly to King George Island ready to embark. Spend your charter days enjoying time on board experiencing once-in-a-lifetime encounters at sea but also while landing. While on board, visit wildlife colonies, see whales up close from the yachts tender, explore historical sites, kayak between ice bergs and absorb the landscape that is like no other on the planet.
For most, this will be once in a lifetime experience, surreal and marvellous. Due to limited yachts available in this area, trips to Antarctica must be organised a year or two in advance. It is also suggested to plan your trip for at least 10 days to allow for any potential changes in weather which could impact the crossing.
The season to charter in Antarctica is October to March, however November to February is considered the ideal period. This is because in the months of December and January there are long twilights which are good for night navigation.
Papua New Guinea is a diverse landscape, rich in culture and wildlife. Made up of over 5,000 different clans (which speak over 850 different languages between them) there is plenty to experience and observe when visiting here. The landscape itself has plenty to be explored, from tropical reefs to oceanic trenches. These tropical reefs are homed to 5% of the world’s species and offer unforgettable diving and snorkelling experiences.
When visiting Papua New Guinea, there really is something for everyone. The best way to see this rich and diverse country is by private crewed yacht.
The best time to charter in Papua New Guinea is during the dry season, which is from May to October.