Kalifornien (Schönberg)
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Surfing · Wingfoil
- Best winds N, NW, W
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Mixed
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
The name says it all: Kalifornien is a district of the municipality of Schönberg in Holstein, on the Probstei coast between Kiel and Lübeck, and has been a meeting point for the northern German kite and wave scene for years. A wide, fine-sand Baltic beach, with parking and a beach café behind it. The wind can be offshore or onshore depending on the direction: in N and NW a real Baltic wave rolls freely into the bay and stacks into clean ramps, while W and SW turn it into a flat-chop spot. You rig and launch on the sandy beach.
When is Kalifornien at its best? From April to October, when spring and autumn lows reliably push wind across Kiel Bay; in high summer a thermal onshore breeze often joins in. Suits all levels who can handle a bit of swell.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, July 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 west. The most reliable period runs from June to August. The least wind is in November (20 %). The water ranges from about 3 to 20 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
35 %
| 14 kn | W | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| February |
33 %
| 13 kn | W | 4 °C | 3 °C |
| March |
28 %
| 11 kn | W | 6 °C | 5 °C |
| April |
27 %
| 11 kn | W | 8 °C | 8 °C |
| May |
25 %
| 10 kn | W | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| June |
31 %
| 10 kn | W | 17 °C | 17 °C |
| July |
41 %
| 11 kn | W | 19 °C | 19 °C |
| August |
32 %
| 10 kn | W | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| September |
22 %
| 11 kn | W | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
34 %
| 13 kn | W | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
20 %
| 13 kn | W | 8 °C | 10 °C |
| December |
23 %
| 13 kn | SW | 5 °C | 7 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from N, NW, W (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 N/NW the wave shows up – wave/strapless gear pays off then. Parking is paid; schools and the beach café are right at the beach. In summer arrive early, the beach doubles as a swimming zone.
⚠︎ Hazards
In summer the wide beach is busy with swimmers – keep your distance and use the designated kite areas. In strong N/NW the shore break can get rough.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalifornien (Schönberg) suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Kalifornien (Schönberg) suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Mixed). The nearest surf school is about 9 km away.
Which wind works at Kalifornien (Schönberg)?
Best with wind from N, NW, W. In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the west.
When is the best time for Kalifornien (Schönberg)?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (41 % of days).
How warm is the water at Kalifornien (Schönberg)?
Over the year about 3 °C in February to 20 °C in August (model data).
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