The summer myth and the winter reality
Search for "kitesurfing Tenerife" online and every article tells you the same thing: the season runs June to September, the trade winds blow hard, El Médano is a kitesurfing paradise in summer. And that's true. But there's a part of the story almost nobody tells.
Winter in Tenerife — November to March — has wind. And not a little. The Atlantic fronts coming from the north and the east and south component winds sweeping the south of the island create conditions in El Médano that are, if anything, more consistent than in summer. This isn't theory: I've been in El Médano for over a decade and I see it every year.
The question isn't whether there's wind in winter. The question is whether that wind is right for you, based on your level and what you're looking for.
What is the wind like in winter in El Médano?
In winter, the wind pattern in El Médano shifts compared to summer. Instead of the northeast trade winds that dominate from June to September, the colder months typically bring NE wind or, occasionally, SW. Average strength hovers between 15 and 25 knots — practically the same range as in summer.
What sets winter apart isn't force but consistency. In summer the wind typically starts between 9 and 10am and blows practically all day. In winter it can also blow all day, though with slightly less continuity than in summer. For someone who wants to make the most of their water hours, that's a real advantage.
The trade-off is variability. Winter brings exceptional days with perfect wind and also flat days or days with wind too strong to go out comfortably. Winter forecasting demands more attention than summer, where the trade winds are almost clockwork.
Quick comparison: summer vs. winter
To be direct: summer is predictable and gentle — perfect for learning. Winter is more intense and variable — perfect for progressing if you already have a base. Neither season is objectively better; it depends on what you're after.
In summer, a beginner can count on wind practically all day, almost every day — one of the best learning patterns in the world. In winter there's also all-day wind frequently, just not quite as reliably as in summer.
Water and climate: the pleasant surprise
When people think "winter in Tenerife" they tend to imagine something like what they know from home. Big mistake.
In January, air temperature in El Médano sits between 19 and 22°C. Evenings are fresh, but days are sunny and pleasant. There's no rain in the south of Tenerife in winter — the clouds stay in the north. If you're coming from Germany, the Netherlands or the UK in January, the contrast is striking.
Water temperature in El Médano in winter hovers around 18-20°C. A 3/2mm wetsuit keeps you perfectly comfortable. It's not summer temperature — the Atlantic cools slightly between November and March — but it's not cold water. On many days you'll see people in the water in shorties or even no wetsuit if they run warm.
The practical result: you can do long sessions in winter without getting cold, without special equipment and enjoying weather that most northern Europeans would consider ideal for any outdoor activity.
Who is winter in El Médano for
The winter season in Tenerife isn't for everyone. But there are profiles for which it's perfect.
Intermediate kitesurfers who want to progress: if you can already ride and want to work on jumps, tricks or simply clock water hours with consistent wind, winter gives you what summer sometimes can't: long sessions with steady 20-knot winds.
People with flexible dates who want to escape the European winter: if you can move between November and March, Tenerife offers sun, relative warmth and wind. El Médano in January is a completely different destination to what most people imagine when they think "winter".
Advanced kitesurfers looking for more demanding conditions: winter strong-wind days — 25 knots or more — are an opportunity to use smaller kites and work in conditions that are infrequent in El Médano in summer.
For absolute beginners: winter is, surprisingly, a valid option. Winter wind is more constant and softer than in summer, which can make learning calmer and more controlled. The determining factor isn't the season — it's the quality of instruction and the specific day's conditions.
What changes in winter: logistics and atmosphere
El Médano in winter is not a quiet off-season destination. Winter is also high season — some would say even more so than summer — with a different mix of visitors: less beach-and-sun tourism, more riders and athletes who come specifically for the wind. The atmosphere is equally alive, but with a more focused profile.
For anyone looking for a pure kitesurfing environment, surrounded by people with the same motivation to be in the water, winter has that.
Winter wind days in the water also have a different feel: the local community that kiteboards in winter is smaller and generally at a higher level. If you're looking to share the water with experienced riders and absorb the atmosphere, winter has that.
How to plan a winter kitesurfing trip to Tenerife
The key to a good winter trip is flexibility. Unlike summer, where you can arrive any week in July or August and count on wind, in winter it's worth checking forecasts a bit in advance and having room to adjust your water days.
Apps like Windy or WindGuru are your best allies for tracking the wind pattern before and during the trip. Atlantic fronts are predictable 3 to 5 days out, giving you enough time to organize your sessions.
If you want lessons or coaching in winter, message me on WhatsApp before booking your flight. That way we can talk about the specific dates, what to expect during that period and whether conditions that week are right for your level.
El Médano in winter is a secret that more and more European kitesurfers are discovering. Those who come in January or February come back. Not always because of the wind — though the wind helps. But because finding sun, water and decent conditions in the middle of a European winter is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there wind for kitesurfing in Tenerife in winter?
Yes. In winter (November to March) El Médano receives winds of 15 to 25 knots that are, if anything, more consistent than in summer. The direction shifts slightly — more east and south component — but the intensity is perfectly suitable for kitesurfing.
What is the water temperature in Tenerife in winter?
Water temperature in El Médano in winter is around 18-20°C. A 3/2mm wetsuit keeps you completely comfortable. It's not the Mediterranean in August, but it's not cold water either — on many days you'll see people in the water with shorties.
Is winter good for learning kitesurfing in Tenerife?
Yes, with caveats. The wind is consistent and strong, which is good for practice. For absolute beginners, summer is still more forgiving because the wind is somewhat gentler and the overall conditions warmer. For intermediate or advanced riders, winter is excellent.
When is the best time to go kitesurfing in Tenerife?
It depends on your level and preferences. Summer (June-September) has soft, consistent wind — ideal for learning. Winter (November-March) has stronger, more constant wind — ideal for intermediate and advanced riders. Both seasons are valid.
What wetsuit do I need for kitesurfing in Tenerife in winter?
A 3/2mm wetsuit is enough for most people. If you feel the cold easily, a 4/3mm gives extra comfort. You don't need a hood or gloves under normal conditions.