The wind conditions in Tarifa are legendary among kitesurfers worldwide.
With over 300 days of wind per year, Tarifa is the perfect playground for kite enthusiasts.
The wind conditions vary across Tarifa’s spots. Each beach offers specific features ideal for different wind types and skill levels.
To learn more, explore our complete guide to Tarifa’s kitesurf spots.
At the southern tip of Andalusia and the point of the European continent, Tarifa is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
This unique location makes Tarifa a world-class kitesurfing spot, both for those looking to learn kitesurfing and for professionals of this fantastic sport!
The Poniente, blowing from the West, is a constant and stable wind. Coming from the Atlantic, it is cooler and more humid than the Levante, making it particularly pleasant on hot summer days.
It blows about 40% of the time during the season. When the temperature differential between land and sea is sufficient, it is often accompanied by a thermal effect that strengthens it during the afternoons in spring and autumn.
On average, wind speeds range from 12 to 22 knots (1 knot = 1.85 km/h).
The typical kite sizes used range from 8 m² to 14 m².
The Poniente offers good conditions for learning and practicing kitesurfing, with consistent wind and small waves near the shore.
It is also favored by beginners as it allows for easy return to the beach due to its Side-On Shore orientation.
The Levante is the dominant wind in Tarifa, often very strong and coming from the East, it is an outflow from the Mediterranean.
It is present about 60% of the time throughout the year and is a warm, dry wind.
On average, the Levante offers wind speeds ranging from 20 to 40 knots.
The typical kite sizes used range from 5 m² to 9 m².
It brings joy to all windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, as its side-offshore orientation in Tarifa smooths the Atlantic Ocean, offering generally flat conditions for sailing.
However, when its orientation is slightly Northeast, it tends to become gusty as it passes over the mountains behind Tarifa.
It therefore requires some experience in kitesurfing to be fully mastered.
To master the techniques suited for Levante conditions, feel free to join one of our advanced kitesurf coaching sessions.
With over 300 days per year of wind above 15 knots, Tarifa offers regular and consistent wind statistics throughout the year.
A top destination for kitesurfers of all levels.
From March to June, Tarifa offers ideal and varied conditions for kitesurfing.
The Poniente, strengthened by thermal winds in the afternoon, ensures magical sessions, while the Levante allows for long, memorable kitesurfing days.
If you are an independent/experienced kitesurfer, don’t forget to carry a rescue card for the Levante and check the safety boat schedules at the Los Lances and Valdevaqueros spots.
As for the atmosphere, the start of the season brings the city to life, with its bars and restaurants open, creating a very friendly vibe.
The months of July, August, September, and October in Tarifa.
This period is ideal for beginners due to the predominance of the Levante wind.
With a side-offshore orientation, it creates a generally wave-free water surface during the summer, perfect for learning and progressing in kitesurfing.
It’s also a favorite wind for Big Air kitesurfing enthusiasts due to its power.
Thanks to the Levante, Tarifa has earned its reputation as the world capital of kitesurfing.
A wind of record-breaking force, it enhances the spot configuration at Balneario (reserved for professionals), right in the heart of Tarifa.
This iconic location hosts many major global competitions, such as the GKA, Full Power Tarifa, and King of The Air.
It’s a unique opportunity to watch the best kitesurfers of the moment and enjoy a breathtaking spectacle.
As for life in Tarifa, the party is in full swing, with every night of the week lively in the old town.
The months of November to February in Tarifa offer generally more intense kitesurfing conditions with winter swells and waves combined with the Levante or Poniente winds.
For beginners, calmer spots are available.
Although most bars and restaurants are closed, those that remain open create a friendly atmosphere among kitesurfers.
Tarifa is not just about its wind; its pleasant temperatures throughout the year complete the idyllic picture for kitesurfers.
Thanks to its latitude and unique geographical position, Tarifa enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it ideal for kitesurf enthusiasts and visitors seeking sunshine.
In summer: Average temperatures hover around 25°C, offering pleasant warmth. The constant wind softens the atmosphere, making Tarifa more temperate than the central regions of Spain.
In winter: With an average of 15°C, Tarifa offers mild, sunny weather, much more favorable than in Northern Europe. This makes it an ideal destination to escape the winter chill while enjoying perfect kitesurfing conditions.
In summer: The average water temperature is above 22°C. The ideal wetsuit size for your best kite sessions is a 4/3mm full suit for those who feel the cold, but a 2/2mm shorty wetsuit will also be perfect for the hot days of August.
In winter: The sea remains at a pleasant average temperature of 16°C, so we recommend a 4/3mm wetsuit up to 5/4mm for sessions in January and February.
Ce climat équilibré, combiné aux célèbres conditions de vent, fait de Tarifa un lieu prisé pour les passionnés du kitesurf, quelle que soit la saison.
Do you want to learn how to master the Levante, this powerful and technical wind, or refine your style on the waves created by the Poniente? Our personalized coaching sessions are specially designed to help you reach your goals, based on the unique conditions of each session.
Our instructors will guide you to:
With our coaching, every session becomes an opportunity to progress while enjoying the best wind conditions Tarifa has to offer.
MATOS TARIFA
Learn to kitesurf with MATOS TARIFA
Kitesurfing school in Tarifa, IKO & FAV certified centre.
Kitesurfing courses and camps from beginners to advanced levels Strapless / freestyle / Wave Riding & Tiki
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