Winter in the Northern Hemisphere doesn’t mean the end of your wing foiling and kiteboarding season—it means it’s time to follow the sun, chase the trade winds, and discover some of the world’s most incredible wind sports destinations. From tropical paradises to exotic coastlines, winter offers opportunities to escape the cold, upgrade your skills, and experience world-class conditions that will make you forget all about snowstorms back home.

Why Winter is Perfect for Wing Foiling and Kiteboarding Adventures

While your friends are shoveling snow and hibernating indoors, winter presents unique advantages for wind sports enthusiasts:

• Trade Wind Season: Many tropical destinations experience peak conditions during Northern Hemisphere winter
• Consistent Conditions: Winter months often bring the most reliable wind patterns
• Warm Water: Ditch the thick wetsuit for boardshorts and bikinis
• Extended Sessions: Comfortable temperatures allow for longer days on the water
• Escape the Cold: Vitamin D and warm weather boost both mood and performance

South America: The Winter Wind Sports Capital

Brazil: The Undisputed Winter Champion

In Brazil’s North East, Jericoacoara is one of the world’s most popular destinations for kitesurfers and wing foil enthusiasts, where the famous Trade winds blow from the Atlantic Ocean from October to February, with daily averages always above 20-25 knots.

Jericoacoara (Jeri): The Mecca

Best Months: October to February
Wind Speed: 20-25 knots consistently
Water Temperature: 28°C (lycra or light wetsuit sufficient)
Skill Level: All levels

Those who book a holiday in “Jeri” when it is winter in Europe have 100% wind security. This isn’t marketing hype—it’s reality. Jericoacoara offers virtually guaranteed wind during winter months, making it one of the safest bets for planning a wind sports trip.

What Makes Jeri Special:

• Natural scenery includes sand dunes up to 80 metres high, endless beaches and saltwater lagoons galore
• Winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil of all levels with conditions from flat water to waves up to 3 metres
• On the main beach wind tends to be gusty and side offshore, while nearby Preá offers side onshore winds
• Downwind paradise with multiple lagoons and spots along the coast

Beyond Jeri: The Brazilian Northeast Circuit

There are so many amazing kitesurf locations in Northern Brazil from July to December, it is pretty much one of the best Kitesurf locations on the Planet, with all sorts of different spots for different levels of ability and budgets.

Cumbuco: Located about 30 km from Fortaleza International Airport, with wind blowing all year round but best time between June and February with wind speeds between 15 and 25 knots.

Preá: One of the stops for the GKA world kitesurfing tour with side onshore winds

Tatajuba and Guriú: Feature river mouths creating crazy sandy flatwater lagoons

Icaraí de Amontada: Small fishing village halfway between Cumbuco and Jeri, not crowded, with several pousadas and kite schools

Practical Brazilian Winter Tips:

• Accommodation prices range between $20 and $45 per night
• Meals start from $5 for lunch
• The kite coastline between Cumbuco and Jericoacoara is about 600km
• More north you go toward Jeri, stronger the wind (bring your 6-7m wings)

Peru: The Year-Round Gem

Paracas: The Reliable Alternative

Best Months: Year-round, particularly January-May and August-December
Wind: Steady cross-shore desert winds
Skill Level: All levels
Disciplines: Freeride, wave riding, foiling

Paracas bay is sheltered from the ocean’s cool waters and waves by the Paracas peninsula forming a vast u-shaped lagoon with flatter and warmer water. The steady cross shore desert winds make this bay an enormous kitesurfing playground that any level kiteboarder will enjoy.

What Makes Paracas Unique:

• Untouched desert-like scenery
• World-class nature reserve with fantastic wildlife
• Protected lagoon with flat water conditions
• Strong wind consistency throughout winter
• Mix of flat water and small wave conditions

Caribbean and Central America: Tropical Paradise

Costa Rica: Eco-Paradise with Epic Wind

Best Months: November to May
Locations: Salinas Bay (Playa Copal) and Lake Arenal

Playa Copal is a flat water spot due to reef protection with side onshore East wind, with windy season from November to May.

