What this solves
A "windy day" in the Cyclades can be 4 Bft (annoying on the north coast, fine on the south) or 8 Bft (everything is rough, ferries cancel). The same island can be perfect for swimming in July on a south-facing beach and unworkable on a north-facing one — because the Meltemi blows from the north. This calculator shows what to expect and which beach direction to pick.
Calculator
How to read the result
The output is the average wind force in Beaufort for your island and month, plus the effective wind at your chosen beach direction. A south-facing beach in July on Mykonos typically sees 3 Bft even when the open-sea wind is 6 Bft — because the Meltemi blows from the north and the beach is sheltered. The "ferry cancellation risk" flag lights up when the average exceeds 7 Bft, which historically correlates with Blue Star and SeaJets holding sailings in port.
Limitations
-
li>Averages, not forecasts. A specific day in July can be 4 Bft or 9 Bft — both happen. Check the Hellenic National Meteorological Service 24–48 hour forecast before beach days.
- The Meltemi shifts during the day. Mornings are usually calmer; wind peaks mid-afternoon (15:00–18:00). The numbers shown are daily averages.
- South-facing beaches can get rough from southerly gales in winter — same logic, opposite direction.
- Ferry cancellations are operator decisions. A 7 Bft average doesn't guarantee cancellation; an 8+ Bft day with gusts often does.
FAQ
What exactly is the Meltemi?
A dry, north-to-northeast seasonal wind that blows across the Aegean from roughly mid-June to mid-September. It peaks in July and August. Caused by a pressure difference between the Balkans (high pressure) and the eastern Mediterranean (low pressure).
Which islands feel it most?
Mykonos and Naxos (especially the north coast) feel the full force. Santorini is partly sheltered by Anafi and Ios. Milos is on the western edge of the Cyclades and gets less. Paros and Ios are intermediate. South-facing beaches on any Cycladic island are calmer.
When do ferries actually cancel?
Blue Star and SeaJets typically hold sailings when sustained winds exceed 7–8 Bft with gusts over 9 Bft. Smaller fast ferries cancel sooner (6–7 Bft). High-speed boats (Catamarans/Hydrofoils) cancel at lower thresholds. Affected routes include Piraeus–Santorini, Piraeus–Mykonos, and inter-Cycladic lines.
Is kitesurfing in the Cyclades any good?
It's world-class. The Meltemi creates reliable 5–7 Bft conditions for months. Top spots: Mikri Vigla (Naxos), Prasonisi (Rhodes), and the south coast of Paros. Beginners should avoid the Cyclades in July/August — too much wind for lessons.
Related tools
Sources
- Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) — 10-year average wind force by month and station, Mykonos/Santorini/Naxos/Paros.
- Poseidon System buoy data — real-time wind verification for the central Aegean.
- On-site observation: Cycladic beach days Jul–Aug 2025 and May/Sep 2026.
About this tool
Built because "is it windy in Mykonos in July" is the wrong question — the answer is yes, but which beach you're on matters more. We use 10-year wind averages from EMY and the Poseidon System to model the typical day. We do not sell ferry tickets; this is reference data for 2025–2026.
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Disclaimer
For informational purposes only. Wind and ferry operations vary; verify the day-of forecast from EMY and the ferry operator before sailing or beach plans. We are not affiliated with any meteorological service or ferry operator.