Best times for calm seas?

[AndrewL]

When is the best time of year to sail
to have the highest chance of encountering smooth seas? I'm rather
prone to motion sickness, but love the
crusinig experience!

Andrew L.

 

[GenieDana]

If you check the weather sources (NOAA) you will find the wave height averages are:

Less in late spring / summer
Less in the Gulf (western itinerary) than the Atlantic

Note the "averages" as weather can be anything on any particular date. You could get a tropical storm at almost any time during the year in the temperate zone. You odds might be better if you pay attention to averages. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I'm not the OP, but does this mean that sailing in the Gulf (7 day western itinerary) in early June mean calmer seas than doing a 4 night (Nassau & Castaway Cay) in late November? We are thinking of doing the 4 night for Nov. 2005 for our 25th wedding anniversary and I am wondering how rough the water would be.

 

[Mom2Belle&PeterPan]

Just sailed the June 12th Eastern and Rachel the cruise director said it was the calmest seas she'd seen in years. We cruised long ago in early June too, and it was relatively calm. Don't know about other months.

 

[JFS]

It's hard to predict during hurricane season (June-November). We sailed during November 2 yrs ago and skirted a hurricane (30 ft. seas). Seas were rough for 3 days until we reached Virgin Islands.
We were prepared and took Ginger Powder Capsules and Bonine, and were fine but many people were not prepared and spent most of the time sick in their cabins. After the hurricane passed the seas were very flat.
Check the marine forecast before you go.
Also, even during calmer times, the first night out the boat can rock quite a bit when it crosses the gulf stream.

 

[drclaws]

The June 19th Western was VERY smooth as well. 5 days of 1.5-4 foot swells, last two days 4-6 foot, but we didn't notice much of a difference at all.

Originally posted by Mom2Belle&PeterPan
Just sailed the June 12th Eastern and Rachel the cruise director said it was the calmest seas she'd seen in years. We cruised long ago in early June too, and it was relatively calm. Don't know about other months.