By Patrik Giuliana · July 9, 2022
Best season for kitesurf in Watamu
JC Kite School is located inside the Watamu Beach Cottages Resort. The spot is located right on the beach.
A combination of consistent winds and five kilometers long stretch of white sandy beach makes Watamu an ideal kitesurfing spot either for beginners or for experienced kiters.
There are two wind seasons in Watamu:
Kaskazi Season (mid December - February)
The winds blow from north east at about 15-20 knots, usually from around 10-15 December until the end of February, then gradually get lighter.
If you plan to visit during the Kaskazi season, bring:
- a swimming costume or board shorts
- small to medium kite sizes (9m to 14 m)
- summer clothes
- suncreams, the sun hits quite hard this time of the year
Kuzi (Kusi) season (May/June – August)
The windiest time of the year. The Kuzi starts again in May or June; in June and early July the wind blows from south-east at 20 to 25 knots every day, then settles around 15-20 knots in August. With Kenya being at the level of the Equator, these winds tend to be extremely consistent. The fact that the wind blows cross onshore, makes the place almost an example kitesurfing destination.
If you plan to visit during the Kuzi season, bring:
- a rash vest, or a shorty wetsuit
- your smaller kites (up to 12 m)
- mosquitoes repellent
- summer clothes plus a hoodie/jumper for the cooler nights (sometimes wet nights too as it can be raining at times)
The air temperature can reach 36°C during the Kaskazi season, but in Kuzi, it is a little cooler. Water temperatures remain at 25-30°C all year round.
And most importantly bring your smile and good vibes.
Sea you on the water!
