Yacht charter seasons affect where you can cruise, the weather you will experience and how much your superyacht charter will cost throughout the year. The global calendar is typically divided into a summer season (Mediterranean and Northern Europe), a winter season (Caribbean, Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Asia) and popular shoulder months where rates and availability can be more attractive.
How do yacht charter seasons affect pricing?
Yacht charter rates vary with the season: high season (peak months for a region) commands the highest prices and demand, while low and shoulder seasons often offer better value and more availability. Superyacht owners and central agents set seasonal rate bands based on weather patterns, holidays and local events, so the same yacht can be priced differently in July in the Mediterranean versus November in the Caribbean.
In practice, “summer” season rates usually apply when the yacht is based in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, and “winter” season rates apply when the yacht is in warmer winter cruising grounds such as the Caribbean, Bahamas and Indian Ocean. Many yachts publish both high-season and low-season weekly rates, giving you the option to save by travelling slightly outside the busiest weeks.
What is the summer yacht charter season?
The summer yacht charter season generally runs from May to October in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, with peak weeks in July and August. During this period you will find the broadest choice of yachts available in hotspots such as the French Riviera, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Greece, Croatia and the Balearic Islands.
Outside the very busiest weeks, late spring and early autumn often offer excellent conditions, fewer crowds and more flexible pricing, which you can highlight on your calendar for May, June, September and October.
What is the winter yacht charter season?
The winter yacht charter season typically runs from November to April, when many superyachts relocate to warmer cruising grounds. Popular winter regions include the Caribbean, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, the Maldives, Seychelles and selected Middle East and Indian Ocean destinations.
High season in the Caribbean and Bahamas usually centres around Christmas, New Year and February, while November, early December, March and April are often classed as shoulder months with more competitive rates.
Where can I charter a yacht in January?
January is prime winter season in the Caribbean and Bahamas, offering warm weather, settled seas and a busy social calendar. It is also a good month for certain Indian Ocean destinations such as the Maldives, where conditions are ideal for cruising and diving.
Where can I charter a yacht in February?
February remains peak season in the Caribbean and Bahamas and is a popular month for romantic getaways and winter sun escapes. Some Mediterranean-based yachts also open for early-season charters in the Canary Islands or other mild-weather areas.
Where can I charter a yacht in March?
March is an excellent shoulder month in the Caribbean and Bahamas, with slightly lower demand than Christmas and New Year but still very good conditions. It is also attractive for long-range adventures such as Central America or early Indian Ocean charters before the hottest months.
Where can I charter a yacht in April?
April marks the end of the main Caribbean season and the beginning of repositioning towards the Mediterranean. This can create interesting opportunities: attractive rates on return crossings, late Caribbean charters and early Mediterranean charters in places like the Balearics or South of France.
Where can I charter a yacht in May?
May is the start of the Mediterranean summer season, with rising temperatures and fewer crowds than mid-summer. Destinations such as the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Balearics, Croatia and Greece become increasingly popular, often at more favourable rates than July and August.
Where can I charter a yacht in June?
June is a prime month in the Mediterranean, offering long days, excellent weather and an active but not yet saturated high season. Many yachts still apply low- or mid-season rates in June, making it an appealing time for families and groups who can travel outside school holidays.
Where can I charter a yacht in July?
July is full high season in the Mediterranean, especially in the French Riviera, Italy, Greece, Croatia and the Balearics. Demand and charter rates are at or near their annual peak, and marinas, restaurants and beach clubs are in full swing.
Where can I charter a yacht in August?
August is traditionally the busiest and most expensive month in the Mediterranean, especially around the Côte d’Azur, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearic Islands. Many yachts only offer their top high-season rates in August due to very strong demand.
Where can I charter a yacht in September?
September is a favourite month for experienced charterers in the Mediterranean: sea temperatures remain warm, but crowds thin and rates often drop from high-season levels. Weather is usually excellent in the South of France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and the Balearics, making it ideal for relaxed cruising.
Where can I charter a yacht in October?
October is late season in the Mediterranean, with pleasant conditions in many areas but gradually cooler weather and quieter ports. It is also when more yachts begin transitioning back towards winter cruising grounds or shipyards.
Where can I charter a yacht in November?
November marks the start of the Caribbean and Bahamas winter charter season, although it is often seen as a shoulder month before the peak festive period. Some Indian Ocean and Middle East destinations also become attractive at this time.
Where can I charter a yacht in December?
December is a high-demand month for superyacht charters in the Caribbean and Bahamas, particularly over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Guests also look at warm destinations such as the Maldives or Seychelles, and some yachts book out a year in advance for this period.
