Many kites in the sky above the beach in Tarifa, kites lying on the sand in front

Kitesurfing in Tarifa Live wind, spots and the best time to go

Everything you need to know for your kite trip to the Strait of Gibraltar, with current wind and forecast.

Live windSpots

Right now in Tarifa

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Wind over the next days

< 12 kn12–1818–2525–32> 32Gusts

For orientation only, not a safety clearance. We decide on site every day whether and where we go out. Weather data: Fuente: AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología), measurements from the Tarifa station and forecast for Tarifa.

Why Tarifa?

Tarifa is the southernmost town of mainland Europe. Only 14 km separate you from Africa, and the Strait between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean squeezes the wind like a nozzle.

The result is around 300 windy days a year and two very different winds: the steady Poniente from the west and the strong, warm Levante from the east. Add miles of sandy beaches, a lively old town and a mild climate even in winter.

Kitesurfer with board and kite bag walking along the beach in Tarifa

Poniente or Levante?

Tarifa sits at the narrowest point between Europe and Africa. Two completely different winds blow here, and each one means different spots, different kites and different conditions. Tap a wind.

West wind from the AtlanticEast wind from the Mediterranean

A humid, cooler sea breeze from the Atlantic. Steady and predictable, often picking up in the afternoon after calm mornings. At the main beaches it blows cross-onshore.

A warm, dry wind from the Mediterranean that accelerates through the Strait like a nozzle. It can blow for hours, days or even weeks, day and night. At the main beaches it blows cross-offshore.

  • The classic learning wind: steady, few gusts, ideal for your first hours.
  • Up to 10 °C cooler than Levante. Pack a jumper in spring and autumn.
  • On sunny summer days a thermal boost adds wind, especially at Valdevaqueros.
  • The big day for advanced riders: lots of power, speed and height for jumps.
  • Even in Levante we make safe learning possible for every level.
  • When it gets too strong and gusty, we drive to calmer spots like Palmones or Getares.

Typical spots

Los Lances NorthLos Lances SouthValdevaqueros
ValdevaquerosLos Lances NorthBalneario (experts only)PalmonesGetaresCaños de Meca
Atlantic Mediterranean Morocco Spain 14 km Tarifa Caños de Meca Valdevaqueros Los Lances North Los Lances South Getares Palmones
Spot works in this windnot ideal
  • Wind speed10–25 kn20–50 kn
  • Gustinesslowhigh
  • Temperaturecoolerwarm
  • Kite sizemedium–largesmall–medium

We have kite sizes for every kiteable condition here, always up to date.

These are typical ranges. We pick the right spot every morning based on the forecast and your level.

The main kite spots around Tarifa

The right spot depends on wind direction, strength and your level. We choose it fresh every morning.

Los Lances North

All levels

Poniente & Levante

The northern part of the long home beach towards Valdevaqueros, with lots of space. Cross-onshore in Poniente, cross-offshore in Levante, then with a rescue boat. Even in Levante you learn safely here with us.

Los Lances South

All levels

Poniente

The southern part of Los Lances, close to town. Cross-onshore in Poniente, wide and sandy, ideal for your first hours. In high season parts are reserved for swimmers.

Valdevaqueros

Advanced

Poniente & Levante

A bay in front of the big Punta Paloma dune. Cross-offshore and gusty in Levante, onshore in Poniente, and the windiest spot on sunny summer days thanks to the thermal. Very busy in July and August.

Balneario

Experts only

Levante

Right next to town, fully offshore and very strong in Levante. For experienced riders only, restricted in bathing season.

Palmones

Advanced

strong Levante

Back-up spot near Algeciras, about 25 minutes away. When Tarifa sees over 30 knots, it is often much calmer here, with flat water at the river mouth.

Getares

Advanced

strong Levante

A bay near Algeciras with lighter, onshore Levante. A good option when the Levante in Tarifa is too gusty.

Caños de Meca

Advanced

Levante

About 45 minutes north-west. A wide beach with waves when the swell is right, popular with wave riders.

Best time for kitesurfing in Tarifa

There is wind in Tarifa all year round. On monthly averages, February and March are the windiest months, while late summer and autumn are slightly calmer. In summer the Levante often blows hard for days; in spring and autumn Poniente and Levante alternate with pleasant temperatures.

We offer lessons, Help 2 Kite and rental all year round. Our kite camps run from mid-September to mid-June: fewer people on the beach, mild weather and enough wind to learn. July and August are the busiest months on the spots.

Climate in Tarifa: monthly averages
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Air (max)15°15°17°18°20°23°25°25°24°21°18°16°
Water16°16°16°17°18°20°22°23°22°21°19°17°
Wetsuit5/4 mm5/4 mm5/4 mm5/4 mm4/3 mm3/2 mmShorty / 3/2 mmShorty / 3/2 mmShorty / 3/2 mm3/2 mm4/3 mm4/3 mm

Climate data: climatestotravel.com. Wetsuit advice is a rough guide; in Levante the water is often cooler.

Getting to Tarifa

✈ Gibraltar
approx. 45 min
✈ Jerez de la Frontera
approx. 1 h 15 min
✈ Málaga
approx. 1 h 45 min
✈ Seville
approx. 2 h 15 min

Driving times from the airport, depending on traffic. Hire car or bus, we are happy to help you plan.

More forecasts

For longer-term planning, check Windfinder and Windy. The live values above update automatically.

Windfinder Tarifa Windy

FAQ

Question not answered? Message us on WhatsApp.

When is the best time to kitesurf in Tarifa?

There is wind all year. February and March are the windiest on average, summer often brings strong Levante and busy beaches. For beginners, spring and autumn are ideal: enough wind, pleasant temperatures and more space.

What is the difference between Poniente and Levante?

The Poniente comes from the west off the Atlantic: cooler, more humid and steadier, usually 10–25 knots. The Levante comes from the east off the Mediterranean: warm, dry and gusty, and it can reach 20–50 knots.

How warm is the water in Tarifa?

Around 15–17 °C in winter and up to 22–23 °C in summer. From autumn to spring you need a 4/3 to 5/4 mm wetsuit; in high summer a 3/2 is often enough.

Which kite spot in Tarifa is good for beginners?

In Poniente mainly Los Lances South and North: a wide sandy beach, lots of space and cross-onshore wind. Even in Levante we make safe learning possible for every level, with the right spot and a rescue boat.

How many windy days does Tarifa have?

There is wind in Tarifa on around 300 days a year, though not all of them at kite strength. Check the live data above to see today.

Where does the live data come from?

From the Spanish weather service AEMET: wind, gusts and temperature are measurements from the AEMET station in Tarifa, updated hourly. The wind forecast for the next days is AEMET's hourly forecast for Tarifa. We convert wind to knots. For waves, check Windfinder or Windy.

Wind looking good? Let's go.

Ask us what to expect during your dates. We are on the spots every day.

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