Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Canada · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Surfing · Wingfoil
- Best winds Variable
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Mixed
- Best months Jun–Sep
About this spot
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence offer, in summer, a good dozen spots in a small area for kite, windsurf and wave riding. Wide sandy beaches in every direction, red cliffs and dunes define the archipelago, along with very shallow lagoons for learning and open beaches for waves.
Wind is strong and steady, prevailing from the southwest in summer, at around 9 to 22 knots. The season is short: late June to early September, with July and August the best months, when the water is warmest at 18 to 20 degrees. Who is this venue for? With shallow lagoons and spots for almost any wind direction, it suits beginners through to pros – no sharks, no jellyfish. A remote, versatile island venue for the northern summer.
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Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, February is the windiest month: on 86 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the north-west. The least wind is in July (64 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), September brings the most wind days (74 %). The water ranges from about -1 to 19 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
83 %
| 18 kn | NW | -3 °C | 0 °C |
| February |
86 %
| 19 kn | NW | -5 °C | -1 °C |
| March |
83 %
| 17 kn | W | -2 °C | -1 °C |
| April |
80 %
| 15 kn | NW | 1 °C | 2 °C |
| May |
70 %
| 14 kn | SW | 5 °C | 6 °C |
| June |
69 %
| 13 kn | S | 11 °C | 11 °C |
| July |
64 %
| 12 kn | SW | 17 °C | 17 °C |
| August |
66 %
| 13 kn | SW | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| September |
74 %
| 15 kn | SW | 15 °C | 17 °C |
| October |
70 %
| 15 kn | SW | 11 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
84 %
| 19 kn | W | 5 °C | 7 °C |
| December |
82 %
| 20 kn | W | 0 °C | 2 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). 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
The season is short – July and August are the most reliable and warmest. Choose your spot by wind direction: shallow lagoons for learning, open beaches for waves.
⚠︎ Hazards
Despite summer, the water is cool at 18 to 20 degrees – wear a wetsuit. Open-sea stretches can get strong and wavy.
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 Îles-de-la-Madeleine suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Îles-de-la-Madeleine suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Mixed).
Which wind works at Îles-de-la-Madeleine?
Best with wind from Variable. In the windiest month (February), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for Îles-de-la-Madeleine?
The best months are considered to be Jun–Sep. According to the wind statistics, September has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 74 %); overall February is the windiest (86 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at Îles-de-la-Madeleine?
Over the year about -1 °C in February to 19 °C in August (model data).
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