Étang de Thau – Sète
France · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds NW (Tramontane), SE (Marin)
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Flat water
- Best months Ganzjährig
About this spot
The Lagoon of Thau near Sète is, at around 7500 hectares, the largest inland body of water on the French Mediterranean coast. With no current, vast open spaces and shallow depth, it has become a fixed reference spot for the Occitania region – the wind blows here on roughly 200 days a year.
The dominant wind is the Tramontane from the northwest, which sweeps through generously and strong; flat water then builds up on the inner side. The Marin from the southeast is the second direction but less suited to this spot. Where is the best place to kite? At the Pont Levis on the Sète side, one of the top spots around Montpellier; a sandbank barrier called the "toc" runs through the lagoon, separating flat water from a choppier zone. Le Barrou on the southern bank is more of a windsurf and wing area. Rideable year-round, for all levels.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, March is the windiest month: on 48 % 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 north-west. The most reliable period runs from February to May. The least wind is in June (25 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), November brings the most wind days (40 %). The water ranges from about 11 to 24 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
34 %
| 9 kn | NW | 9 °C | 11 °C |
| February |
38 %
| 10 kn | NW | 11 °C | 12 °C |
| March |
48 %
| 11 kn | NW | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| April |
37 %
| 10 kn | NW | 15 °C | 15 °C |
| May |
36 %
| 9 kn | NW | 18 °C | 18 °C |
| June |
25 %
| 9 kn | NW | 23 °C | 22 °C |
| July |
34 %
| 10 kn | NW | 25 °C | 24 °C |
| August |
28 %
| 9 kn | NW | 25 °C | 24 °C |
| September |
28 %
| 9 kn | NW | 21 °C | 22 °C |
| October |
25 %
| 9 kn | SE | 19 °C | 18 °C |
| November |
40 %
| 10 kn | NW | 13 °C | 16 °C |
| December |
28 %
| 9 kn | NW | 10 °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 NW, SE (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
Pont Levis on the Sète side is the central kite spot; the "toc" sandbank separates flat water from the choppy zone. The Tramontane (NW) is the reliable wind.
⚠︎ Hazards
The Tramontane can blow very hard – choose your kite size conservatively. Little current in the lagoon, but long distances back to shore in strong wind.
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 Étang de Thau – Sète suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Étang de Thau – Sète suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Flat water).
Which wind works at Étang de Thau – Sète?
Best with wind from NW (Tramontane), SE (Marin). In the windiest month (March), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for Étang de Thau – Sète?
The best months are considered to be Ganzjährig. According to the wind statistics, November has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 40 %); overall March is the windiest (48 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at Étang de Thau – Sète?
Over the year about 11 °C in January to 24 °C in August (model data).
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