Wind Directions at Babadağ

The dominant and preferred wind direction at Babadağ. The main launch faces south-southeast, so a southerly wind blows directly into the slope. Steady southerly flow of 10–25 km/h produces perfect launch conditions. The majority of all flights take place in south to south-east wind. The sea breeze from the Fethiye Bay is typically from the south.

Northerly wind is a tailwind for the main south-facing launch — this is problematic. Pilots must use reverse launch technique, which is more complex. Northerly flow above 15 km/h typically suspends operations at the 1700m launch. The north face of the mountain sometimes has usable launches in northerly conditions for very experienced pilots only.

Westerly winds are a crosswind to the main launch. The launch is still usable in light to moderate westerly flow (up to 20 km/h) but requires a sideways launch angle. A south-westerly component is often combined with the afternoon sea breeze and is generally manageable. Strong westerlies (above 30 km/h) lead to launch suspension.

East wind is unusual at Ölüdeniz but can occur. A light easterly component can be combined with thermals and is manageable. A strong easterly wind at launch level makes conditions complex — it interacts with the south-facing terrain in unpredictable ways. Most operators will postpone flights in sustained easterly flow above 20 km/h.

The Meltemi is the strong northerly or north-westerly trade wind that affects the eastern Mediterranean from June to September. At Ölüdeniz it manifests primarily as afternoon sea breeze reinforcement from the south (as the valley channelling rotates the flow). Direct Meltemi conditions rarely close Babadağ operations but can significantly strengthen the afternoon sea breeze at the landing zone.