Winds of the Ionian Sea

In summer, the Ionian Sea is dominated by north-west winds Maestro (or Maistro) is a north-west wind that blows in summer in the Adriatic Sea when the pressure is low over the Balkan Peninsula. This fresh wind is accompanied by fine weather and light clouds. Not to be confused with Mistral, a wind in the south of France.

In general, Maistro is favorable for yachting, as it is less strong, from 2 to 5 points, and more stable than Meltemi in the Aegean Sea. In summer, Maistro usually starts blowing shortly before noon and gradually intensifies and can be reach a strength of 4-5 of Beaufort. By evening it subsides. As one moves from the northern tip of Corfu to the southern tip of the Pelaponnese Peninsula Maistro moves slightly to the west.

Nevertheless, yacht skippers should watch for wind gusts when sailing downwind of the high islands and be prepared for evening gusts from high mountains of 5-6 of Beaufort from the north-east.

Northerly and southerly winds are equally likely from October to mid-May. Storm winds from south and south-east directions are possible. Thunderstorms with gale force squally winds are frequent in spring and autumn. The Ionian Sea has the highest precipitation in Greece.