Wind and sea in the Bay of Palma through the year

The Bay of Palma is one of the most sheltered stretches of water in Mallorca. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains protect it from the north, which is a big reason why so many boats are based here. Conditions still change with the season and the time of day, and knowing the pattern helps you choose the right trip.

These are typical patterns from our experience sailing the bay, not a forecast. Always check the forecast for your day and follow your skipper's judgement.

The summer sea breeze

On most summer days, the morning starts calm or almost calm. As the land heats up, a sea breeze sets in from the sea, usually from the south to southwest, and builds from late morning into the afternoon. Locally it is often called the embat. It is typically a moderate, steady breeze, ideal for sailing, and it usually eases again towards sunset.

That rhythm shapes a good summer day on the water:

• Morning: calm, flat water, best for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
• Early afternoon: the breeze arrives, good for sailing.
• Evening: the wind often drops again, which makes sunset trips calm and pleasant.

Season by season

Season	Typical conditions	Good for
Spring (April to May)	Changeable, cooler water, some fresh northerly days, longer calm spells towards May	Sailing, quieter bays, mild temperatures
Early summer (June)	Settled, warming water, regular afternoon sea breeze	All-round boat days
High summer (July to August)	Hot, mostly settled, sea breeze most afternoons, warmest water, busiest bays	Swimming, sunset trips, early starts
Late summer and autumn (September to October)	Warm water, still many settled days, more frequent changes in the weather and the odd thunderstorm	Sailing and swimming with fewer crowds
Winter (November to March)	Cooler, more frequent fronts and stronger wind days, but also clear, calm spells	Experienced sailors, boat maintenance season

Water temperature lags behind air temperature. The sea is usually at its warmest in August and September, and coolest in late winter.

Winds with names

Mallorcans use traditional names for the main wind directions. The ones you are most likely to hear about in Palma:

• Tramuntana (north): strong and cool when it blows, mostly outside summer. The bay is fairly sheltered by the mountains, but gusts can still come down.
• Mestral (northwest): the local name for the mistral. Can be strong and gusty.
• Llevant (east): can push swell into the Bay of Palma, which makes anchorages on its eastern side uncomfortable.
• Migjorn (south) and Garbí (southwest): the directions of the usual summer sea breeze.

Choosing your time

• Sensitive to motion, or travelling with small children? Book a morning trip in summer.
• Want to actually sail? Afternoons from June to September usually bring the most reliable breeze.
• Want calm and a view? A sunset trip in summer is usually the calmest time of all.
• Want quieter bays? Late May, early June or late September.

Whatever the season, the route on the day depends on the wind. A good local skipper will choose a sheltered bay and adjust the plan, which is exactly what you want.