The ultimate guide about kitesurfing seasons in Sri Lanka!
If you are a wind seeker, then you are in the right place. Sri Lanka welcomes you with open arms to kite almost all the year round. We are not kidding; Sri Lanka actually holds the best wind in Asia from May to October and from December to March, what in reality means 9-10 months of breathtaking wind a year. Yeah, what you heard; the wind only stops to rest a little 4 months a year. Sri Lanka plays in the champions league when it comes to wind statistics and kite seasons. In the meantime, we have created this guide, to show you the very best kitesurfing and wind seasons in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka; the wind´s kingdom in Asia!
Among the top kitesurfing spots in the world, Sri Lanka is the country where kitesurfing is growing the fastest. Sri Lanka has recently become a top kitesurfing destination due to the excellent wind conditions, where everyone can learn and progress at any level.
If you are planning to kite in Sri Lanka, you are probably wondering what the primary kitesurfing season is and when is the best time to kite here.
Before going deep into this topic, let us tell you that this fantastic island offers constant wind during nine months of the year, with two defined seasons being Summer and Winter. That means that Sri Lanka ranks as the number 1 windiest kite destination in Asia.
And here is the question: Why Sri Lanka is so windy? Well, if you take a look into Sri Lanka’s strategic location, you can imagine how the hot winds that come from the Middle East strike into the Sri Lankan western coast in summer.
That makes the western coast an amiable destination to kite from May to October. On the other hand, in winter the winds come from Southeast Asia (northeast) but what makes it possible for us to kite at this time are the thermal winds. And ultimately, that’s the reason why in summer we have powerful winds, and in winter we have lighter winds but steadier
So, now that you have understood how the wind defines the Sri Lankan kite seasons and what kind of winds we have to kite let´s see without further ado what are the main seasons for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.
What are the main kitesurfing seasons in Sri Lanka?
* Summer Season – From May to October
* Winter Season – From December to March
List of the best seasons to kite in Sri Lanka divided by months:
* DECEMBER – December is the start month of the Winter Season. The wind normally starts to increase during the middle to end of December, from 20th-25th onwards. During these days the wind is quite unpredictable due to it being the beginning of a new season and some days you can expect rain. However, once the wind starts to remain constant, the rain subsides. For sure, we have always celebrated Christmas and New year with unforgettable kite sessions
* JANUARY
January is one of the best months for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka as it is usually windy every day, from around 11 am. until 5 pm. The wind is about 16-20 knots, blowing from a North-easterly direction and it is very steady, especially in Kalpitiya lagoon.
Depending on the kite season, sometimes the wind rises at around 10-11 am while in other seasons it rises about 1-2 pm. During January we always look at the state of the sky.
If it is very sunny and hot in the morning, we will enjoy constant winds in the afternoon. If it is cloudy, then we may not have such great wind in the afternoon.
* FEBRUARY
February is another excellent month to kite in Sri Lanka. If you arrive at the beginning of February, you will have more chances to get good wind than at the end of February.
Like in January, it is windy almost every day in the afternoon. Although the wind is lighter than in Summer Season, the wind sometimes picks up to 20-25 knots.
February is not so busy as January, and the wind is also excellent. Therefore, if you haven´t decided yet which is the best season for you, we strongly recommend you to come at the beginning of February (from 1st to 15th of February would be the best).
* MARCH
March is an unpredictable month. If you wish to kitesurf during March, you should organise your kite trip at the very beginning of the month.
Depending on the year, it can be windy up to the middle of March, but this is never guaranteed. Sometimes even we have wind ending of March. The rainy seasons always marks the end of the kite season, and we never know when this is going to happen.
Anyway, you are welcome to kite in March in Sri Lanka but don´t forget to bring your larger kites! You will probably need them 😉
* APRIL
Sorry, April is not a good month for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya. The wind completely stops that month, and it is time to wait for the next season. However, you may have some chances to get wind in Ahangama on the south.
If you are a kite addict, get your equipment and go for it! Down in the South, you have great beaches to launch your kite.
* MAY
May is a very unpredictable month too. Sometimes the wind picks up at the beginning of May, and sometimes it picks up at the end of May. What is for sure, is that when there is no wind, be ready for the sweltering weather and massive rains!
