Hayling Island
United Kingdom · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds SW, W, S
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Mixed
- Best months Apr–Oct
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About this spot
Hayling Island on England's south coast is regarded as the birthplace of windsurfing (patented in 1958) and is today one of the country's busiest kite spots too. Because it is an island, the beach works in almost any wind direction from east through south to west – a rarity on the south coast. The working winds are the Channel south-westerlies, westerlies and southerlies. Off West Beach the East Winner sandbar rises for four hours either side of low water, opening a huge, shallow lagoon more than a kilometre out to sea; south and south-west winds add fun jumping waves there.
When is the best time to visit Hayling Island? The season runs April to October. The best tidal window is low to mid water, when the sandbar exposes a shallow standing-depth area. At high water, windsurfers find flat water near Northney Marina or inside Langstone Harbour. Suitable for all levels.
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Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, October 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 least wind is in April (21 %). The water ranges from about 8 to 20 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
36 %
| 12 kn | SW | 7 °C | 8 °C |
| February |
45 %
| 13 kn | SW | 8 °C | 8 °C |
| March |
30 %
| 11 kn | SW | 9 °C | 9 °C |
| April |
21 %
| 11 kn | SW | 10 °C | 11 °C |
| May |
32 %
| 10 kn | SW | 14 °C | 15 °C |
| June |
37 %
| 10 kn | SW | 17 °C | 17 °C |
| July |
46 %
| 11 kn | SW | 19 °C | 19 °C |
| August |
41 %
| 11 kn | SW | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| September |
36 %
| 11 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
48 %
| 12 kn | SW | 15 °C | 15 °C |
| November |
41 %
| 13 kn | SW | 11 °C | 13 °C |
| December |
46 %
| 13 kn | SW | 9 °C | 10 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from SW, W, S (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
Aim for low to mid water at West Beach for the East Winner flat water. At high water, move to the sheltered spots near Northney Marina or inside Langstone Harbour. Be confident riding upwind because of the strong tidal streams.
⚠︎ Hazards
Tidal streams in the Solent are powerful: strong current runs across the front of the beach on both flood and ebb, and very strong north–south current runs west of the sandbar, driven by water flooding in and out of Langstone Harbour.
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 Hayling Island suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Hayling Island suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Mixed).
Which wind works at Hayling Island?
Best with wind from SW, W, S. In the windiest month (October), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.
When is the best time for Hayling Island?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, October has the most wind days (48 % of days).
How warm is the water at Hayling Island?
Over the year about 8 °C in January to 20 °C in August (model data).
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