kitesurfing season in Sri Lanka

Wind conditons in Sri Lanka

Are you dreaming of a kitesurfing destination with wind accuracy? Then we got you covered! According to the wind statistics, Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the windiest destinations in the world. Actually, Sri Lanka holds the best wind across Asia from May to October and December to March; which in reality means 9-10 months of extraordinary wind each year and with more than 10 different flat water kite spots to choose.

Due to having an extraordinary wind conditions, Sri Lanka is known as kite surfer’s paradise. The kitesurfing season is a long one here and there are a variety of different kiting conditions to help make it memorable.

At this point, you’re probably wondering which wind season is best? On the one hand, the summer season has strong wind throughout the day, and on the other, in winter we have the best thermal winds in Asia.  We have put together this practical guide that will help you to decide which kite season is better for you. So Let’s dig deeper and also check out some wind statistics.

Before we go in the depth of knowing kitesurfing seasons, let’s see what kind of winds we have to kite;

In summer, the wind comes from the west, particularly from the Middle East. Between the Indian coast and the Kalpitiya peninsula, there is a funnel that causes a venturi effect, making this coast a very windy destination. This makes the western coast a very friendly destination to kite from May to October

On the other hand, in winters the wind will come from Southeast Asia but what makes us feasible to kite at this time are the thermal winds. The thermal winds make the Sri Lankan beaches a dream for many kite surfers. You’ll get to see palm trees, sunny days, tropical beaches, wildlife, delicious food, and everything that a kitesurfer can expect to have in one place.

Now let´s take a look into the two main kite seasons in Sri Lanka.

> Best spots to Kite in the summer season

Kalpitiya is a worldwide famous destination for kite surfers in Sri Lanka. The lagoon is quite shallow with flat water and strong wind which makes it an ideal spot for beginners and free enthusiasts.  It is actually the ideal scenario for beginner surfers.

Moreover, for kiters who are learning the craft, the Kappaladi lagoon or the Dream spot can be excellent spots too. During the summer season, Kappalady lagoon turns into the windiest kite spots in Sri Lanka. The water inside the lagoon is perfectly flat and waist-deep which makes it a comfortable spot for beginners.

For those who are more advanced, Vella Island is the best choice for a kite trip because the wind is slightly stronger than Kalpitiya.

Adding on, one peninsula of the Northwest coast — Mannar, is becoming a dream spot to ride nowadays. A vast area for kitesurfing coupled with stable winds, Mannar is a hidden gem amongst the kitebording community.

Furthermore, the summer season and its penchant for strong winds attract a lot of kitesurfers from across the world. Also, regular events of water sports take place in the summer season. All these factors combine to make this the best time for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.

Since we have already embarked upon the kite conditions at Sri Lanka in summers, you might be wondering the most suitable equipment that you will need to kitesurf at this time of the year.

List of the recommended spots to kite in summer season:

Western coast

-Kalpitiya lagoon

-Dream spot

-Ippantivu island

-Donkey Point

-Kappaladi

Eastern coast

-Arugam Bay

What is the most suitable equipment to kite in the summer season?

To select the right kite size you need to focus on three important points:

• You will need different kites to fly in different winds.
• The size of your kite depends on how much you weigh.
• Lastly what type of rider are you? Are you a beginner or a pro in kitesurfing?

In the great world, we live in, no one size fits all. If you can bring along different kite sizes, then bring a 7m and 9-10m long kite. With an average weight of 75-80 kg, a 9 m kite is more than enough to have lots of fun in the water. However, it’s recommended to keep more than one size kite if you can because sometimes you can experience days with up to 35 knots.

Some tips & advice to kite in Sri Lanka in summer

* Although May and October are considered within the windy season in Sri Lanka, the wind is not as consistent as July to September. May is a very unpredictable month because sometimes the wind picks up at the beginning of the month and sometimes it picks up at the end of the month. The same happens in October. Sometimes we get winds until the last week of October and sometimes the wind ends up at the beginning of that month. Hence, we cannot predict the kite surfing season 100%.

* If you are planning to organize a kitesurfing trip to Vella in the summer season, plan it carefully as the sea is very rough especially on the way back. Normally it takes about 45 minutes to reach Vella and an hour to return. So if you got sick, the return trip can be a nightmare.

* In summers, consider the dates of the full moon as the full moon tends to affect the wind for 4-7 days.

* In summer, the wind is quite strong all day and the intensity of the wind changes depending on the tide after every 6 hours. When the tide rises, the wind is usually stronger.

Kitesurfing in the winter season

That season is another great time to kite in Sri Lanka. The winter season from mid- December to early March starts to gain traction. The North-western winds are steady and reliable. With an average wind speed of around 16-20 knots, advanced kiters and beginners alike can enjoy the stable winds.

The winter season in Sri Lanka might not be as happening as the summer season, but you just can’t fail to notice the steady winds and the pleasant atmosphere. A laid-back atmosphere kicks in as kiteboarders glide their way to peace and tranquillity. This season is shorter than the summer season and the wind usually picks up in the afternoon, from 11 to 12 pm. The gentle wind in the afternoon allows for both freestyling and learning in flat water. Usually, afternoons are the most preferred time to kite and mornings are the most chosen moment to organize different activities like a safari or go diving.

Since in winter season the sea is calm in the morning, it’s the best time to go scuba diving in Kalpitiya, snorkeling, or go to watch dolphins or whales. There is also the year-round option of scheduling a safari at Wilpattu National Park or visiting the sacred city of Anuradhapura since they are quite close to Kalpitiya.

The western part of Sri Lanka should be your go-to destination if you plan your next surfing trip in winter. The butter flat water and predictable winds make winters the best time to kite in Sri Lanka too. Furthermore, Ahangama is on the top list of the kite spots located in the South region

List of the recommended spots to kite in winter season:

Western coast

– Kalpitiya lagoon

– Dream Spot

Southern coast

-Ahangama

Most suitable equipment in the winter season

The wind season in Sri Lanka is relatively shorter in winters than in summers and the winds are lighter. Therefore, you won´t need such small kites as we use in the summer season. Bigger kites are recommended at these times of the year. With an average of 75-80kgs, you’ll need a 12m kite. And if you are between 85 and 90 kgs, you should better consider taking a 14m kite.

Some tips & advice to kite in Sri Lanka in winter

*December is the starting month of the winter season and the weather is quite unpredictable due to the beginning of a new season. December is usually windy, but don´t expect to have consistent wind until late December (20-25th).

*Since in winters the breeze comes late in the afternoon, so many people can take the opportunity to perform various other sports like diving, dolphin watching, safari, etc.

*January and February are great months for kitesurfing as it is usually windy every day. The wind will pick up to around 16-20 knots in January. However, in February, you’ll have more chances of good wind at the beginning than at the end of February.

* Although it is not 100% accurate because the full moon also tends to affect the wind.

* If you are planning to kite in the south, better you go to Ahangama, which is quite suitable for launching and landing comparing other southern beaches

The wind in Sri Lanka, month by month

* JANUARY

Come and enjoy the best kite spots in Sri Lanka!

MARGARITA KITE SCHOOL – Sri Lanka kitesurf