Costa Rica Highlights:

• Surrounded by national parks and reserves like Santa Elena and Blue River Parks
• Lake Arenal offers gliding down the surface at the foot of the volcano
• Perfect combination of wind sports and ecotourism
• Strong but gusty winds at Lake Arenal
• Flat water at Playa Copal for all skill levels

Caribbean Islands: Trade Wind Heaven

Barbados

Best Months: November to April
Conditions: Consistently howling trade winds with warm turquoise water

Barbados offers conditions ideal for all water sports lovers with consistently howling trade winds, beautiful warm turquoise water and clean waves making it a playground for kitesurfers.

Barbados Appeals to:

• Freestyle riders seeking consistent wind
• Freeriders wanting varied conditions
• Wave riders looking for clean Caribbean waves

Antigua

Antigua has been a significant kiteboarding destination for over a decade now, renowned for being the birthplace of kite legends like Andre Phillip and his protégé Jake Kelsick.

Aruba

Crystal clear turquoise waters, white beaches, and constantly strong trade winds all year round make Aruba a kitesurfing paradise.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands feature warm Caribbean waters and steady trade winds with kiteboarding recently prospering.

Asia and the Pacific: Exotic Winter Escapes

Philippines: Boracay

Best Months: January, February, March, April, November, December
Temperature: 25-30°C
Skill Level: All levels

The windiest months in Boracay are January, February, March, April, November, December with a temperature of around 25° to 30°.

Boracay Budget Advantage: The cost of living in Boracay is far from expensive, with one blogger noting it’s actually one of the cheaper places in the Philippines for foreigners.

Vietnam: Mui Ne

Best Months: November to March
Conditions: Waves and high chop (not for flat water lovers)

Vietnam’s main kite spot is Mui Ne where you can ride both on the town beach and in the suburbs, mostly featuring waves and high chop.

Mui Ne Features:

• Wave spot Fanrang is two hours away
• Budget-friendly accommodation and food
• Consistent winter wind patterns
• Cultural immersion opportunities

Saipan

Best Months: November to April
Conditions: Year-round tropical temperatures with large flat water lagoon

Saipan has year-round tropical temperatures, good wind from November through April, and a large flat water lagoon along its western shore.

Africa and the Middle East: Exotic Adventures

Morocco: Dakhla

Best Months: October to April
Location: Western Sahara, 1500 km from Casablanca

In the middle of the western Sahara, Dakhla is situated on a small peninsula of the Atlantic coast called Rio de Oro with a wonderful blue lagoon 30km from the city and 10km from the sea, featuring incredible wind statistics.

Dakhla Advantages:

• Pristine lagoon conditions
• Desert landscape
• Strong, consistent wind
• Remote, authentic experience
• Close proximity to Canary Islands

Canary Islands (Spain)

Best Months: November to March
Temperature: Air 23-28°C, Water 20-24°C

Due to their geographical location, the Canary Islands are more or less permanently exposed to northeast trade winds. Wintertime is actually the low season for kitesurfing but the Canary Islands are the safest bet for Europeans who want to escape the cold breeze.

Practical Information:

• Standard meal for 1 person is about 10 euros
• Hotel rooms average 40-45 euros per night
• Multiple islands with different conditions
• Easy accessibility from Europe

South Africa: Cape Town

Best Months: January and February (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced

Cape Town is a true paradise offering a beautiful mix of city life, wilderness and adventure. The windiest months are January and February, with the local wind coming from the top of the famous “Table Mountain” providing onshore wind directions on most beaches surrounding Blouberg Beach.

Cape Town’s Claims to Fame:

• Home to the legendary “Red Bull King of the Air” competition
• Established itself in recent years as the world watersports capital, effectively ousting Maui from its throne
• Strong winds and choppy seas for radical conditions
• Urban amenities combined with natural beauty

United States: Domestic Winter Options

Florida: America’s Winter Wing Foiling Hub

Best Months: November to March
Regions: Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Keys

Florida has the best kitesurfing during the winter in the United States, with the state varying wildly in conditions, climate, and vibes.

Florida Regional Breakdown:

Central Florida: Peaceful and community-based, offering waves, lagoons, shallow water, and consistent steady winds.

