St. Peter-Ording
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds W, SW, NW, N
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
St. Peter-Ording on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast has one of the widest beaches in Europe: at low tide the sand dries out for up to two kilometres, leaving shallow tideways where beginners practise in standing-depth water, while incoming water builds waves in front of the sandbanks for wave riding. It hosted the Windsurf World Cup between 2006 and 2013 and later the GKA Kitesurf World Cup – a true classic of the German North Sea.
The best winds blow from west to north-west, averaging 15–25 knots, most reliably from late March to June and again from September to November. When is the best time to visit St. Peter-Ording? The main season runs April to October; midsummer wind is often lighter but the water is warmer. The spot works for everyone from first-gybe novices to wave kiters – depending on the tide, almost every level finds its conditions.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 63 % 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-west. The most reliable period runs from July to August. The least wind is in September (37 %). The water ranges from about 4 to 19 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
61 %
| 16 kn | SW | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| February |
50 %
| 15 kn | SW | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| March |
41 %
| 13 kn | SW | 6 °C | 5 °C |
| April |
45 %
| 12 kn | NW | 8 °C | 9 °C |
| May |
43 %
| 12 kn | NW | 13 °C | 14 °C |
| June |
46 %
| 12 kn | W | 16 °C | 17 °C |
| July |
63 %
| 13 kn | NW | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| August |
48 %
| 12 kn | W | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| September |
37 %
| 12 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
56 %
| 15 kn | SW | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
51 %
| 15 kn | SW | 8 °C | 10 °C |
| December |
48 %
| 15 kn | SW | 5 °C | 6 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, SW, NW, N (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
Watch the tide schedule – at high tide the spot quickly becomes narrow, at low tide you stand far out in shallow water. Never go out in offshore (easterly) wind; ebbing water also creates a noticeable current. Water stays below 10 °C until November, so a proper wetsuit is essential.
⚠︎ Hazards
Offshore easterly wind is dangerous – do not launch. Ebbing tide can create strong offshore currents, and tideways hold unexpectedly deep water. At spring tide parts of the car parks can flood.
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.
Nearby surf schools
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Peter-Ording suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, St. Peter-Ording suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop). There is one surf school nearby.
Which wind works at St. Peter-Ording?
Best with wind from W, SW, NW, N. In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for St. Peter-Ording?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (63 % of days).
How warm is the water at St. Peter-Ording?
Over the year about 4 °C in January to 19 °C in August (model data).
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