🔴Live sea conditions: Poole to Cherbourg
The Poole-Cherbourg ferry crosses the western English Channel in about 4.5 hours. The route is more exposed to Atlantic weather influences, making wave height and wind conditions important factors for sailing comfort or cancellations. The vessels on this route are large, meaning they can cut through bad weather quite well.
For the latest sailing updates, visit:
Wave Conditions
- Typical wave heights: 1.0 – 2.5 meters.
- Storm conditions: 3.5 – 5.0 meters.
- Largest recorded wave (Channel region): 6.2 meters.
- Higher waves occur in winter due to Atlantic storms.
Use our Seasickness Indicator to check wave impact. For this route, select ‘4.5 hours’.
⚠️ When does Brittany Ferries cancel routes due to bad weather?
Brittany Ferries may cancel sailings when lousy weather conditions compromise the safety of their vessels and passengers. (Think at least of waves above 5 meters) Specific criteria for such cancellations are not publicly detailed, as the company’s operations team makes decisions based on real-time assessments.
Ticket Policies in the Event of Cancellations:
- Brittany Ferries informs passengers via SMS or email if sailing is cancelled.
- Passengers are typically offered the choice between re-routing on the next available sailing or receiving a full refund of the ticket price. (Check the terms)
- While passengers are entitled to assistance during delays or cancellations, compensation for delays does not apply if the disruption is due to adverse weather conditions.
- Flexi Tickets: Free amendments up to 4 hours before outward sailing. £20/€20 per amendment within 4 hours and after outward sailing
Wind Conditions
- Average wind speeds: 15-25 knots (Beaufort 4-5).
- Strong winds (frequent in winter): 30-40 knots.
- Storm-level winds: 50+ knots (Beaufort 9-10).
- Southwest winds dominate, bringing choppy waters.
Storm and Rainfall
- Average annual storm days: 12-20 days.
- Highest storm activity: November – February.
- Average monthly rainfall: 60-90 mm.
- Fog frequency: 3-7 days per month (winter/spring).
5-Day Weather Forecast
Poole Weather Forecast
Cherbourg Weather Forecast
Other Channel Routes we Track with on Ferryweather.com:
⛈️ Poole to Cherbourg Cancellations and Storm Gossip
How was your experience with stormy weather on this route? Feel free to ask us questions here about ferry company cancellations; we talk with them regularly!