The weather in the East Med varies a lot, which is a reflection of the region’s diversity. The best time to visit is from July to August - the heart of the Mediterranean yachting season. August tends to be the hottest month experiencing daily averages of 29°C/84.2°F, with July averaging 27°C/80.6°F.
Throughout the season there is a very low chance of rain, that is ideal for those on luxury Mediterranean sailing holidays. Europe offers cooler seas than tropical regions like the Caribbean, but in the summer months they are the perfect place to cool down and relax on your yacht charter.
Those on an East Mediterranean sailing charter will generally experience calm waters and good weather across the East Mediterranean, around Dubrovnik/Montenegro and in the Aegean sea.
A Mediterranean sailboat charters are the perfect way to discover the charms of the East Mediterranean and the romance of this region is magnified when cruising on one of our stunning handcrafted sailing yachts. An Oyster lets you visit remote spots that can only be accessed by the water, all from the comfort of our spacious deck saloon boats. Panoramic windows provide stunning views as you head to your next destination, with an expert crew onboard to skipper the yacht and cater to your every need.
There are thousands of destinations to explore in Croatia, Montenegro, the Ionian Islands, Greece and Turkey, all on one of our crewed Mediterranean sailing charters.
Discover Oyster luxury sailing yachts charter, or read on to learn more about the many cruising destinations of the East Mediterranean.
Croatia is a fantastic mix of tiny islands, sweeping national parks, extraordinary architecture and a renowned nightlife scene – the perfect place for a yacht charter. Croatia is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split, where ancient columns and secret underground passages will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Tranquil pebbled beaches with gin-clear waters dot the rugged coast of the mainland. The charms of beautiful Dubrovnik Old Town await, with buzzing restaurants that offer something for even the fussiest eaters on your East Mediterranean sailboat charter; fresh seafood, hearty Croatian stews and exceedingly good local wines are all there for you to discover and savour.
The best time to visit Croatia on a sailing yacht charter is in July or August when the islands’ beachfront bars and clubs come alive and you’ll experience a glorious 13 hours of sunshine each day. Be sure to book far in advance to secure the most coveted marina berths in your chosen destinations.
Oyster’s Mediterranean sailing charters in Croatia generally cruise between Dubrovnik and Split.
The small-yet-mountainous country of Montenegro packs in the natural beauty of sailing destinations three times its size. Only 300 km from one side to the other, this small nation is one of Europe’s best-kept-secret, offering two UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with a stunning Venetian fortress and a number of secluded spots that are only accessible by yacht.
Step off the beaten track as you hike into forgotten forests and traditional mountain villages. Meet the friendly locals and sample some traditional Montenegrin dishes.
In July and August, Mediterranean sailboat charters are always fabulous thanks to the beautiful weather the region is blessed with. However, Montenegro is particularly charming, with warm-hearted locals, homespun culture and secluded spots you can have all to yourself.
Our sailing charters in Montenegro are usually incorporated into the itinerary for Croatian charters, cruising from Dubrovnik/Split to Montenegro or vice versa.
Each one of these diverse and beautiful Greek islands has its own rich culture. Learn to windsurf at Vassiliki’s internationally-renowned windsurfing school in Lefkada. On Paxis, glorious beaches offer pure relaxation - head to Antipaxos to sample some of the island’s famous locally-grown wine as you bask in the sun. In Corfu Town, you can feel the Franco-Italian influence as you wander through Parisian-style arcades and Venetian alleyways with their mix of galleries, artisan shops and enticing food markets.
Delightfully temperate weather awaits in the Ionian Islands on a Mediterranean sailing charter - temperatures are cooled down by the Meltemi winds, meaning you’ll be unlikely to experience the 40°C/104°F heatwaves normally found in mainland Greece, even in the hottest months of July and August.
The best months to visit the Ionian Islands on a Mediterranean sailboat charter will vary, depending on your interests. In Ithaca, there is a host of local food and wine festivals to choose from in July, while August in Lefkada sees the International Folklore Festival take over the town in a flurry of bright colours and costumes.
Oyster’s Mediterranean sailboat charters in the Ionian Islands generally cruise between Corfu and Lefkada.
The Dodecanese Islands offer the perfect balance between tiny hidden gems and larger, perennially popular resorts. In cosmopolitan Kos, you sit under the very tree where the philosopher Hippocrates taught his students and explore the island’s extensive medieval and ancient architecture. In unspoilt Nisyros, still an active volcanic centre, you can stroll around the island’s capital and take in the colourful houses built from volcanic rock. So many of these glorious sailing hotspots offer a blissful beach holiday experience and Pserimos is particularly lovely, with its heavenly golden sand bays that make it hard to leave and sail on to your next destination.
The best and most lively time to visit the Dodecanese Islands is in July and August, where a full nightlife calendar will provide more than enough to keep you entertained on your Mediterranean sailing charter.
Our sailing charters in the Dodecanese cruise around the island group, generally starting in Rhodes.
Turkey’s Datca offers more stunning, secluded beaches than you could ever wish for, its unspoilt nature owing to the fact that for years it was only accessible by boat. It may now have a good road connecting it to the mainland but it has retained its undiscovered feel, making it perfect for romantic Mediterranean sailboat charters. Europe and Asia meet to form Turkey’s landmass, and you can see the influences of both West and East throughout this beautiful country. Bodrum has a distinctive Aegean character, noticeable in its picture postcard whitewashed houses with a bright-blue trim, whilst its medieval castle gives a glimpse of old Turkey. Göcek is a sailor’s paradise – this bustling little town is the perfect place to arrive after a night sail, offering some of the best Turkish breakfast around.
Temperatures in the peak season of July/August reach an average of 33°C/91.4°F – which makes for perfect weather for relaxing under the shade of a palm tree or taking advantage of the amazing hiking trails offered in this region.
Our Mediterranean sailing charter in Turkey generally cruise the Datca coast between Bodrum and Göcek.
Learn more about how to charter a yacht with Oyster. Discover Oyster luxury sailing yachts for charter in the East Mediterranean or contact Oyster Charter Manager, Fiona McCarthy to begin planning your trip.
