Lancelin
Australia · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds S, SW (Doctor)
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Nov–Mar
About this spot
Lancelin, called "Lano" by locals, lies around 130 km – roughly 1.5–2 hours' drive – north of Perth on Western Australia's Indian Ocean Drive. The fishing town is one of WA's best windsurf, wingfoil and kite areas and home to the Lancelin Ocean Classic – since 1986 one of the longest-standing watersport events in the world.
The wind comes from the summer "Doctor", the cooling sea breeze (in Perth the "Fremantle Doctor"), which sets in during the afternoon and reliably brings 15–30 knots. The area offers both: turquoise flat water for blasting and freestyle, plus wave riding. The bay is sheltered by a reef around 500 m out, with a long standing-depth section; depending on swell, chest- to mast-high waves peel over Lancelin Reef. When is it best? From roughly November to March, usually kicking in around Nov/Dec.
With its mix of flat water and wave, Lancelin suits advanced sailors and pros.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, December is the windiest month: on 83 % 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. The most reliable period runs from October to February. The least wind is in June (20 %). The water ranges from about 19 to 23 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
82 %
| 15 kn | S | 24 °C | 23 °C |
| February |
77 %
| 14 kn | S | 24 °C | 23 °C |
| March |
55 %
| 13 kn | S | 23 °C | 23 °C |
| April |
47 %
| 11 kn | S | 22 °C | 23 °C |
| May |
25 %
| 11 kn | S | 20 °C | 23 °C |
| June |
20 %
| 12 kn | SW | 17 °C | 21 °C |
| July |
27 %
| 13 kn | SW | 17 °C | 20 °C |
| August |
26 %
| 13 kn | SW | 17 °C | 19 °C |
| September |
45 %
| 13 kn | S | 17 °C | 19 °C |
| October |
66 %
| 14 kn | S | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| November |
79 %
| 14 kn | S | 20 °C | 20 °C |
| December |
83 %
| 15 kn | S | 22 °C | 22 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from S, 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
The "Doctor" usually sets in during the afternoon – plan sessions accordingly. Flat water for blasting and freestyle in the sheltered bay, wave over Lancelin Reef. Season November–March.
⚠︎ Hazards
The reef around 500 m out has shallow, sharp patches – know the passages and wear shoes. In bigger swell powerful waves break on the reef; judge your range realistically.
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 Lancelin suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, Lancelin is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Lancelin?
Best with wind from S, SW (Doctor). In the windiest month (December), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south.
When is the best time for Lancelin?
The best months are considered to be Nov–Mar. According to the wind statistics, December has the most wind days (83 % of days).
How warm is the water at Lancelin?
Over the year about 19 °C in September to 23 °C in January (model data).
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