When you dream of a luxury escape at sea, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How long is a yacht charter season? The answer is simple: it depends on where you are in the world. Yachts follow the sun. When one season ends, another begins somewhere else.
Broadly, there are two main seasons. The summer yacht season and the winter yacht season. Each one lasts around six months. Each one has its own character, destinations, and charm. Let’s explore both.
How Long Is a Yacht Charter Season Worldwide?
Broadly speaking, the global yacht charter calendar is divided into two main periods: the summer season and the winter season.
- Summer season: May to October (Mediterranean, Northern Europe, New England, South Pacific).
- Winter season: November to April (Caribbean, Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia).
By understanding when and where yacht charter seasons take place, you can choose the perfect time to set sail, enjoy the best weather, and even manage costs more effectively. And that’s what makes chartering so magical, you can find a season almost all year round.
The Summer Yacht Charter Season (May–October)
On TV shows like Below Deck, a yacht charter season may look like just six weeks. That’s only because of filming schedules. In real life, the summer charter season goes for several months, offering plenty of time to explore. If you’re curious about how yacht charters really work and what options are available, you can always check out Ak Yachts.
The summer yacht season runs from May to October. This is when the Mediterranean becomes the centre of the yachting world. The French Riviera sparkles with nightlife and glamour. The Italian coastline is all romance, from Amalfi to Capri. The Greek islands feel timeless, with their whitewashed villages and sapphire seas.
In summer, the early season (May and June) is calm and quiet. High summer (July and August) is electric and alive. Late summer (September and October) feels softer, golden, and often more affordable.
If you choose summer, remember: July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Marinas are crowded, and the party never stops. But May, June, September, and October offer gentler light, fewer crowds, and often better prices. For many, these shoulder months are the sweetest of all.
Popular Summer Destinations:
- Mediterranean: France’s Côte d’Azur, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Greece’s islands, and Spain’s Balearics. Glamour, history, and culture rolled into one.
- Northern Europe: Norway’s fjords, the Baltic Sea, and Scotland. A mix of wilderness and charm.
- New England: Newport, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Classic sailing grounds with Americana flair.
- South Pacific: Tahiti, Fiji, and French Polynesia. Exotic islands far from the crowds.
Summer Festivals to Enjoy
- Cannes Film Festival (May, French Riviera): Celebrities, red carpets, and yacht parties in one of the most glamorous ports in the world.
- Monaco Grand Prix (May, Monaco): Formula 1 racing viewed best from the deck of a yacht in Port Hercules.
- Venice Film Festival (late August/September, Italy): Combine cinema with gondolas and Italian charm.
- Santorini Jazz Festival (July, Greece): A cultural twist to a yacht stop in the Cyclades.
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (late September, France): One of the most famous regattas, where classic and modern yachts meet.
The Winter Yacht Charter Season (November–April)
The winter yacht season runs from November to April. When Europe cools, yachts cross the Atlantic, and the Caribbean becomes the heart of winter sailing.
In winter, the early season (November and early December) is peaceful and relaxed. The festive season (late December and early January) is full of celebration. Core season (January to March) is steady, warm, and reliable. Late season (April) is calmer, just before yachts head back across the Atlantic.
Popular Winter Destinations
- Caribbean Islands – From the Virgin Islands to Antigua, Grenada, and St. Barts. Each island offers something unique: calm anchorages, coral reefs, or a buzzing nightlife.
- The Bahamas – Famous for shallow turquoise waters and hundreds of secluded islands.
- The Indian Ocean, including the Seychelles and Maldives, though more niche, offers year-round warm sailing conditions.
For winter charters, remember that festive weeks are in high demand and book up quickly. But January to March is ideal calm seas, warm sunshine, and more space to yourself.
Winter Festivals to Enjoy
- St. Barts New Year’s Eve (December): Legendary yacht parties, fireworks, and celebrity gatherings.
- Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago (February): One of the world’s most vibrant carnivals, alive with costumes, music, and dance.
- Antigua Sailing Week (April): A spectacular regatta attracting sailors and yachts from across the globe.
- Bahamas Junkanoo Festival (December 26 & January 1): Colorful parades and traditional music in Nassau.
- Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria (April): A cultural celebration perfect for those exploring the Indian Ocean.
Quick Comparison: How Long Is a Yacht Charter Season?
| Summer Season | Winter Season | |
| Months | May – Oct | Nov – Apr |
| Peak | Jul – Aug | Dec – Feb |
| Where | Mediterranean | Caribbean, Maldives, South Pacific |
| Vibe | Glamorous & lively | Relaxed & tropical |
| Best For | Festivals, nightlife, chic ports | Island-hopping, barefoot luxury |
Bottom Line!
So, how long is a yacht charter season? Roughly six months in summer and six months in winter. Together, they make the yachting lifestyle a year-round adventure.
The Mediterranean, New England, and Alaska belong to summer. The Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the Indian Ocean belong to winter. Each season has its high points and its softer moments. Each offers something for everyone.
The magic lies in choosing the one that matches your heart. Whether you want the glamour of high season, the intimacy of low season, the joy of family travel, or the thrill of adventure, there is always a season—and a horizon—waiting for you.
FAQs
How long is a yacht charter season on Below Deck?
On Below Deck, a yacht charter season is filmed over about six weeks, but in reality, a yacht charter season lasts around six months, depending on the region.
Why are charter seasons only 6 weeks?
TV charter seasons are shortened for filming, while real yacht charter seasons last several months, May to October for summer and November to April for winter.
How long does a yachting season last?
A yachting season usually goes for six months. Summer runs from May to October, and winter runs from November to April.
How do yacht charter seasons work?
Yacht charter seasons follow the sun, Mediterranean and Northern Europe in summer, Caribbean and Indian Ocean in winter.
Ready to plan your adventure? Whether you dream of Mediterranean glamour or Caribbean island-hopping, your perfect yacht season is waiting. And if you’re thinking beyond chartering, explore the finest Motor Yachts, Superyachts, Cruisers, and Mega Yachts for Sale to find a vessel that makes every season yours.
