Greetsiel

Germany · Kitesurf · Wingfoil · SUP

  • Best winds W, NW, SW
  • Level Beginner · Intermediate
  • Water Flat water
  • Best months Apr–Oct

About this spot

Greetsiel is the picturesque Krummhörn harbour town with thatched houses and twin windmills – you do not actually kite here, the real spot lies a little further on at Upleward. On its doorstep, though, is the Leybucht with the Leyhörn nature reserve, an EU bird sanctuary inside the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park where water sports are restricted accordingly.

Anyone wanting to get on the water in the Krummhörn heads to the officially permitted Trockenstrand Upleward south of Greetsiel: a big standing-depth area, flat water, W and SW wind, ridden in the tidal window roughly three hours around high water. Is Greetsiel worth a stop? Definitely – as a base camp with a harbour stroll and shrimp rolls, combined with a session next door. Season April to October, good for beginners.

Last updated:

Location

Wind & weather through the year

According to model data for 2021–2025, January 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 south-west. The most reliable period runs from October to February. The least wind is in March (25 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (48 %). The water ranges from about 4 to 20 °C over the year.

Month Wind days ≥ 12 kn Avg wind Direction Air Water
January
48 %
13 kn SW 4 °C 4 °C
February
43 %
13 kn SW 5 °C 5 °C
March
25 %
11 kn SW 7 °C 6 °C
April
31 %
12 kn NW 9 °C 10 °C
May
32 %
11 kn W 13 °C 15 °C
June
31 %
10 kn W 17 °C 18 °C
July
48 %
11 kn W 18 °C 20 °C
August
34 %
11 kn W 19 °C 20 °C
September
29 %
10 kn SW 17 °C 18 °C
October
45 %
13 kn SW 13 °C 13 °C
November
43 %
12 kn SW 8 °C 9 °C
December
37 %
12 kn SW 5 °C 6 °C

Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, NW, SW (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 kiting head to the permitted Trockenstrand Upleward south of Greetsiel. Grab a shrimp roll in the harbour – mandatory.

⚠︎ Hazards

Leyhörn/Leybucht is a bird sanctuary – stay out. On the water it is tide-dependent: knee- to hip-deep at high water, mind the tidal channels.

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.

Nearest surf school

Trips & camps

All 2 trips in Germany All kite trips

Community at the spot

Who is here right now and what is happening on the water? Spot chat, check-ins and shared sessions from riders who were here.

Spot chat

Members only. No links, no ads, be respectful. Reported messages are hidden and reviewed; messages are deleted after 48 hours.

At the spot right now

…

Shared sessions

No shared sessions at this spot yet. Share your session →

Frequently asked questions

Is Greetsiel suitable for beginners?

Yes. According to the spot info, Greetsiel suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Flat water). The nearest surf school is about 14 km away.

Which wind works at Greetsiel?

Best with wind from W, NW, SW. In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.

When is the best time for Greetsiel?

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 January is the windiest (48 %), but the water is cold then.

How warm is the water at Greetsiel?

Over the year about 4 °C in January to 20 °C in July (model data).

Something missing or wrong? Suggest a change

Your note goes to the editors and is not shown publicly. We only need an email address if we have questions.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first.

Comments are reviewed before publication.