Ferry travelers know this: the wind can be an ally or an enemy. When the wind blows hard, the sea gets rough, and ferry companies are forced to suspend the departure of ferries for safety reasons. But when and why don’t ferries depart because of too much wind? And most importantly, how to consult the marine weather forecast in such cases of bad weather so as not to ruin the vacation?
In this we explain how to read the weather forecast, what are the safety limits beyond which ferries stay in port, and what to do if rough seas force companies to block ferry departures.
Wind and sea forecasts: when ferry navigation is too difficult
Wind strength at sea is measured in knots and is classified according to the Beaufort scale, which ranges from 0 (flat calm) to 12 (hurricane). Without getting too technical, here’s how to easily interpret wind strength when you’re about to leave on a ferry:
- 0 to 3 Beaufort → calm or little sea, no problem for navigation.
- 4-5 Beaufort → rough seas, some delay or inconvenience possible for hydrofoils and catamarans.
- 6-7 Beaufort → very rough sea, several fast routes are suspended.
- 8-9 Beaufort → rough seas, frequent cancellations even for traditional ferries.
- 10 or more Beaufort → rough or stormy sea, navigation completely suspended.
In practice, when winds exceed 25-30 knots (about 45-55 km/h), many shipping companies cancel ferry departures, especially to smaller islands or more exposed stretches of sea.
Not all ferries react the same way to wind and adverse weather conditions
Not all boats cope with rough seas and wind in the same way.
- Hydrofoils and fast catamarans are very sensitive to wind and waves: it only takes two meters of wave to suspend the ride.
- Traditional ferries, which are larger and heavier, hold up better but still cannot sail in rough seas.
- Large ro-ro and passenger ships also depart in the harshest marine weather conditions, but even for them there are limits imposed by the Port Authority, which assesses safety before authorizing departure.
When and why ferry sailings are suspended due to windy weather
Port Authorities and shipping companies follow very specific safety criteria. The departure of ferries is canceled when conditions such as bad weather occur:
- Strong winds over 30-35 knots;
- Rough sea with waves more than 2.5-3 meters high;
- gale or storm warnings;
- Poor visibility or hazardous conditions for boarding.
In such cases, a ban on departure is triggered, and the company notifies ferry passengers with official announcements or direct messages. Before you hit the road, we recommend checking the status of your route directly on ferryfinder.com, where you will find real-time updates and available alternatives.
How to read the marine weather forecast and figure out whether the ferry is leaving or not
To know whether the sea will be calm or rough, you can consult reliable sites and apps such as:
- MeteoAM.it (Air Force Meteorological Service);
- Windy.com, which shows real-time wind and wave maps;
- Meteo.it in the “sea and winds” section;
- Harbor Master’s Office or Port Authority of the area of departure.
Pay attention not only to the intensity of the wind, but also to the direction. For example, in the Aeolian Islands, the Mistral can block routes from
Milazzo
, while in the
Gulf of Naples
Sirocco winds can make connections to
Ischia
e
Procida
.
What to do if the ferry won’t leave because of too much wind
If the shipping company suspends ferry departure due to bad weather, you are entitled to:
- Full refund of the ferry ticket, or
- re-routing on a later run as soon as weather conditions permit.
To manage the situation better:
- Check the weather forecast a day before departure;
- If you can, choose morning departures, when the sea is calmer;
- Prefer large ferries over hydrofoils, especially in windy months;
- Book ferries through FerryFinder, which allows you to easily change or cancel your reservation.
When too much wind and rough seas cancel the departure of ferries
Wind can change plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Knowing how to read marine weather forecasts and understand when ferries don’t leave because of too much wind will help you plan calmly and safely.
Remember: if the sea is rough, suspension of rides is not a disruption, but a safety measure to protect passengers and crew.
Before leaving, always consult the latest weather forecast and check your route on FerryFinder-your one-stop shop for informed, stress-free travel.
Related articles
To learn more and better prepare for your next ferry trip:
- Rough seas: what to do if you already have a ticket
- Difference between ferries and hydrofoils: which one to choose and why
- Ferries to Ischia: schedules, companies and travel tips
Book your ferry now with FerryFinder
At ferryfinder.com you can book ferries in just a few clicks and check the weather conditions day by day simply by clicking on the destination you choose. So you will know in advance if the sea will be calm or if strong winds are expected on your departure dates.
For an even more accurate picture, we recommend that you also consult the most reliable weather sites, such as MeteoAM.co.uk, Windy.com, and Meteo.co.uk, which provide constant updates on wind, waves, and gale warnings.
Trust FerryFinder for a safe, informed, and surprise-free sea voyage: you know the sea best… when you book it with us!
