The Best Weather Apps for Sailors

Essential Tools for Safe Passages

Sailing is as much a battle with the elements as it is a joy of exploration. Weather conditions, tides, and wind speeds can make or break a journey, and having the right information at your fingertips is crucial for both safety and enjoyment.

Thankfully, modern technology offers sailors powerful tools in the form of weather apps. The best weather apps for sailors provide real-time data, forecasts, and navigational guidance to help you plan a safe and efficient passage. Here's a look at the apps we use and recommend.

About the Author

Richard Beniston is an RYA Yachtmaster™ Examiner for Sail and Power, and one of only 16 RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor Trainers worldwide. With 23 years' experience and three RORC Fastnet campaigns as skipper, he provides student support from Hamble Point Marina for Sailing Course Online and Urban Truant.

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Understanding Weather Models

Weather apps draw data from different meteorological models. Knowing which model an app uses helps you understand its strengths:

• ECMWF: European model, widely considered the most accurate globally
• GFS: US model, good offshore but less accurate near coasts
• UKMO: Met Office model with exceptional 1.5km resolution for UK waters
• ICON-EU: German model, excellent for European coastal areas

The best weather apps for sailors let you compare multiple models. When they agree, you can plan with confidence. When they diverge, build extra margins into your passage plan.

The Weather Apps We Recommend For Sailors

1. PredictWind

predictwind.com | Free basic / $29-$499 per year

PredictWind is widely regarded as the gold standard among weather apps for sailors. Its high-resolution wind forecasts, offshore weather tools, and route optimisation functions make it a comprehensive choice for both casual cruisers and competitive sailors.

• Key Features: High-resolution wind maps, weather routing, offshore forecasts
• Why It Stands Out: Uses four unique weather models with validation showing which is most accurate for your location
• Best For: Offshore sailors and racers looking for precise weather guidance

2. Windy

windy.com | Free / Premium available

Windy is a visually stunning app that combines functionality with a user-friendly interface. It provides detailed weather forecasts, wind maps, and real-time data on waves, precipitation, and temperature.

• Key Features: Multiple forecast models, satellite overlays, detailed marine conditions
• Why It Stands Out: High-resolution animation of wind and weather patterns makes complex data easy to interpret
• Best For: Sailors who appreciate detailed visual data and a clean interface

3. Navionics Boating

navionics.com | Subscription required

Navionics is primarily known as a navigation app, but it also has weather overlay features that integrate with its detailed nautical charts.

• Key Features: Real-time weather updates, wind forecasts, tide charts
• Why It Stands Out: Combines weather data with navigation charts in one app
• Best For: Coastal and offshore sailors seeking an all-in-one solution

4. SailGrib

sailgrib.com | Variable pricing

SailGrib is a favourite among long-distance sailors thanks to its advanced weather routing capabilities. The app allows users to download GRIB files, which provide detailed meteorological data for route planning.

• Key Features: Weather routing, GRIB file compatibility, racing and cruising modes
• Why It Stands Out: Advanced routing options make it ideal for planning long passages
• Best For: Experienced sailors and those embarking on long voyages

5. Windfinder

windfinder.com | Free / £9.49 per year for Plus

Windfinder is a classic app that has earned its place on the phones of sailors worldwide. Simple but effective, it provides reliable wind and weather forecasts in an easy-to-understand format.

• Key Features: Wind speed and direction, tide charts, wave forecasts
• Why It Stands Out: Simplicity and reliability with 160,000 spots globally
• Best For: Day sailors and those looking for straightforward weather information

6. MyRadar

myradar.com | Free / Premium available

MyRadar excels in radar imagery and provides additional weather features suited for sailors. Its real-time animations show weather patterns with excellent clarity.

• Key Features: Animated radar, storm tracking, detailed forecasts
• Why It Stands Out: High-quality radar animations for visualising approaching weather
• Best For: Sailors who value precise radar data

7. Marine Weather by AccuWeather

accuweather.com | Free / Premium available

AccuWeather's marine-specific offering provides reliable forecasts tailored for sailors. The app integrates seamlessly with other AccuWeather tools.

• Key Features: Nautical weather forecasts, wave heights, wind speeds
• Why It Stands Out: Trusted name with accurate and dependable marine data
• Best For: Sailors looking for a well-rounded, reliable app

8. Weather4D

weather4d.com | App purchase plus subscriptions

Weather4D offers an innovative approach to marine weather forecasting with its 4D interface. It allows users to visualise weather systems over time in a dynamic, interactive way.

• Key Features: 4D weather visualisation, GRIB file compatibility, advanced forecasting
• Why It Stands Out: Unique 4D system sets it apart from traditional weather apps
• Best For: Tech-savvy sailors who prefer cutting-edge tools

9. Buoyweather

buoyweather.com | Free / Premium available

Buoyweather specialises in offshore weather forecasts and is particularly useful for those heading far from shore. It provides detailed forecasts tailored to specific locations.

• Key Features: Offshore forecasts, wave heights, ocean conditions
• Why It Stands Out: Focus on offshore data for long passages
• Best For: Offshore sailors and fishing enthusiasts

Getting the Most from Weather Apps

Having the best weather apps means nothing if you cannot interpret the data. Here are some practical tips:

• Compare sources: Check at least two apps before any passage. Agreement means confidence; divergence means uncertainty.
• Watch trends: Check forecasts over several days. Consistent predictions are more reliable than volatile ones.
• Verify against reality: Before departure, compare forecast conditions with what you observe: barometer, clouds, actual wind.
• Download before you go: If heading offshore, download GRIB files while you have signal.

Conclusion

When it comes to sailing, preparation is half the battle. These weather apps provide essential tools for navigating the unpredictable forces of nature. Whether you're a day sailor looking for wind forecasts or an experienced mariner planning an offshore passage, there's an app tailored to your needs.

Download two or three that suit your sailing style, learn their strengths, and always cross-reference before heading out. The apps provide the data; your training and experience tell you what it means.

Interested in learning more? Meteorology is covered in detail in our Day Skipper theory course.