Hyères – Almanarre

France · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP

  • Best winds NW (Mistral), E
  • Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
  • Water Chop
  • Best months Ganzjährig

About this spot

The main spot on the Côte d'Azur, about twenty kilometres from Toulon: a beach over five kilometres long, of sand and small pebbles, on the Presqu'île de Giens. The peninsula's double tombolo cleanly catches two prevailing winds. The Mistral from west to northwest is onshore here, bringing waves and ramps for big air; the easterly, by contrast, is offshore and turns the lagoon side mirror-flat – ideal for freestyle and relaxed cruising.

When is Almanarre flat? In easterly wind, which comes mainly from November to April and can push the venue past 45 knots – the water then lies like a mirror. The Mistral blows around a hundred days a year between 15 and 35 knots, with east or NW wind on more than 250 days. From May to October the wind is frequent and solid, often in multi-day Mistral runs. With its mix of flat and wave, Almanarre suits all levels and all disciplines – kite, windsurf, wing and SUP.

Last updated:

Location

Wind & weather through the year

According to model data for 2021–2025, March is the windiest month: on 41 % 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 east. The most reliable period runs from February to April. The least wind is in July (15 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), April brings the most wind days (39 %). The water ranges from about 14 to 27 °C over the year.

Month Wind days ≥ 12 kn Avg wind Direction Air Water
January
24 %
11 kn E 11 °C 14 °C
February
34 %
11 kn E 12 °C 14 °C
March
41 %
13 kn E 13 °C 14 °C
April
39 %
12 kn E 15 °C 15 °C
May
17 %
10 kn E 18 °C 18 °C
June
20 %
11 kn E 23 °C 22 °C
July
15 %
11 kn E 25 °C 24 °C
August
15 %
10 kn E 26 °C 27 °C
September
34 %
11 kn E 23 °C 23 °C
October
30 %
11 kn E 20 °C 21 °C
November
33 %
11 kn E 15 °C 18 °C
December
28 %
10 kn E 13 °C 15 °C

Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from NW, E (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

In easterly wind use the lagoon side for mirror-flat freestyle; the NW Mistral brings ramps and waves for jumps. Multi-day Mistral runs are easy to plan ahead for.

⚠︎ Hazards

Offshore easterly wind can get very strong (sometimes over 45 knots) and pushes you out to sea – match gear and skill accordingly. The Mistral brings onshore waves and strong gusts; the long beach is busy on top wind days.

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 Hyères – Almanarre suitable for beginners?

Yes. According to the spot info, Hyères – Almanarre suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).

Which wind works at Hyères – Almanarre?

Best with wind from NW (Mistral), E. In the windiest month (March), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the east.

When is the best time for Hyères – Almanarre?

The best months are considered to be Ganzjährig. According to the wind statistics, April has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 39 %); overall March is the windiest (41 %), but the water is cold then.

How warm is the water at Hyères – Almanarre?

Over the year about 14 °C in February to 27 °C in August (model data).

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