Sylt – Rantum
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds W, SW, NW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Mixed
- Best months Apr–Nov
About this spot
Rantum on the west side of Sylt is a dual venue that packs two worlds into one spot. The open North Sea side delivers wind and swell standing cleanly onshore in W, SW and NW, while the shallow Rantum Basin on the Wadden Sea side offers smooth standing water for freestyle and beginners. The basin works best in E and SE and is tide-dependent: there is usually only enough water roughly two to three hours either side of high tide, with a nice shallow learning zone by Rantum harbour.
When is the best time to visit Rantum? April to November statistically brings the most wind, while high summer adds busy beach life. The water stays cold year-round, so plan your wetsuit accordingly. The spot suits everyone from first standing attempts in the basin to ambitious wave and freestyle riding out on the North Sea.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 68 % 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 May (41 %). The water ranges from about 4 to 19 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
61 %
| 17 kn | SW | 5 °C | 4 °C |
| February |
51 %
| 16 kn | W | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| March |
43 %
| 14 kn | SW | 5 °C | 6 °C |
| April |
44 %
| 13 kn | NW | 8 °C | 9 °C |
| May |
41 %
| 13 kn | NW | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| June |
48 %
| 12 kn | W | 15 °C | 17 °C |
| July |
68 %
| 14 kn | NW | 17 °C | 19 °C |
| August |
52 %
| 13 kn | W | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| September |
42 %
| 14 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
61 %
| 17 kn | NW | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
46 %
| 16 kn | SW | 9 °C | 10 °C |
| December |
46 %
| 17 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 W, SW, NW (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
Use the North Sea side for W/NW, the shallow Rantum Basin for E/SE. In the basin work the tide window around high water, otherwise it gets too shallow. Schools and shops sit right at the village edge and by Rantum harbour.
⚠︎ Hazards
Notable current on the North Sea side, especially on the ebb when the North Sea pulls its water back with underestimated force. Cold water year-round – winter wetsuit or drysuit. Watch for tidal channels and current on the Wadden side.
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 Sylt – Rantum suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Sylt – Rantum suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Mixed). There is one surf school nearby.
Which wind works at Sylt – Rantum?
Best with wind from W, SW, NW. In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for Sylt – Rantum?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Nov. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (68 % of days).
How warm is the water at Sylt – Rantum?
Over the year about 4 °C in January to 19 °C in August (model data).
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