Los Barriles
Mexico · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds N, NE (El Norte)
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Nov–Mar
About this spot
Los Barriles is a fishing town on the Sea of Cortez on the East Cape of Baja California Sur. From mid-November to early March "El Norte" sweeps across the bay – a strong north to northeast wind pushed south by a high-pressure system over the USA. Mornings bring flatter water, while afternoons build rolling swell with good jump ramps and chop.
How reliable is the wind at Los Barriles? In the main phase from mid-December to mid-March, El Norte blows four to five days a week, usually at 18 to 25 knots with a steady direction. The long, shallow sandy beach at the north end (Playa Norte) stands side-onshore with no current or obstacles. Alongside La Ventana, Los Barriles is the peninsula's second classic winter kite and windsurf venue – for improvers through to pros.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, January is the windiest month: on 61 % 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 north. The most reliable period runs from December to March. The least wind is in July (1 %). The water ranges from about 22 to 31 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
61 %
| 10 kn | N | 21 °C | 22 °C |
| February |
48 %
| 9 kn | N | 21 °C | 22 °C |
| March |
46 %
| 10 kn | N | 22 °C | 22 °C |
| April |
24 %
| 8 kn | N | 23 °C | 23 °C |
| May |
10 %
| 7 kn | N | 26 °C | 26 °C |
| June |
5 %
| 8 kn | N | 28 °C | 28 °C |
| July |
1 %
| 8 kn | NE | 30 °C | 29 °C |
| August |
1 %
| 7 kn | N | 31 °C | 30 °C |
| September |
6 %
| 7 kn | N | 30 °C | 31 °C |
| October |
17 %
| 7 kn | N | 29 °C | 30 °C |
| November |
37 %
| 9 kn | N | 26 °C | 27 °C |
| December |
48 %
| 9 kn | N | 24 °C | 24 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from N, NE (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
Mornings bring flatter water, a good window for improvers; afternoons see El Norte build with swell and jump ramps. Playa Norte at the north end of town offers the most forgiving, side-onshore launch.
⚠︎ Hazards
El Norte is a seasonal wind and does not blow every day, so expect some waiting days. Afternoons bring chop to rolling swell, so match your gear to the wind strength.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Los Barriles suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, Los Barriles is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Los Barriles?
Best with wind from N, NE (El Norte). In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north.
When is the best time for Los Barriles?
The best months are considered to be Nov–Mar. According to the wind statistics, January has the most wind days (61 % of days).
How warm is the water at Los Barriles?
Over the year about 22 °C in March to 31 °C in September (model data).
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