When Is the Best Time for an Atlantic Crossing?

Planning an Atlantic crossing and wondering when to set off? Here are the best times to weigh anchor!

Héloïse Everytransatlantic5 min read

Sailboat under sail on a calm sea in fine weather
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For a while now, you've been hearing the call of the open ocean ringing in your head… It's time to plan your Atlantic crossing.

But be careful: a crossing like this can't be made at just any time! Some periods are far better suited than others for an outbound or return crossing. Knowing when to cross the Atlantic is a matter of both strategy and safety.

The main reason: the weather. Setting off at the wrong time can expose you and your crew to headwinds and low-pressure systems, which can not only slow your passage but also pose a real danger.

So, to make sure you weigh anchor at the right moment and make your crossing in good conditions, we'll tell you when to cross the Atlantic, with a breakdown of the best times to set off.

In short: the best times for an Atlantic crossing

For those in a hurry, here's a summary of the best times for an Atlantic crossing in both directions.

East to west: the outbound crossing

For an outbound Atlantic crossing, i.e. from Europe (east) to the Caribbean (west), the best time to leave is between October and December. At this time of year, the trade winds are steady, temperatures are stable and the hurricane risk is significantly lower.

West to east: the return crossing

The preferred window for a return Atlantic crossing, from the Caribbean (west) to Europe (east), is between March and May. With the winter lows coming to an end, the weather is more favourable for sailing.

Atlantic crossing routes

The best season for an Atlantic crossing depends above all on the direction you're sailing. Here are the two main routes, sailed for centuries on the strength of the prevailing winds.

From Europe to the Caribbean

The so-called "trade wind route" is the one most sailing yachts take. The reason is in the name: skippers make the most of the steady trade winds that blow consistently between October and December.

This route is generally split into three legs:

  • From France (La Rochelle, Lorient, La Trinité-sur-Mer, Brest, etc.) or Spain (Galicia, Asturias, etc.) to the Canary Islands.
  • From the Canaries (Las Palmas) to Cape Verde (optional).
  • From Cape Verde to the Lesser Antilles (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, etc.).

From the Caribbean to Europe

The return route, from the Caribbean to Europe, is more demanding and often longer, as it involves sailing in more variable winds than on the way out.

The route is generally the same:

  • From the Caribbean to the Azores (Horta).
  • From the Azores to France, Spain or Portugal.

When to make the outbound Atlantic crossing?

The outbound Atlantic crossing (Europe => Caribbean) is almost always made between November and December.

This period is ideal for sailing for several reasons:

  • The trade winds are steady and predictable.
  • The hurricane risk is significantly lower from mid-November.
  • Temperatures are milder, especially between the Canaries and the Caribbean.
  • Rallies such as the ARC start at this time of year.

When to make the return Atlantic crossing?

The return crossing (Caribbean => Europe) is generally made between March and May.

During this window, you benefit from factors such as:

  • Less frequent lows over the North Atlantic.
  • Temperatures that are still bearable.
  • Variable winds, which allow you to adapt your route.
  • Increasingly calm seas towards the end of spring.

Some ports are more popular than others as departure points, for several reasons.

First, these ports, often facing south-west, make it easier to pick up the right weather route and avoid dangerous weather zones. They also have the right facilities (sail lofts, services, etc.) for smooth departures and arrivals. Finally, they're home to the most active communities of transatlantic skippers.

For the outbound crossing, the recommended ports are:

  • In France: La Rochelle, Lorient, La Trinité-sur-Mer.
  • In Spain: A Coruña, in Galicia.
  • In Portugal: Cascais, Lagos.
  • In the Canaries: Las Palmas.
  • In Cape Verde: Mindelo.

For the return crossing, the following ports are preferred:

  • In Martinique: Le Marin.
  • In Guadeloupe: Pointe-à-Pitre.
  • In Saint Lucia: Saint-Martin.
  • In the Azores: Horta.

Which periods should you avoid?

For a crossing that's as safe, smooth and comfortable as possible, avoid the following periods:

  • In both directions, summer and early autumn (between June and October): during this window, the hurricane risk (storms, hurricanes, very rough seas) is particularly high in the Caribbean and the tropical Atlantic.
  • For the return crossing, the depths of winter (between December and February): the North Atlantic is then very active, with lows, cross swell and violent winds.

Only some professional skippers occasionally undertake an Atlantic crossing during these off-seasons. Some do it to save time on a delivery, others for the sheer sporting challenge or during races! Think, for example, of Bernard Moitessier's Long Way (opens in a new tab) in 1968, a non-stop circumnavigation during which the skipper faced particularly gruelling weather conditions.

How to choose the right time to set off?

Choosing the right moment to leave isn't just about picking the right date! You also need to take various factors into account and develop a few good habits, such as:

  • Monitoring the weather several weeks in advance.
  • Preparing the boat early and doing so thoroughly (technical checks, safety, inventory, provisions, etc.).
  • Putting together a trustworthy crew in advance (motivated beginner crew members or experienced sailors).
  • Sailing in a flotilla or a rally, to benefit from mutual support and a great atmosphere!

Useful resources to prepare your crossing

EveryTransatlantic: the platform connecting sailors for Atlantic crossings under sail.
With EveryTransatlantic, browse or post listings to find a boat or build your crew!

Other resources:

FAQ

How long does an Atlantic crossing under sail take?

An outbound crossing generally takes between 18 and 25 days depending on the route, the boat and the winds.
The return is often longer because the winds are more variable: between 30 and 50 days.

Is crossing the Atlantic by sailboat dangerous?

Like any offshore passage, an Atlantic crossing does involve risks, mainly related to weather and sailing conditions.
But with good preparation, a well-timed departure and a close-knit crew, these risks are greatly reduced.

When do the trade winds blow?

The trade winds blow steadily between November and March, at their most consistent between December and January.

What is the safest route?

For the outbound crossing, the safest route is: Europe => Canaries => Cape Verde => Caribbean.
For the return, follow this route: Caribbean => Azores => Europe.

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