South Florida: Like visiting South America with warm turquoise and clear water, sandy beaches beautiful and lush with palm trees, and vibrant city life.

Florida Keys: Caribbean-like with blue water, island time, and a completely different culture.

Top Florida Recommendations:

• St Petersburg is the easiest location to catch wind with beach access easy and a location for every wind direction
• Cocoa Beach for those chasing waves
• South Florida for tropical conditions

Florida Advantages:

• Short, cheap flights from almost anywhere in the continental USA compared to flights to Brazil costing up to $2000
• No international travel complications
• Equipment rental and schools readily available
• Diverse conditions throughout the state

Southern Hemisphere: Peak Season Destinations

Australia: Melbourne

Best Months: December to February (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Skill Level: All levels

Melbourne, situated on Australia’s south coast facing Tasmania, hosts one of the World Kiteboarding Championship rounds, with flatwater and crispy waves appealing to both beginners and professionals.

Melbourne is the most southern city in the world with a population over 1 million, with lots of spots for all tastes close to the city, both flat water and wave spots.

Planning Your Winter Wing Foiling and Kiteboarding Trip

Timing Considerations

Northern Hemisphere Winter (December-February):

• Brazil: Peak season with 100% wind guarantee
• Caribbean: Trade winds at their strongest
• Southeast Asia: Optimal conditions
• South Africa: Southern summer = prime conditions
• Florida: Best domestic option

Shoulder Seasons (November and March):

• Extended seasons in Brazil and Caribbean
• Costa Rica remains excellent
• Good value with fewer crowds
• Still excellent conditions

Budget Planning

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Brazil (Northeast): Accommodation $20-45/night, meals from $5
• Philippines (Boracay): Surprisingly affordable
• Vietnam (Mui Ne): Excellent value
• Florida: No international flight costs for US residents

Mid-Range Options:

• Costa Rica: Moderate pricing with eco-tourism value
• Canary Islands: €10 meals, €40-45/night accommodation
• Caribbean islands: Varies by island

Splurge Destinations:

• Cape Town: World-class facilities and experiences
• Select Caribbean resorts
• Premium Brazil locations with full services

Booking Strategy

If there is one piece of advice for anyone thinking about booking winter kite surf holidays for any school holiday period, it’s BOOK EARLY. The sooner you book the better price you will get and the more options will be available.

Timeline for Booking:

• Christmas/New Year: Book 6-9 months in advance
• February half-term: Book 4-6 months ahead
• General winter trips: Book 2-3 months minimum

What to Pack for Winter Destinations

Tropical Destinations (Brazil, Caribbean, Southeast Asia):

• Lycra or thin wetsuit (optional)
• Boardshorts and bikinis
• High SPF sunscreen
• Rashguards for sun protection
• Light wing (5-6m for strong winds)
• Small kites (7-9m)

Cooler Destinations (Canary Islands, Cape Town):

• 3/2mm wetsuit
• Booties optional
• Varied wing/kite sizes
• Windbreaker for land

Conclusion: Your Perfect Winter Awaits

Winter doesn’t mean packing away your wing foiling or kiteboarding gear—it means expanding your horizons and experiencing some of the world’s best conditions. Whether you’re chasing guaranteed wind in Jericoacoara, exploring Caribbean paradise in Barbados, seeking adventure in Morocco’s Dakhla, or staying domestic in Florida, winter offers incredible opportunities for progression, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

The key is matching your destination to your goals, budget, and skill level. Want guaranteed wind and tropical perfection? Brazil’s northeast coast delivers. Seeking exotic adventure with cultural immersion? Try Vietnam or Morocco. Need a quick, affordable escape? Florida offers surprising variety without international complications.

Whatever destination you choose, remember that winter is when trade winds blow strongest, water stays warm, and the wing foiling and kiteboarding community migrates to the world’s best spots. Don’t let winter sideline your progression—follow the wind, chase the sun, and discover why winter is actually the best season for wing foiling and kiteboarding adventures.

The wind is blowing. The water is warm. Your next adventure is waiting. Where will winter take you?