In Dodecanese it does not blow every day, but may do so without break for 3 to 4 days and less times 5-6 days. When the “Meltemi” suffles at full strength, mainly in July and August, attention should be drawn: The gusts off the leeward side of the islands are considerably stronger than those in the open sea or the windward side of the islands – because of the funneling phenomenon of the wind above the hills and small mounts of the Greek islands in the vicinity. Gusts are particularly strong off Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nissyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea. Even stronger winds and big waves are often seen at the area off Ikria island, while the southern coast of Samos island is considered a calmer place for sailing in Greece and the Greek islands.
In the less protected area between Astypalea and Karpathos, the “Meltemi” can blow for several days in a row. Although it is possible to set sails N when the northern wind “Meltemi” is blowing, it will feel better to head S, especially in July and August when the typical short waves of the sea can turn sailing or motoring upwind to an uncomfortable and tiring experience.
We are preparing (soon to come) more information & a few more statistics for the climate, winds (direction and force) as well as air and sea temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours per day in the Dodecanese islands in Greece.