Monaco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summer days often reach the mid-20s°C, while winter daytime highs average about 10°C. Sea temperatures peak near 24°C in August and fall to ~15°C in winter. According to Monaco Yacht Rentals, June–September offers ideal sailing weather, whereas October–April brings cooler air, calmer waters, and fewer crowds. In this post, we compare summer vs. winter yacht cruises around Monaco, highlighting key advantages, drawbacks, and recommended destinations.
Summer Yacht Cruises
Summer vs. winter yacht cruises in Monaco highlight how summer brings clear skies and calm Mediterranean waters. From June through early September, the weather is reliably warm. Summer afternoons see steady breezes, perfect for sailing. Long daylight hours let guests enjoy sightseeing and time on deck. This peak season is lively, with events and crowded harbors. Yachts often anchor off Port Hercule for fireworks or the Grand Prix.
Summer cruises have several benefits and trade-offs:
-
Pros: Warm, sunny days and calm seas. Reliable sailing winds and ideal swimming temperatures (~24°C water). Long daylight for activities.
-
Cons: Very high demand leads to premium prices. Marinas and anchorages are crowded. Mooring and event fees spike, so yachts can book months ahead. It pays to plan and book early.
Top Summer Destinations: The French Riviera is a classic summer yacht playground. Popular ports include Cannes, Antibes, and Nice, famous for beaches, shopping, and entertainment. Yachts often cruise west from Monaco toward Saint-Tropez, stopping at designer beach clubs and open-ocean anchorages. The Lérins Islands (near Cannes) offer sheltered bays and quiet coves. Closer to Monaco are Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat, scenic bays ideal for anchoring. These spots stay lively all summer. A typical summer itinerary might include Cap Ferrat, Villefranche, then on to Cannes and Antibes, soaking up the full Riviera experience.
Summer Destinations
-
Saint-Tropez & Cannes (France): Iconic summer resorts with glamour, nightlife, and beaches. Cannes hosts events and offers easy anchoring.
-
Antibes & Nice (France): Historic ports with marinas, markets, and restaurants. Nice has a long promenade and good supply points.
-
Villefranche-sur-Mer & Cap Ferrat (France): Quiet, picturesque coves near Monaco for day trips. These bays have clear water and are less crowded off-peak.
-
Îles de Lérins (France): Two small islands with calm anchorages, ideal for a peaceful lunch stop or swim.
-
Monaco: Of course, Monaco itself is a prime stop. The principality’s harbors are very busy in summer but offer luxury restaurants and shopping.
Winter Yacht Cruises
Winter (November–March) brings cooler, tranquil conditions. Daytime highs are around 8–14°C and the sea drops to ~15°C. Strong winds (Mistral) can appear, so travelers should prepare for choppier seas. Most crewed yachts seek shelter for maintenance, and many beach clubs close. However, winter charters have big advantages.
-
Pros: Rates and dock fees are at their lowest. Harbors and anchorages are virtually empty, offering solitude. Winter often brings sunny, clear days (10–16°C) that experienced sailors find refreshing. You can cruise peacefully off Cap d’Ail or Villefranche without summer crowds.
-
Cons: The air and water are cold; casual swimming is out. Some yachts are in winter maintenance, so choices shrink. Storms and strong winds can occur, demanding more sailing skill. Off-season means fewer open restaurants and services on shore.
For those seeking a unique experience, winter yachting can be rewarding. As one guide notes, winter sailing in Monaco is “very quiet and cheap, but you trade comfort for solitude”.
Winter Destinations
-
Cap d’Ail & Villefranche-sur-Mer (France): Immediate neighbors of Monaco, these areas remain navigable year-round. Harbors are empty and the scenery is peaceful in winter.
-
Corsica & Sardinia: Within a day’s sail, yachts can reach Corsica or northern Sardinia. These islands have milder winter climates and anchorages, offering a change of scenery. (No crowds, but services may be reduced in winter.)
-
Nice & Menton (France): Ports like Nice and Menton on the Riviera still operate year-round. Nice has a larger marina and more winter facilities.
-
Tropical Options: For warm-weather winter cruises, some long-range yachts based in Monaco may reposition globally. For example, the 72m explorer BLEU DE NÎMES is built to sail in a “Mediterranean summer or an Indian Ocean winter escape”. Charters can head to the Seychelles, Caribbean, or other tropical regions in winter if desired (though that involves long crossings).
Yacht Options and Pricing
Yachts in Monaco range from small motorboats to mega-superyachts. Vessel size, amenities, and the season strongly influence cost. Charter rates can start around €1,000–2,000 per day for smaller yachts and run to €10,000+ per day for larger luxury vessels.
For example:
-
Princess V40 – 43 ft, 7 guests, ~€1,200/day. (A practical choice for a family or small group.)
-
Fjord 42 “LUPA” – 48 ft, 9 guests, ~€3,600/day. (Includes air conditioning and a captain.)
-
Azimut 60 Fly – 57 ft, 10 guests, from ~€8,000/day. (Luxury motor yacht with lounges and sun pads.)
-
Olivier Racoupeau Catamaran – 31 m, 12 guests, from ~€12,000/day. (Spacious sailing catamaran with crew and amenities.)
Mid-range yachts (30–50 ft) typically cost €3,000–6,000 per day, while high-end 50–80 ft yachts start around €8,000+/day. Many charters include a captain and basic crew, so security deposits may not be needed.
Keep in mind fuel, crew tips, and extras (tenders, water toys, and catering) are often not included. For a small yacht, fuel might be around €100–200 per day. Larger yachts burn €1,000 or more per day in fuel. Crew provisions (food, dockage) can add ~20–30% to the charter cost. Always check what is included.
Overall, Monaco yacht rentals offer something for many budgets and group sizes. Whether booking a budget catamaran or a 72 m explorer like BLEU DE NÎMES, you can compare options. Remember that season drives price: summer and event periods (Grand Prix in May and Yacht Show in September) see peak demand, while off-season (winter) can yield bargains.
Monaco Yacht Charters: Choosing the Best Season for Your Cruise
In summary, summer vs. winter yacht cruises show that summer charters offer ideal weather and vibrant coastal destinations, though prices are higher and popular spots can get crowded. Winter cruises provide more solitude and savings but come with cooler conditions and fewer services. Monaco’s Riviera is stunning year-round, so your choice depends on your travel priorities and tolerance for cooler weather.
For a full range of options—from luxury yachts to sailing vessels—visit Monaco Yacht Rentals to find the perfect boat for your trip and start planning your ideal Monaco cruise.