Why are some places more windy than others?

The eternal question: why is it that some spots are blessed with winds so perfect they feel like nature's gift to kitesurfers, while others leave us staring at limp flags and flat water? The answer lies in a beautiful mix of geography, weather systems, and the quirks of our planet’s atmosphere. Let’s dive in and explore why your favourite kite spots are as windy as they are.

Geographical features

Wind doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it gets shaped, channeled, and amplified by the landscape. Mountains, valleys, and even cliffs play a major role in creating those epic wind conditions we all crave. 

• How it works: When air flows over mountains, it rises, cools, and sometimes forms low-pressure zones. On the other side, the air descends and accelerates, leading to stronger winds. Valleys can act like wind tunnels, funneling the air into narrow paths, creating powerful gusts.

• Kitesurfing example: La Ventana, Mexico. La Ventana is hugged by mountains that funnel and amplify the north winds. The result? Consistent winds that’ll have you grinning ear to ear as you ride. It’s like nature built a wind machine just for kitesurfers.  

Another example is Tarifa, Spain, where the wind gets squeezed through the Strait of Gibraltar. With the Mediterranean on one side and the Atlantic on the other, this spot serves up both Levante (hot and strong) and Poniente (cool and steady) winds. It’s windy paradise... if you don’t mind the occasional sandblast.  

Seasonal wind patterns

Certain regions experience predictable seasonal winds, often tied to large-scale climate patterns. These winds last for months, making them a dream for kitesurfers who love consistency.

• How it works: During summer, the land heats up faster than the water, creating a low-pressure area over land that pulls in cooler air from the sea. This gives us those dreamy sea breezes. Conversely, in winter, the opposite can occur, creating offshore winds.  

• Kitesurfing example: Tatajuba, Brazil. From July to February, Tatajuba enjoys a perfect mix of trade winds and thermal breezes, making it a kiting haven. Think of it as summer vacation, but with a kite and no need for a plan B.

 Ocean currents 

Ocean currents might not be the stars of the wind show, but they definitely deserve a supporting actor award. They interact with the atmosphere to create or enhance wind patterns in coastal areas.  

• How it works: Warm ocean currents heat the air above them, creating low-pressure zones. Cooler air from surrounding areas rushes in, creating consistent wind. Meanwhile, cold currents can create pressure differences that intensify winds.  

• Kitesurfing example: Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town’s famous "Cape Doctor" is fuelled by the icy Benguela Current. This cold current creates a pressure difference that sends summer winds roaring across the beaches. Combine that with stunning views of Table Mountain, and you’ve got a world-class kite destination.

Latitude and trade winds  

Where you are on the planet plays a huge role in how windy it gets. Trade winds, which are super consistent, are strongest near the equator.  

• How it works: The Earth’s rotation and uneven heating by the sun cause global wind belts, like the trade winds, to form. These winds blow steadily from east to west in tropical regions.  

• Kitesurfing example: Kite Beach, Sal Island, Cape Verde. Thanks to its location in the trade wind zone, Cape Verde offers some of the most reliable kiting conditions on Earth. The trade winds here don’t just show up—they commit. No excuses, no cancellations, just pure wind bliss.  

Local weather systems

Weather systems like high and low-pressure zones can whip up local winds that are surprisingly strong. Add in the Coriolis effect (caused by the Earth’s rotation), and you’ve got winds that curve and dance their way into your kiting session.  

• How it works: High-pressure systems push air outward, while low-pressure systems pull air inward. When these systems interact, they create strong winds. Throw in a little topography, and things get even more interesting.  

• Kitesurfing example: Tarifa, Spain (again!). Tarifa’s wind isn’t just about geography—it’s also the result of meeting weather systems from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This cocktail of air masses keeps the wind cranking almost year-round.  

Thermal winds 

Thermal winds are hyper-local and occur when the sun heats the land, creating a temperature difference between land and water. These winds are kitesurfing gold because they’re predictable and steady.  

• How it works: Warm air rises over the land, and cooler air from the water rushes in to take its place, creating that lovely onshore breeze. These winds typically start late morning and peak in the afternoon.  

• Kitesurfing example: El Gouna, Egypt. El Gouna’s desert environment heats up quickly under the blazing sun, creating reliable thermal winds that’ll keep you on the water all day. Bonus: it’s warm enough to leave your wetsuit at home.  

The takeaway  

Whether it’s geography, ocean currents, or the magic of trade winds, some places just have it all when it comes to wind. So, the next time you’re checking wind forecasts and dreaming of your next session, remember: the wind doesn’t play favorites—it just follows the rules of physics.  

What’s your go-to windy spot? Share your favorite kite destinations below, and let’s keep the wind talk going!  

xox Berit