Will your ferry feel rough today?
See which monitored seas are most active, view the wind across European ferry routes and open your crossing for wave and motion guidance.
FerryWeather explains likely sea conditions. For confirmed delays or cancellations, always follow your ferry company.
Wind across European ferry routes
Zoom in on your crossing and follow the wind between the ports. Strong wind can increase waves, change passenger comfort and make harbour operations more difficult.
This map shows wind. The live panels below use marine wave data as well as wind data.
Most active ferry seas right now
FerryWeather compares the next 24 hours across its monitored sea areas and ranks the strongest combined wave and wind signals.
Model ranking updated 18:04 UTC. Ranking combines maximum wave height, sustained wind and gusts across monitored points. It is not a ferry cancellation ranking.
Find your ferry forecast
Route pages follow the water between the ports and combine waves, wind, route exposure and vessel type.
Today, tomorrow and the longer trend
Four major ferry areas with exact short range guidance and a deliberately softer signal for five days from now.
The five day signal is intentionally less precise. Long range marine forecasts can change substantially as new model runs arrive.
How rough could your crossing feel?
Start with significant wave height, then consider wave period, direction and the ferry being used.
Usually little movement caused by the sea.
Movement may be noticeable on small or fast ferries.
Clear movement. Ferry size becomes increasingly important.
An uncomfortable crossing is possible for many passengers.
Strong movement and an increased chance of disruption.
These ranges describe significant wave height. They are not universal ferry cancellation limits.
The ferry changes how the forecast feels
A large overnight ferry has more mass, a longer hull and may use stabilisers. Its movement is generally slower than a fast catamaran or small passenger ferry.
This does not make every large ferry comfortable. Wave period, direction, speed, route exposure and where you sit also matter.
Understand ferry movementBefore travelling to the port
Use the forecast for comfort. Use the operator for the final sailing decision.
Open the route
Look at conditions over the water between the ports.
Identify the ferry
Large ships, fast ferries and small craft can feel very different.
Read official warnings
Strong wind, storms, fog and local marine warnings add context.
Confirm with the operator
Only the ferry company confirms delays, diversions and cancellations.
If you are sensitive to seasickness
Motion sickness can begin when movement detected by your inner ear conflicts with what your eyes see. Preparing before symptoms build is generally easier than trying to recover once you feel unwell.
Read the seasickness guide →- Choose the larger ferryWhere both large conventional and fast ferries operate, the larger vessel is often the more conservative comfort choice.
- Sit near the centreMovement is generally less pronounced near the middle of the vessel than at the bow, stern or highest passenger decks.
- Keep the horizon in viewAvoid reading or concentrating on a screen when movement begins.
- Prepare before departureAsk a pharmacist or clinician about medication suitable for you.
Ferry weather questions
Is a 2 metre wave forecast rough for a ferry?
Two metres is within the moderate range of 1.25 to 2.5 metres. It can cause noticeable movement on a large conventional ferry and may feel considerably rougher on a small or fast craft.
At what wind speed are ferries cancelled?
There is no universal limit. The decision depends on the ferry, wave height and direction, gusts, harbour entrance, berth, visibility and operator limits.
Does rough weather mean my ferry will be cancelled?
No. A crossing can be uncomfortable while the service still operates. The ferry company provides confirmed sailing information.
Why does FerryWeather show a five day trend instead of exact numbers?
Marine model uncertainty grows with time. FerryWeather therefore keeps today and tomorrow specific while presenting the five day signal more cautiously.