In the summer months, SW winds prevail in Western Estonia and there is a northern current in the Gulf of Riga that runs parallel to the eastern shore of Saaremaa, as well in the V inameri. There is a southern current which can shift boats off Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. In the V inameri strait, the water level is higher than average with S and W winds, and lower than average with N and E winds. In the gulfs, the water rise is rapid. In the summer months, there are on average two days with gale-force winds per month.
Hazardous fog does appear in spring.
Wooded knolls of around 25-50 m on the mainland will be visible first and will appear to be actual islands. The waters near the shore are rocky. The shores are primarily clay or gravel, although there are also cliffs with heights up to 20 m, as well as sandy beaches. Because of shoals and reefs, putting to shore outside harbours is complicated and dangerous. The sea bottom is predominantly suitable for anchoring.