San Francisco – Crissy Field
United States · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds W
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
Crissy Field is a former military airfield right on San Francisco Bay with an open view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The summer westerly – the "Summer Breeze" – is funnelled through the Golden Gate and fills in between Anita Rock and the channel. It regularly delivers 16–20 knots, much more on good days; the wind is gusty, though, and can swing from 5 to over 40 knots.
The best wind months are March to October, often with four to seven windy days a week. The water is choppy and the bay carries strong tidal current of up to around 4.5 knots. When is the best time to visit Crissy Field? Late spring to early autumn, when the thermal westerly is most reliable. The spot is demanding and belongs to experienced riders: clean upwind riding, jibing in gusty wind and current knowledge are essential.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, June is the windiest month: on 56 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the west. The most reliable period runs from May to August. The least wind is in November (3 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (48 %). The water ranges from about 13 to 17 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
5 %
| 7 kn | W | 11 °C | 13 °C |
| February |
7 %
| 8 kn | W | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| March |
13 %
| 9 kn | W | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| April |
35 %
| 9 kn | W | 14 °C | 13 °C |
| May |
52 %
| 11 kn | W | 15 °C | 13 °C |
| June |
56 %
| 11 kn | W | 16 °C | 14 °C |
| July |
48 %
| 11 kn | SW | 16 °C | 15 °C |
| August |
43 %
| 10 kn | SW | 18 °C | 15 °C |
| September |
23 %
| 9 kn | W | 18 °C | 17 °C |
| October |
8 %
| 7 kn | W | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| November |
3 %
| 7 kn | W | 14 °C | 14 °C |
| December |
3 %
| 7 kn | W | 11 °C | 13 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
Safest is a starting ebb just after slack water; a flood makes holding upwind very hard. The wind fills in best between Anita Rock and the channel. Because of the gusts, keep some reserve in your gear – swings from 5 to 40 knots are possible.
⚠︎ Hazards
Strong tidal current up to about 4.5 knots; on the ebb there is a risk of being washed out under the bridge into open ocean. Gusty, jumpy wind and cold water. Shipping traffic in the gate. Not for beginners.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Francisco – Crissy Field suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, San Francisco – Crissy Field is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at San Francisco – Crissy Field?
Best with wind from W. In the windiest month (June), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the west.
When is the best time for San Francisco – Crissy Field?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 48 %); overall June is the windiest (56 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at San Francisco – Crissy Field?
Over the year about 13 °C in January to 17 °C in September (model data).
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