Genoa harbour is well sheltered and only SE and SW bad weathers give some surf. Sirocco (SE) is the prevailing wind while Libeccio (SW) is the dominant one,that rarely reaches the port.In this case it is very violent and it can produce a lot damages to the coast and harbour structures.It can affect the safety of berthings in the port too.During wintertime the prevailing wind is the NorthWind that rolls down the mountains surrounding the city with impetuous gusts,gathered to strong rain showers and sometime snow.In front of Voltri basin,at 2 miles far from the coast line,the NorthWind reaches the maximum intensity and strenght.

Tide Levels normally do not exceed 34 cm at SYZYGY and 24 cm at QUADRATURES. Inside the harbour there is a Tide gauge THOMPSON type,which is attended from the Hydrographic Office of the Navy.Outside the port there is a current generally westbound;its medium flow is up to 1 knot and with North East and South East winds the flow can reach 2 knots.This current affect the channel between the Eastern and Western entrances too.All the other port sites aren't affected, excluding in the case of Northcoming winds.In this last situation the harbour waters seem to come out the port.

When the top of Portofino Mountain is hidden by clouds we may have Southcoming winds;on the contrary if it is clear and neat we may have good weather or North winds.See also the mountains between Genoa and Voltri:if they are over scattered of clouds there will be Northern wind.With Southern Winds this is not a good indi cation;it means rough sea far off the coast and this event can cheat the ships on leaving from Genoa that see calm water alongside the coast.