Best Places to Sail in May: Top 10 Yacht Charter for Early Season

May offers mild temperatures, reliable winds, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for comfortable and enjoyable sailing across Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast, as well as Caribbean spots such as the British Virgin Islands and St. Martin.

Top sailing destinations in May include Greece’s Cyclades and Ionian Islands, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Turkey’s upgraded marinas, and Caribbean locations like the British Virgin Islands and St. Martin.

Sailing in May offers cooler temperatures, calmer winds such as the milder Meltemi in Greece, and significantly fewer crowds. The Amalfi Coast enjoys warm weather without the peak summer cruise ship traffic, making towns like Positano and Amalfi far more pleasant to visit.

May typically brings mild to warm temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (17°C to 28°C), with steady winds averaging around 9 knots in Mediterranean locations like Sardinia, and reliable trade winds in Caribbean areas such as the British Virgin Islands.

Yes, marinas and anchorages are generally quieter in May. Destinations such as Greece, Croatia, and the Amalfi Coast see fewer boats and visitors, allowing for easier mooring and a more relaxed sailing experience.

Sailors can enjoy Sardinia’s culinary delights including local wines, cheeses, and traditional pastries, while St. Martin offers a unique blend of European and Caribbean culture, vibrant cuisine, and welcoming island towns during the pleasant spring season.

Sailors can design itineraries that include island hopping in Greece’s Cyclades and Ionian Islands, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, or the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands and St. Martin, benefiting from calmer winds and less crowded waters to explore multiple destinations in a single trip.

The Cyclades are quieter in May with milder Meltemi winds, offering relaxed sailing conditions and authentic island experiences before the summer rush begins.

Sailing the Amalfi Coast in May avoids the peak season cruise ship crowds and high yacht traffic, offering pleasant weather, more peaceful harbours, and easier access to popular towns like Positano and Amalfi.

In May, the British Virgin Islands experience steady winds and warm waters with fewer tourists before the hurricane season begins, providing calm and reliable conditions for sailors.

The best spring sailing destinations combine favorable weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Places like Greece’s islands, Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, and Caribbean spots such as St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands are ideal due to their mild temperatures, cultural richness, and well-established sailing infrastructure.