Atlantic coast - seasonal weather patterns?

[Mark424]

I'm trying to find info on seasonal weather patterns for the atlantic coast. I'm considering crewing on a trip from Florida to NC in May or perhaps NJ to NC or NC to S FL in the fall. Would prefer a run off the wind and not spend the time beating into weather.

I'd appreciate any pointers.

Thanks

[Therapy]

Pilot charts are good.

http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.por...2&pubCode=0003

[LeaseOnLife]

+1 on the pilot charts

You can even get them as BSB charts and load them into your favorite navigation software.

Pilot Charts for Chart Plotters | Official OpenCPN Homepage

[mrohr]

Watch for days where a warming a trend is predicted.
As a high pressure ststem moves offshore ,you will be on the backside of the clockwise rotation ,with days of winds that have southerly components.
At this time of year the Bermuda high starts becoming established with just this type of coastal southerly flow that you are looking for.

[skipmac]

Wind patterns.

From +/- central FL south to the Keys you are in the easterly trade winds. General pattern: winter the winds are more NE, summer more SE. Winter winds are stronger 15-20 kts, summer winds not as strong. 5-10 kte.

GA/SC north winds are westerly but not as consistent as the trades further south.

Winter patterns you have cold fronts called northers in the southeast or Nor'easters in the northeast with cold temps and strong winds out of the north. These can start as early as September or as late as Dec. Strong fronts push all the way into the Bahamas, weak ones stall out further north. As spring approaches the fronts are usually less frequent and weaker.

Summer pattern, standard winds usually much calmer often windless but starting July/August hurricanes are a threat, potentially anywhere from FL To ME on the east coast.