Corfu Cruising Conditions

General conditions
The Mediterranean enjoys an average of 315 cloudless days each year. During the popular season of April through October, blue skies and warm weather prevail. Midsummer offers long evenings, glorious sunsets, gentle winds and still seas. The water temperature is about 62°F (17°C) in the low season and about 78°F (26°C) in the high season.

There are two dominant winds in Greece:

1. The Meltemi: Varying from 15 to 40 knots. It begins in May and reaches its peak in July, then slows down in September. In the north Aegean, it blows northeast, turning to the north and becoming stronger in the centre of the Aegean Sea. Further south it veers to the west as it weakens.
2. The Sirocco: Southeasterly, more frequent in winter, corresponding to the passage of a depression. It can occasionally blow in April or at the end of October.

Historical weather (averages by month):

Tides
In the eastern Mediterranean, the tide range is very small: 30 to 60 cm (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Weather forecast
When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. During your cruise you can see the weather forecast on all television channels; tavernas and restaurants show weather programmes just after the news at 8.50 p.m.
Wind direction and speed is clearly indicated on the map.
Harbour offices receive a weather forecast regularly. A weather forecast is also available on the Internet at http://www.poseidon.hmcr.gr On your radio receiver, on the Greek national station, forecasts are broadcast in Greek and English.

Time – Station – Frequency – Radio wave:
6.30 a.m. Athens 729 kHz 412 m
1.10 p.m. Corfu 1008 kHz 298 m
1.30 p.m. Rhodes 1494 kHz 200 m
12.00 midnight Patras 1485 kHz 202 m
The Italian station, Radio One announces forecasts for the Ionian Sea at approximately 7.40 a.m. and 11.45 p.m. on 567, 657, 666, 675, 1032, and 1332 kHz frequencies.
East of the Greek archipelago the forecast is in German at approximately 9.45 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on short wave on 6150 MHz/49 m frequency. On your VHF: It is possible to call HELLAS RADIO on channel 16 in English. They will give you the weather forecast for your zone, after you give them your VHF code signal and the name of your boat.