Fuerteventura – El Cotillo
Spain · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Surfing
- Best winds N, NE (trade wind)
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Waves
- Best months Ganzjährig (stärker Oct–Mar)
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About this spot
El Cotillo sits in the northwest of Fuerteventura, a laid-back fishing village rather than a resort. South of town the Piedra Playa beach break begins beneath a steep cliff, with several reefs within reach. The beach is exposed to the North Atlantic and picks up west, north-west and north swell – in winter the waves get big, a spot for wave surfers and strapless kiters.
The trade winds from north to north-east usually blow side-onshore, but can turn offshore close to shore and are gusty under the cliff. The north coast is one of the most wind-reliable in the Canaries, with 150–190 wave-sailing days a year, around 70% of them side-shore. When is the best time? Wind and waves run year-round, most reliably October to March for swell and June to September for the summer trades. Piedra Playa is split into zones for surfing, kiting and windsurfing.
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Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 92 % 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. The most reliable period runs from May to September. The least wind is in December (28 %). The water ranges from about 19 to 22 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
36 %
| 12 kn | NE | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| February |
43 %
| 12 kn | N | 19 °C | 19 °C |
| March |
51 %
| 13 kn | N | 19 °C | 19 °C |
| April |
58 %
| 13 kn | N | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| May |
76 %
| 14 kn | N | 20 °C | 20 °C |
| June |
77 %
| 14 kn | N | 21 °C | 20 °C |
| July |
92 %
| 16 kn | N | 22 °C | 21 °C |
| August |
90 %
| 15 kn | N | 23 °C | 22 °C |
| September |
73 %
| 13 kn | N | 23 °C | 22 °C |
| October |
54 %
| 11 kn | N | 23 °C | 22 °C |
| November |
39 %
| 11 kn | N | 22 °C | 22 °C |
| December |
28 %
| 11 kn | NE | 20 °C | 21 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from N, NE (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
For waves come October–March, for steady trades June–September. The wind can turn offshore near the shore – check your gear and position. Piedra Playa is zoned: keep kite and windsurf areas clear of the surf peaks.
⚠︎ Hazards
Open Atlantic side – heavy currents and shore break with large swell, winter waves up to several metres. The cliff makes the wind gusty, and close to shore it can turn offshore. Rocks and reefs near the shoreline.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fuerteventura – El Cotillo suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, Fuerteventura – El Cotillo is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Waves).
Which wind works at Fuerteventura – El Cotillo?
Best with wind from N, NE (trade wind). In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north.
When is the best time for Fuerteventura – El Cotillo?
The best months are considered to be Ganzjährig (stärker Oct–Mar). According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (92 % of days).
How warm is the water at Fuerteventura – El Cotillo?
Over the year about 19 °C in March to 22 °C in October (model data).
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