Year-round Kitesurfing Wind Statistics & Forecasts
Wind conditions in Tarifa are legendary for water sports enthusiasts worldwide.
With over 300 windy days per year, Tarifa is the ideal playground for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling fans.
Wind conditions vary depending on the spots in Tarifa. Each spot offers different conditions based on the wind type and your skill level. To learn more, explore our complete guide to Tarifa kitesurfing spots
| Feature | Poniente (West) | Levante (East) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual frequency | Around 40% | Around 60% |
| Average speed | 12 to 22 knots | 20 to 40+ knots |
| Orientation | Side-Onshore | Side-Offshore |
| Sea state | Chop / Waves | Flat water |
| Kite sizes | 8 m² to 14 m² | 5 m² to 9 m² |
The Poniente is a West wind blowing from the Atlantic, present about 40% of the time in Tarifa. Characterized by its consistency and an average speed of 12 to 22 knots, it is the preferred wind for learning kitesurfing with kite sizes ranging between 8 m² and 14 m².
Check out our kitesurfing lessons
The Levante is a warm, dry East wind, present in Tarifa about 60% of the year. With an average speed ranging between 20 and 40 knots, it requires the use of small kite sizes, typically between 5 m² and 9 m².
Tarifa benefits from over 300 windy days per year (above 15 knots), making it a reliable destination in any season. Although you can kite 12 months a year, conditions vary according to three key periods:
Winds: Balanced alternation between Poniente (often reinforced by a thermal in the afternoon) and Levante.
Riding: Ideal for all levels.
Safety tip: For Levante, purchasing a rescue card (Sea Rescue or New Angels) is essential to benefit from safety boats at Los Lances and Valdevaqueros.
Vibe: Gradual reopening of the town, friendly atmosphere without the summer crowds.
The period when Tarifa confirms its title as the world kitesurfing capital.
Winds: Dominance of Levante. Its power is the engine for world competitions (GKA, Full Power, King of the Air).
Riding: The water becomes flat, which facilitates learning for beginners and Big Air sessions for experts at the mythical Balneario spot.
Local life: High season, maximum activity, and intense nightlife in the old town.
The winter season reveals the wilder and more technical side of kitesurfing in Tarifa.
Winds: More regular alternation of Levante and Poniente, often accompanied by Atlantic depressions generating beautiful winter swells. Wind statistics remain high, with sessions above 15–20 knots.
Riding: More challenging conditions with waves and shorebreak, ideal for wave riding and intermediate to expert riders. When the wind is well-oriented, some spots also offer protected flat areas. Sheltered alternatives like Valdevaqueros or Sancti-Petri allow beginners to progress safely.
Recommended spots: Los Lances on specific orientations, Valdevaqueros depending on conditions, and protected zones during heavy swells.
Crowds: Low season, spacious beaches, more room on the water, and a more local vibe.
Local life: Intimate atmosphere. Although many establishments close, the bars and restaurants that remain open become prime meeting spots for kitesurfers and expats.
Annual average between 15°C in winter and 25°C in summer.
Thanks to its latitude and unique geographical position, Tarifa enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, ideal for kitesurfing enthusiasts and sun-seeking visitors.
In summer: Average temperatures hover around 25°C, offering pleasant heat. The constant wind softens the atmosphere, making Tarifa more temperate than central regions of Spain.
In winter: With an average of 15°C, Tarifa offers mild and sunny weather, much more clement than in Northern Europe. This makes it an ideal destination to escape the winter cold while enjoying perfect conditions for kitesurfing.
Annual average between 16°C in winter and 22°C in summer.
In summer: The average water temperature is above 22°C. The ideal wetsuit size for your best kite sessions is a 4/3mm long for those sensitive to cold, but a 2/2mm shorty will also be perfect for hot days in August.
In winter: The sea remains at a pleasant average temperature of 16°C; we therefore recommend a 4/3mm wetsuit, up to a 5/4 for sessions in January/February.
You want to learn to master the Levante, this powerful and technical wind, or perfect your style on the waves generated by the Poniente.
Our coaching sessions are specifically designed to help you reach your goals, based on the unique conditions of each session.
Each session should be an opportunity to progress while enjoying the best wind conditions Tarifa has to offer.