Pacific Ocean Weather
The primary threat to sailors (other than holes in the boat) is bad weather. The Pacific Ocean is known for being much calmer and less extreme than the Atlantic, and there's some truth to this reputation.
The Pacific doesn't usually experience the wild storms or freezing spray of the North Atlantic, and it also doesn't experience tropical storms of the south Atlantic with the same extreme frequency.
However, the Pacific Ocean does have its fair share of extreme weather. The Typhoon is the mother of all Pacific storms, and they occur exclusively in the Indian and Western Pacific oceans. As Halsey's 7th fleet can testify, typhoons can be devastating. A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that has the same characteristics as a hurricane, though the nomenclature is different due to its location.
Typhoons are the most hazardous threat in the Pacific Ocean, but they're very rare in some parts of the ocean. The more likely threats include' thunderstorms and generally bad weather. Thunderstorms occur almost everywhere in the pacific ocean, yet they occur most frequently in warmer areas and southern latitudes.
Gail-force winds are common, especially during the winter. These high winds can conjure up enormous waves, which are an obvious hazard to sailors. However, even winter weather conditions in the Pacific tend to be milder than in the Atlantic. Rogue waves are possible but less likely.
Regions of the Pacific
The Pacific is an extremely large ocean with numerous regions and climate zones. The Pacific is divided primarily into three regions, which are Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia.
Polynesia is the largest region of the pacific, and it includes islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Micronesia lies northwest of Polynesia and includes islands such as Guam and the Marshall Islands. Melanesia, which is south of Micronesia, includes New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji.
The Pacific Ring of Fire runs all the way along the edges of the Pacific, starting at the base of South America and stretching all around to the bottom of New Zealand. Other parts of the Pacific ocean are referred to by their location, such as the North Pacific and the South Pacific.
When to Start a Pacific Circumnavigation
Are you planning to circumnavigate the Pacific or take an extended multi-region trip? If so, you can plan your schedule to beat the storms and enjoy the best conditions for as long as possible.
The primary objective when choosing the best time to begin a long voyage is to avoid storms in typhoon-prone areas.
Typhoons can occur at any time of the year, but they're most common during the summer, from May to October. This also happens to be the best time to sail the United States West Coast. In the summer, weather from Anchorage to Vancouver is reasonable for sailing, so consider beginning your voyage from the west coast at the end of April.
You can safely explore the entire western coast of North and South America during the summer, then make your way across the eastern flank of Polynesia to Hawaii in October. The Hawaiian Islands are generally safe during this time, as the weather is warm and severe storms are rare.
After the winter rainy season (which we'll discuss shortly), you can freely explore Micronesia and Melanesia with reduced risk. Temperatures in the South Pacific dry months often exceed 86 degrees and rarely drop below 72. The months of November to March are the perfect time to sail to New Zealand, Australia, and the numerous island chains in the more convectively and atmospherically volatile parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Best Time to Sail the Pacific Northwest
Sailing the Pacific ocean near the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Northwest is safe during most months but ideal during the summer. The weather in this region is relatively temperate, and convective storms are relatively uncommon.
If you're starting a sailing trip from Portland, Seattle, or Vancouver, B.C., then the best time to sail is in June and July. The sailing season in the area is long, stretching from march until the end of October. The primary issue in the Pacific Northwest is that, during the winter months, it's just too cold to sail.
Temperatures decrease the further north you go. From Seattle, winter temperatures can range from mild (50s) to cold (30s). In Vancouver, it can get as cold as -4, which is far too cold for most people to sail in. Water temperatures in this region are much colder than the South Pacific but not quite as cold as it gets.
The best time to sail in the Pacific Northwest is during the summer months, when warm temperatures and mild weather are most likely. During this time, Pacific water' temperatures range between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is relatively warm.
How to Prepare for Pacific Northwest Sailing
Cold temperatures are the primary hazard of Pacific Northwest sailing, even during the summer. Water temperatures in the region, which peak around 65 degrees in August and September, are still cold enough to cause hypothermia.
Thus, it's essential to carry a drysuit onboard in case the weather gets cold and damp. Rain is also common in the region, so carrying foul weather gear and a few extra layers of insulation can save the day.
Best Time to Sail in Polynesia
The seasons in Polynesia are almost reversed, as the winter months are notably hotter and rainier than the summer months. The rainy season in Polynesia runs from November until April, where average temperatures exceed 80 degrees. The region receives 15 inches of rainfall in January alone, with numbers tapering down to 2 or 3 inches by June.
Most people who are familiar with the region suggest sailing during the summer months when the weather is cooler and dryer. In the summertime (from May to September), the average daytime temperatures hover around 75 degrees, which is perfect for sailing. Rainfall is minimal compared to the rainy season.
Additionally, summer sailors avoid Polynenia's peak typhoon season, which begins in November. Typhoons and thunderstorms are the primary threat in the region, but they get much less common the further east you go.
How to Prepare to Sail Polynesia
Polynesia is one of the best places to sail, as the weather during the summer months is ideal. Water temperature rarely dips below 79 or 80 degrees, meaning hypothermia is much less of a threat than in the North Pacific. That said, tropical storms can make sailors damp and miserable, so it's always a good idea to keep foul weather gear aboard.
Staying dry is the primary concern when sailing in Polynesia. This applies to the crew and the boat itself, so be sure to make sure your cabin is sealed, and your bilge pumps are in good order. A cockpit canopy is a great place to start, as installing one can keep you out of the sun during long and hot summer days.
Having an adequate supply of freshwater is also imperative, as dehydration is a major concern. Some local islands stock freshwater, but you shouldn't rely solely on supply availability.
Best Time to Sail in Micronesia
Micronesia is more hazardous than Polynesia, and care should be taken when sailing in the region. Typhoons are a real threat in Micronesia, though they occur less frequently than in other areas.
Micronesia is hot and wet all year round, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation varies more than temperature between seasons, with some areas receiving upwards of 11 inches in January and as little as 4 inches in August.
The Micronesian typhoon season runs from November to April. Sailing during this time should be avoided if possible or planned carefully with the help of satellite weather data. Tropical cyclones are a big threat In some parts of Micronesia, but they rarely occur out of season.
How to Prepare to Sail in Micronesia
Sailing in the Micronesian region of the Pacific requires much of the same equipment as Polynesian sailing. Water temperatures in the region commonly exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely warm and ideal for swimming.
Cold weather is not a big threat in this region. However, staying dry is important, so sailors should carry dry suits aboard. As in any hot climate, it's essential to stock plenty of freshwater aboard. It can be difficult to stock up on potable water in some locations.
The weather can be volatile as well, so it's important to stay tuned into satellite weather information. Local storm prediction can be unreliable, so a satellite weather system is an important piece of equipment to keep aboard.
