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Which is the Best Month to Cruise the Mediterranean?

Bybestcruiseadvise.com Posted on

The best month for cruising in the Mediterranean depends on what you expect from your journey. So better list your preferences out. Allow us to inform you what to expect during each month of the year.

We’ll help you plan the perfect itinerary, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. We also have 9 bonus tips waiting for you in the end. It’ll help you prepare for your journey.

Expert Advice: 9 Bonus Tips for a Perfect Mediterranean Cruise Vacation

These 9 bonus tips will help you prepare better for your journey on the Mediterranean.

  1. You will see many ports (13–20) in the Mediterranean region, unlike the Caribbean region.
  2. Water in the Mediterranean region is relatively calmer when compared to the Caribbean Sea, especially during fall, spring, and summer
  3. You will explore a variety of cultures, including various cuisines, in different countries of Europe.
  4. Find a good place to exchange your Dollar or currency for Euro.
  5. The food on the cruise will probably be seafood. So get your food if you are not a seafood person.
  6. Expensive excursion from ports to points of interest. Opting for public transport is much more economical.
  7. Distant point of interest from the ports. Be sure to pre-book to avoid standing in long lines.
  8. Value-added tax in Barcelona. Be prepared for it.
  9. Keeping a change in euros is a good practice to follow. It’ll help you during nature’s call.

The Perfect Timing: Choosing the Best Month for a Mediterranean Cruise

1. January

January is the best month for cruising if you dislike the people surrounding you. You will not encounter rash crowds in this month of the year in the Mediterranean. Other than that, you get a cruise at a reasonable price, ranging from $70-80 per person, per night.

January month can also be preferable for visiting art museums, heritage sites, and popular city attractions without much of a rush. Canary Island is the hotspot in January. Unfortunately, you may encounter strong winds and storms during this month. Consider it a payoff for low cruise rates and less commotion.

2. February

The cruise fares are similar to those in January. You may encounter the weather being more respectful compared to the previous month.

The temperature will stand somewhere around 55F to 65F in Egypt. It will be better to carry some waterproof garments, as the weather can sometimes get volatile. It’s carnival season in many countries and you’ll discover mild showers in the beautiful Canary Islands.

3. March

March denotes the beginning of spring and it attracts tourists to the Mediterranean. Cruise rates will rise to $80-85. The temperature is expected to be 50–60 °F. It is the best month to explore Egypt, especially the cities of Cyprus, Athens, and the marvelous pyramids of Giza. You’ll also observe the popular festival of Ramadan during this month of the year.

4. April

In April, you will observe more tourists joining you on the journey. The middle of the spring season signals the opening of all the shops and restaurants near the port.

You can expect the temperature to be around 63F to 66F in Barcelona and 65F to 67F in Florence. It’s important to check out the holidays in Europe, as April is the month of Catholic Easter, and it’s an important festival in Spain, Italy, and France. Due to the Easter holiday, many shops and restaurants may remain closed.

5. May

This month, you have observed crowds getting thick but still manageable. Families will be on vacation and there will be a rise in cruise rates around $150 to $250. Temperatures can range from 65F to 75F.

Even though May is a month of summer, the water will be cold and not swimmable unless you like to swim in the cold. The 1st May is a national holiday in the Mediterranean. You can utilize this month’s sightseeing at Mount Etna, Italy, the Sicily islands of Spain, and many more astonishing wonders.

Also Read: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

6. June

The crowd will only grow thicker in the month as more families arrive for vacation. There was no significant change in the weather or the prices of the cruises. 21st of June is celebrated as a solstice festival and the 24th and 23rd of June are celebrated as Saint John and Minoria, Spain. You can join the locals to explore the culture and rituals of these Catholic countries.

7. July

July and August are considered the most popular months to sail in the Mediterranean. It’s a big season for families and tourists. The cruise fares will be anywhere in the range of $225 to $500 and the temperature will be around 50F to 90F.

Due to the predominant dash of the crowd, not only from the tourists but also from the local Europeans, it’s always better to pre-book your points of interest and excursions to avoid the last-minute rush.

8. August

August is considered the peak season. You will observe people from around the world enjoying all that is good in the Mediterranean. You can discover indigenous delicacies and crystal-clear water for swimming. Cruises may charge up to $1000 per person, per night for the premium. The 15th of August is celebrated as the August feast for the Virgin Mary. It can be observed in Catholic countries like Spain and France. The locals are generally welcoming, giving us a deeper look at their culture.

9. September

The weather will start cooling down but the water will still be suitable for swimming. Temperature can be found between 77F to 82F. Crowds will slowly start vanishing as vacations are over, leaving all the water for you. You can use it for surfing, rowing, and whatever you want it for.

10. October

October marks the beginning of the fall season in the Mediterranean. If you still want to hunt for sun, you can head towards the far south in countries like Portugal. Better carry a waterproof jacket or raincoat to counter rainfall and thunderstorms.

11. November

The temperature will still drop during November. it will be marked by longer nights and shorter days. You can expect the temperature to be between 55F and 60F. The shops and restaurant owners may take a break from the business. If you want to enjoy the beach, you can still go towards Egypt, where the waters are somewhat warmer. You can visit heritage sites, popular destinations, and museums with comfy coffee shops to pull the most from the November month.

12. December

You’ll observe the cold winds of December and the opening of the Christmas markets. December 6th is celebrated as St. Nicholas Day in Catholic countries. That’s a good opportunity for Christmas shopping.

Also Read: What are the Best Places to Visit in India?

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you will be well aware of what to expect during each month of the year.

You can choose any according to your preference. If you are a solo traveler on a budget and rough weather doesn’t bother you, plan your trip for January or February.

For a romantic trip or a honeymoon, you can choose any month that falls under spring. Wine enthusiasts can travel during the harvest season when wine prices are lowest. Choose the summer months to cruise in the Mediterranean with your loved ones.

Happy Cruising!

Also, Read: How Much Does Carnival Cruise Cost to the Bahamas?

(For more MSC Cruise Tips and Travel Blog, Keep Visiting on Best Cruise Advise Official Website)