Best Time to Kitesurf in Dakhla

I’m Romano, a kite instructor in Dakhla since 2017, and I live here all year. The question I get most, by far: “when is the best time to come and kite?”

My answer fits in one line: Dakhla works all year. It gets more than 330 windy days a year, which is huge. There isn’t really a “bad” season here — there are just different moods.

If I had to name a prime window, it would be roughly April to September: that’s when the wind is most consistent and most powerful, often 25 to 35 knots. Winter, meanwhile, blows a little lighter but stays surprisingly steady — perfect if you don’t love overpowered days.

In short: there’s no single magic date, just the season that matches your level and what you’re after. Let’s break it down.

–Spring (April–June): my favourite window. The wind builds in strength and regularity, the days get longer, and there are fewer people than in high summer. This is often when we string together the best sessions.

–Summer (July–September): the high season. The wind shows up almost every day, often 25 to 35 knots. It’s powerful, physical, ideal for fast progress and for advanced riders who want big wind. It’s also the busiest stretch.

–Autumn (October–November): a lovely transition. The wind is still very much there but starts to ease off, the crowds thin out, and things get calmer. A good middle ground.

–Winter (December–March): milder, a touch lighter, but often very steady. We still ride regularly. It’s the ideal season if strong wind intimidates you, or if you want to pair kiting with relaxed desert exploration.

Temperatures are stable all year: around 20–25 °C in summer and 15–20 °C in winter. With the wind you always feel a bit cooler — bring something to cover up on the beach, even in summer.

The water in Dakhla is cool because of the Atlantic current, but nothing icy. The right move is to match your wetsuit to the season rather than guessing an exact water temperature.

–In summer (roughly May to October): a shorty or a 3/2 mm wetsuit is plenty for most riders.

–In winter (roughly November to April): go for a 3/2 mm, or a 5/4 mm if you feel the cold or spend long sessions in the water.

A local tip: when in doubt, bring the slightly warmer option. With near-constant wind you cool down fast between runs, and cutting a session short because you’re shivering is a shame. If you’re unsure, message us before you come and I’ll tell you what I’m wearing right now.

The “best” time also depends a lot on your level.

If you’re a beginner: I’d point you towards spring, autumn or winter, when the wind is there but less violent. Learning in a steady 20 knots is far more pleasant — and safer — than in 35. The Dakhla lagoon is perfect for it: shallow water, a standing area, rescue boats. It’s where we start almost every beginner.

If you’re advanced and chasing big wind and speed: summer is made for you. Rig the small kites, load up, and you’ll have wind almost every day.

And if strong wind scares you a little but you still want real sessions: winter is an excellent call. You’ll find all our spots in detail on the our spots page.

Two things to keep in mind to really make the most of your stay.

Crowds: summer is the busiest period, both on the spots and in the accommodation. If you prefer space and a more intimate feel, aim for spring, autumn or winter — you’ll often get the same wind with fewer people on the water.

Flat water or waves: this is where Dakhla becomes magic. Depending on tide and spot, you can go from a flat lagoon to ocean waves in the same day. The lagoon and Speed Spot offer flat water that’s ideal for progressing and freestyle; on the ocean side, spots like West Point and Gold Point add waves. A lot rides on the tide, so we often plan the day’s session together over breakfast.

That’s the whole point of being based in the centre of the peninsula: we’re close to as many spots as possible, and we tailor the plan to the day’s wind and tide.

Whatever season you choose, we welcome you at the camp, in the heart of the peninsula, across our five rooms — from the Art Room to the Fireplace Bungalow. You can see them all on our rooms.

One practical thing to plan for: no public transport reaches the camp, and city taxis can’t come out here. We arrange a private transfer from the airport (15 minutes away, about 5 km). All the access details are on getting here.

So which time should you pick? If you want maximum wind and power, aim for April–September. If you’re after calm, mild weather and quieter spots, autumn and winter are wonderful. And if you’re a beginner, almost the whole year works — we’ll find the right window together.

Got a question about current conditions, your gear or your level? Message us directly via the contact page — it’s often me who answers. See you on the water very soon. — Romano