THERE ARE GENERAL SEASONS FOR THESE ROUTES – they are book ended by the Hurricane / Cyclone SEASON

Caribbean Cruising Seasonality Overview

⛵ Prime Cruising Season

• Mid-November to Early June

• Why: This is the dry season with steady easterly trade winds, relatively calm seas, and minimal risk of hurricanes.

• Best for: Island-hopping, rallies, and longer stays in anchorages. Most cruisers arrive post-hurricane season and depart before June.

CALIFORNIA TO PANAMA CRUISING SEASONALITY

🧭 GENERAL TIMING OVERVIEW

FLORIDA TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 🇺🇸➡️🇹🇹 (via Eastern Caribbean)

Best Season to Depart:
🟢 November – April (Trade wind season, pre-hurricane haul-outs in June)

ROUTE

• Florida → Bahamas (optional) → Puerto Rico → Virgin Islands → Windwards → Grenada → Trinidad

• Longer distance, often close-hauled or beam reach, especially heading east from the DR

CONDITIONS

• Winter (Nov–Mar): Prime conditions with steady trades

• April–June: Less wind, hotter

• July–Nov: Hurricane season — but Trinidad is below the hurricane belt and considered a safe zone

FEATURES

• Must “slog east” from Bahamas to Puerto Rico (the thorny path)

• More marina options, vibrant cruiser culture

• Grenada and Trinidad offer haul-out and hurricane storage

 MEXICO TO THE MARQUESAS

Seasonal Departure Window:
🟢 Mid-March to early May (ideal trades, ITCZ more stable)

Typical Route:
Puerto Vallarta / La Cruz / Barra de Navidad →
San Benedicto (Revillagigedo Islands – optional) →
~2,800–3,100 NM open-ocean passage to Hiva Oa or Nuku Hiva

Key Factors:

• One long bluewater push: ~18–25 days nonstop for most yachts

• Fewer weather “gates,” but more preparation needed for fuel, food, and mental pacing

• Well-traveled path for Pacific Puddle Jump, Ocean Posse, and other rallies

• Reliable SE trade winds south of ~8–10°N

Pros:

• No complicated clearances or transit zones

• Cleaner wind patterns once south of the ITCZ

• Good prep infrastructure in La Cruz and PV

Cons:

• No real bail-out options once you leave

• ITCZ can be squally and unpredictable in El Niño years

PANAMA → GALÁPAGOS → MARQUESAS

Seasonal Departure Window:
🟢 Late February to May (after ITCZ stabilizes)

Typical Route:
Panama →
Galápagos (1,000 NM) →
Marquesas (3,000–3,100 NM)

Key Factors:

• Leg 1: Panama to Galápagos = variable winds, possible calms, may require diesel motor-sailing

• Galápagos stop requires permits (advance agent arrangements, environmental rules, time-limited stays)

• Leg 2: From Galápagos, strong equatorial countercurrent can be a push westward, then good trades begin ~4–5°S

Pros:

• Breaks the journey into manageable legs

• Cultural and natural highlight: Galápagos is extraordinary

• Ideal for boats with kids or crew needing a break

Cons:

• Bureaucratic and expensive Galápagos stop (~$1,000–$2,000+ with agents and fees)

• Galápagos anchorages are surge-prone and crowded

• ITCZ and doldrums still require smart routing

Core Mediterranean Cruising Season

• High Season (June – September)

  • Weather: Hot, dry, with light winds in many areas.

  • Best for: Warm-water swimming, coastal town exploration, and social events.

  • Challenges: High marina prices, crowded anchorages and ports, limited transient slips.

  • Key Locations: Balearics, Côte d’Azur, Sardinia, Amalfi Coast, Cyclades.

• Shoulder Seasons (May & October)

  • Weather: Milder temperatures, fewer tourists, better availability.

  • Best for: Passage-making, exploring cultural sites, calmer marinas.

  • Popular Routes: Greece > Turkey > Malta or Italy > Spain.

• Off Season (November – April)

  • Weather: Variable with storms and stronger winds (e.g. Mistral, Bora, Sirocco).

  • Use Case: Long-term marina stays, haul-outs, maintenance, cultural travel.

  • Note: Many islands and marinas reduce services or close entirely.

 Wind Patterns to Watch

• Meltemi (Aegean, summer): Strong N/NE winds, July–August.

• Mistral (France): NW winds, can reach gale force any time but especially spring/fall.

• Sirocco (Central/South Med): Warm, dusty SE winds—can limit visibility.