September ferry crossing

[soupdragon]

Hi all

Up to now Rose and I have only been to Halki in May. That may change for our next visit, we're thinking of the back end of September instead.
I know it's one on those how long is a piece of string questions but..........
Percentage chance wise, are late September crossings (and mid October returns) likely to be any more lumpy than early May?
Won't really affect our decision but a heads up could be useful.
Thanks in advance

Cheers. Tom and Rose

[muriman]

Tom and Rose

Christine and I have been to Halki several times between latish September and earlyish October, though not quite as late as mid-Oct. I've just looked at some old diaries to check - I see in 2013 for example we returned (then it was Ryanair to Bournemouth) on 9th Oct, and we've returned around 5th Oct several times (other times have been mid to late May or mid-June). I don't recall any bad return ferry crossings in Oct, though it's the luck of the draw - have had a few rough ones around 20-25 Sept on the way out. Perhaps the only problem can be that uncertainty sometimes arises as the weather in October can get a bit unreliable. I recall one occasion when an American had a flight booked to the USA and needed to leave Halki early to catch the flight - the previous day (or perhaps two) were very windy and most ferries were cancelled, so getting to America seemed touch and go; but next morning - still with rather a rough sea - the early ferry departed on time as the wind was dropping.

It may be worth thinking about which day you plan to return - if for example it would be a Wednesday, I think you could have confidence, because there's "strength in numbers" - as you will know, many tour operator clients tend to travel on a Wednesday the agents usually try to check the weather forecast and make sure the ferries will run, or arrange a late Tuesday ferry with an overnight in Rhodes if bad weather is forecast. Alternatively, assuming you are travelling independently, I would suggest just be prepared to check weather forecasts and to cross to Rhodes a day earlier than planned if necessary. I did once in the past go into the port police building to speak to them the day before we were due to return, when I'd heard that bad weather was forecast - I wanted to make sure they didn't plan to order next day ferry cancellations but this was an excess of caution - in the event the weather was OK and ferries ran normally.

As you say, it's how long is a piece of string......Sometimes we've departed in the first week of Oct among what seemed like breaking weather and heard later that the weather was beautiful for the rest of the month!

Graham

[soupdragon]

Hi Graham

If I've got my dates right we'd be looking at 25th September inbound and 9th October return.
Our last return (late May) was a bit lumpy but nothing to put Rose off. So if the crossing is about the same she'll be fine.

Cheers. Tom and Rose