Rhodes, the jewel of the Greek Dodecanese islands, boasts all features from beautiful beaches to rich history, including a Mediterranean climate. But one most frequently asked question, mainly by every beach-going traveler, would be whether Rhodes is windy. To this, the answer is yes-Rhodes has, in fact, been known to be quite windy in some areas and seasons. For some, they are a godsend: a windsurfer’s and a sailor’s dream. Still, they could interfere with a traveler’s beach plans. To comprehend how the winds influence Rhodes, it is necessary to probe into their causes, seasonal habits, and, finally, the effect each part of the island has from them.
The Winds of Rhodes
Rhodes has a few kinds of winds. Most of the time, one will be dealing with the Meltemi. The Meltemi is a seasonal northern wind which blows over the Aegean Sea during summer. It’s caused by the interaction of high-pressure systems over the Balkans and low-pressure systems over Turkey, creating strong, consistent winds which sweep down through the Aegean.
The Meltemi Wind
The Meltemi wind-or, also referred to as the “Etesian wind”-usually blows from June up to September, peaking in July and August. It blows from directions north and northeast with a speed of 20 to 30 knots (37-55 km/h); at times of highly developed wind, it may even reach over this range.
In Rhodes, the Meltemi affects the island differently depending on which side you’re on:
West Coast: The west side of the island, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is the windiest area in Rhodes. The Meltemi stabs right onto the coast, which makes the west side a paradise for windsurfers, kitesurfers, and also sailors. Places such as beaches at Ialyssos, Ixia, and Prasonisi are popular with water sports enthusiasts who don’t feel out of place in windy conditions. The sea is roughened by strong winds, and such areas are unsuitable for casual beachgoers to swim in because the water may be quite rough in strong winds.
The sheltered east coast, therefore, is much calmer compared to the full force of the Meltemi. Beaches such as Lindos, Faliraki, and Tsambika have more moderate breezes; therefore, these beaches are favored by most tourists who want to spend their days sunbathing and swimming in a relaxed manner. Of course, there may still be winds in this area; however, this side of the island is always much weakened compared to the other parts, so the overall experience will be much more tranquil.
Other Rhodes Winds
Apart from the Meltemi, Rhodes has some other winds: local and seasonal, which can affect the weather in Rhodes:
Sirocco: This is a hot and dry wind that periodically blows across the Mediterranean from the Sahara Desert. When it reaches Rhodes, higher temperatures and, sometimes, sand from North Africa come with it. However, the Sirocco is seldom experienced in Rhodes; it usually takes place in late autumn or early spring.
West Winds: During the off-season, especially during winter, Rhodes can be affected by westerly winds. These carry cooler air with them, which is wetter and rain-rich. Although not as frequent as the Meltemi winds, these also contribute to the varied climatic pattern Rhodes experiences throughout the year.
Seasonal Wind Patterns
The summer months prevail with the Meltemi from June to September, with steady winds, sunshine, and dry weather. The wind still cools it down, as the temperature during this time can go as high as 30°C or above. The breeze keeps the air fresh and makes the island much cooler, especially on the coasts.
Psys are much weaker during spring and autumn. During spring, roughly around April and May, it is lighter, with warm weather but not oppressively hot. These months are ideal for tourists who would not want to catch the heat and strong summer winds. Autumn-the months of September through November-is again more temperate, with the Meltemi gradually dying down by the end of September.
In winter-December to February-the winds may shift and bring cooler weather and occasional rain. Though the winters are mild on Rhodes, during storms, winds can pick up-especially on the west side. Tourism is a bit quieter, with fewer visitors and a more relaxed atmosphere.
How the Wind Affects Various Activities
Whether Rhodes’ wind is a plus or a minus depends on the activities you are planning during your stay.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: Rhodes is considered one of the best places in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its powerful and permanent winds, especially on the west coast. Prasonisi beach at the southern tip of the island is an address known worldwide among practitioners of these sports. It is famous for the particular landscape: the juncture of the Aegean Sea with the Mediterranean provides very favorable conditions for water sports dependent on wind. Meltemi wind provides excellent conditions both for complete beginners and advanced windsurfers.
Swimming and Sunbathing: For those people who like tranquil waters and a more laid-back time on the beach, the east coast is your best bet. While the winds are still blowing, they are much lighter; due to this, beaches such as Lindos and Anthony Quinn Bay have perfect conditions for swimming and sunbathing without any apprehension caused by strong gusts.
Sailing: Rhodes is also a popular destination for all sailors. During the summer, breezes blow with great consistency, creating exciting and challenging sailing conditions, in particular for those interested in touring the islands in the Dodecanese group. These winds are a good power source for sailboats, while sheltered bays along the east coast ensure safe anchorages when the winds are too strong.
Hiking and Sightseeing: The winds should bring comfort to an explorer of the historical and natural beauties Rhodes has to offer while on a hike or taking a walk on the island during the summer. These are definitely well-accepted winds when one is touring something like the Acropolis of Lindos or the Valley of the Butterflies.
Conclusion
So, is Rhodes windy? Yes, but the wind is not a constant bother. The Meltemi, which blows most steadily during the summer, affects the island differently depending on where you are: the west coast is much windier, ideal for those interested in windsurfing or kitesurfing, while the east coast is much calmer-the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly beach days.
For the greater part of the visitors, the Rhodes winds are not a drawback but an advantage; the cooling breeze during the hottest months of the year and the excellent conditions for water sports will make them enjoy every moment. Understanding the way Rhodes winds work will help you choose the right side of the island and, in fact, the best time of the year so that your holidays could be as pleasant as possible.
