The wind is not constant year-round: what nobody tells you
One of the things that irritates me about wind sports marketing is the phrase "guaranteed wind year-round." No spot in the world offers guaranteed wind. El Médano is one of the most consistent spots in Europe, but that doesn't mean you can visit any month and find perfect conditions.
This guide gives you real, month-by-month information about what to expect at El Médano. So you can make an informed decision before booking.
Peak season: June to September
These are the best months for kitesurfing at El Médano, especially for beginners. The NE trade winds dominate southern Tenerife during summer and arrive at El Médano with good regularity and quality.
What to expect in these months:
- Wind of 20 to 30 knots most days — stronger than in winter
- Wind typically starting at 9:30–10am, lasting until sunset
- Predominant direction: NE to E (ideal for El Médano)
- 4 to 6 usable wind days per week
- More gusty and more swell than winter
- Water temperature: 22 to 24°C
- Air temperature: 25 to 30°C
July and August are the most consistent months. If you have to choose one month to come and can only come once, July or August is the safest bet.
The downside of summer: it's peak tourist season. Accommodation is more expensive, the beach is busier and there are more kitesurfers in the water. For a beginner, this isn't a real problem — schools operate in designated areas — but worth knowing if you're looking for space.
Shoulder season: October, November, April, May
The shoulder months are interesting for those with flexibility. Wind exists but the pattern is less predictable. There can be excellent weeks followed by periods without wind. Accommodation prices are lower and there are fewer people.
For a beginner planning a learning trip, these months carry more risk. You might get lucky with a perfect week, or you might get a week of little wind. If you visit in shoulder season, plan to stay at least 10 days to increase your chances of getting enough good days.
Winter: December to March
El Médano in winter has a completely different character to summer. The trade winds are less dominant and the wind pattern is less predictable. However, when the wind does blow in winter, it tends to be lighter and more consistent: 15 to 25 knots, less gusty and with less swell than in summer. For intermediate kitesurfers who prefer calmer water, it can be a very pleasant season.
There are excellent wind days and flat days. For someone coming to learn with one week of holiday, winter is statistically not the best bet — the probability of finding wind is lower.
The climate is mild: 18–22°C on land, 18–19°C in the water. Nothing like a northern European winter. You will need at least a 3mm wetsuit to be comfortable in the water.
Month-by-month summary
| Month | Kitesurf wind | Water temp | For beginners |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Variable | 18°C | Not recommended |
| February | Variable | 18°C | Not recommended |
| March | Variable | 18°C | Not recommended |
| April | Building | 19°C | With caveats |
| May | Growing | 20°C | With caveats |
| June | Good | 22°C | Recommended |
| July | Excellent | 23°C | Highly recommended |
| August | Excellent | 24°C | Highly recommended |
| September | Good | 23°C | Recommended |
| October | Moderate | 22°C | With caveats |
| November | Variable | 20°C | Not recommended |
| December | Variable | 19°C | Not recommended |
How to check wind before you arrive
If you have fixed dates and want to know what to expect, Windy.com and Windguru are the tools professional kitesurfers use. Search "El Médano" directly to see the wind forecast. Windguru also has historical wind statistics by month for El Médano that give a reliable picture of the probabilities.
If you're unsure whether the dates you've chosen are good for learning, message me. Helping people plan before they arrive is part of what I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which months have the best wind at El Médano?
June to September is when the NE trade winds blow most regularly. July and August have the most consistent wind. In those months you can expect usable wind 4 to 6 days per week, typically starting from 9:30–10am until sunset.
Can you kitesurf at El Médano in winter?
Yes, but with less certainty. Wind exists in winter but is less predictable. There are excellent wind weeks and flat weeks. For a beginner planning a learning trip, winter is not the best bet.
Is it cold in El Médano in winter?
The climate is mild year-round. Winter air temperatures are 18–22°C. Water drops to around 18–19°C, which calls for a 3mm wetsuit. Compared to most European destinations, Tenerife's winter is very comfortable.
When are there fewer tourists at El Médano?
The low season runs November to April. There are fewer people, accommodation is cheaper and the atmosphere is quieter. The trade-off is less predictable wind for those coming specifically to kitesurf.