Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach
Cape Verde · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds NE (trade wind)
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Nov–May
Community at the spot
Who is here right now and what is happening on the water? Spot chat, check-ins and shared sessions from riders who were here.
Members only. No links, no ads, be respectful. Reported messages are hidden and reviewed; messages are deleted after 48 hours.
…
Shared sessions
No shared sessions at this spot yet. Share your session →
About this spot
Long sandy beach bay in the south of the island of Sal, over 3 km of open, obstacle-free shoreline. The northeast trade wind (the Alisios) is highly consistent from November to May and usually blows side-shore from the left at 15–25 knots – a major European winter destination for kite and wingfoil. The water is wind-chopped; the wide, open beach makes launching and landing straightforward and the spot suitable for all levels.
When is the best time to visit Sal? November to May, with the most reliable trades in winter; summer has significantly less wind. Water temperatures sit around 22°C in winter. Riders after waves will find them at nearby spots such as Ponta Preta.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, February is the windiest month: on 94 % 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-east. The least wind is in August (27 %). The water ranges from about 22 to 27 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
80 %
| 15 kn | NE | 24 °C | 24 °C |
| February |
94 %
| 16 kn | NE | 23 °C | 23 °C |
| March |
87 %
| 15 kn | NE | 23 °C | 22 °C |
| April |
81 %
| 14 kn | NE | 24 °C | 23 °C |
| May |
88 %
| 14 kn | NE | 24 °C | 24 °C |
| June |
78 %
| 13 kn | NE | 25 °C | 24 °C |
| July |
30 %
| 10 kn | NE | 26 °C | 25 °C |
| August |
27 %
| 10 kn | NE | 28 °C | 27 °C |
| September |
54 %
| 12 kn | NE | 28 °C | 27 °C |
| October |
68 %
| 12 kn | NE | 28 °C | 27 °C |
| November |
75 %
| 13 kn | NE | 27 °C | 26 °C |
| December |
81 %
| 14 kn | NE | 25 °C | 25 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from 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
Significantly less wind in summer – the main season is winter. At 15–20 knots a large kite suits most, at 20–25 a mid-size. The left side-shore makes getting in safely easy on the wide beach.
⚠︎ Hazards
Side-shore wind is safe, but if the wind drops you can drift toward the open bay. In high season there are many kiters and schools on the beach.
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.
Videos from this spot
Nearby surf schools
Trips & camps
Kite and wave trip to Sal, Cape Verde
Trips to Sal for wave kiters; wind per the page December to April. Per the operator not suitable for beginners or riders without a reliable water start.
Kitecollege Cape Verde on Sal
by Kitecollege (Surfschule Norddeich)
Kite course week at the Robinson Club Cabo Verde on Sal (adults only) for kiters with some experience; wind season November to May according to the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop). There are 2 surf schools nearby.
Which wind works at Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach?
Best with wind from NE (trade wind). In the windiest month (February), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-east.
When is the best time for Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach?
The best months are considered to be Nov–May. According to the wind statistics, February has the most wind days (94 % of days).
How warm is the water at Sal – Santa Maria Kite Beach?
Over the year about 22 °C in March to 27 °C in October (model data).
Something missing or wrong? Suggest a change
Your note goes to the editors and is not shown publicly. We only need an email address if we have questions.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.