However, if you are lucky to be in Sri Lanka once the wind picks up, you can enjoy winds of up to 30-35 knots. Last season we had breath-taking wind from 1st of May 🙂
* JUNE
June is a great month to come windsurfing in Sri Lanka as it is windy almost 24hrs, from 18-30 knots and with a North-westerly wind direction. It would be best if you took a 9-10 metres kite.
* JULY
July is also a good month for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka with a wind average of 25 knots, usually every day. If you plan a kitesurfing trip to Sri Lanka, take into consideration the dates of the full moon, like a full moon affects the wind for up to 4-6 days.
It is hard to believe, but those days the wind could completely stop! Although this does not happen always. (Just something you might like to take into consideration)
* AUGUST
Like in January, Kalpitiya lagoon is quite busy in August, especially in the second week. And that´s because apart from the European holidays, there usually is an excellent wind in Sri Lanka.
For sure if you plan a kite trip during that month, you will get good wind. Happy days! August is the great month for kite trips and downwind.
From time to time we get away from Kalpitiya lagoon, and we go to kite to Vella Island or the Dream spot. Believe us! our kite trips are so great that you will never forget
* SEPTEMBER
We guess that you have 90% of chances to kite on the first to weeks of September and 60% of chances to kite on the last weeks. Like in May, unfortunately, we cannot predict how the weather is going to be. If you wish to organise your kitesurfing holiday in Sri Lanka during September, you should choose dates at the beginning of this month, as the wind is very unpredictable nearing the end of September. We sometimes experience very little, or no wind at all at the beginning of September, so it is best, you bring different size kites. The wind can go from 14 to 30 knots.
* OCTOBER
October is not the best month for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya. However, if you are lucky, you can get excellent wind at the beginning of the month.
Forget to kite at the end of October, as the wind directions start to change, and the heavy rain starts to fall! If you still wish to kite anyway in October, bring large kites just in case the wind drops to 14 knots.
* NOVEMBER – November is not a good month for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. It rains almost every day, and there is no wind at all!
* JUNE
June is a great month to come windsurfing in Sri Lanka as it is windy almost 24hrs, from 18-30 knots and with a North-westerly wind direction. It would be best if you took a 9-10 metres kite.
* JULY
July is also a good month for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka with a wind average of 25 knots, usually every day. If you plan a kitesurfing trip to Sri Lanka, take into consideration the dates of the full moon, like a full moon affects the wind for up to 4-6 days.
It is hard to believe, but those days the wind could completely stop! Although this does not happen always. (Just something you might like to take into consideration)
* AUGUST
Like in January, Kalpitiya lagoon is quite busy in August, especially in the second week. And that´s because apart from the European holidays, there usually is an excellent wind in Sri Lanka.
For sure if you plan a kite trip during that month, you will get good wind. Happy days! August is the great month for kite trips and downwind.
From time to time we get away from Kalpitiya lagoon, and we go to kite to Vella Island or the Dream spot. Believe us! our kite trips are so great that you will never forget
* SEPTEMBER
We guess that you have 90% of chances to kite on the first to weeks of September and 60% of chances to kite on the last weeks. Like in May, unfortunately, we cannot predict how the weather is going to be. If you wish to organise your kitesurfing holiday in Sri Lanka during September, you should choose dates at the beginning of this month, as the wind is very unpredictable nearing the end of September. We sometimes experience very little, or no wind at all at the beginning of September, so it is best, you bring different size kites. The wind can go from 14 to 30 knots.
* OCTOBER
October is not the best month for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya. However, if you are lucky, you can get excellent wind at the beginning of the month.
Forget to kite at the end of October, as the wind directions start to change, and the heavy rain starts to fall! If you still wish to kite anyway in October, bring large kites just in case the wind drops to 14 knots.
* NOVEMBER – November is not a good month for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. It rains almost every day, and there is no wind at all!
What ultimately defines the two wind seasons in Sri Lanka? The Sri Lankan monsoons: an explanation to the kite seasons
As we have seen, contrary to what happens in other kitesurfing destinations, in Sri Lanka, we are lucky to have two kite seasons instead of one. But what is it that marks the beginning and the end of every kitesurfing season? What happens between the two windy seasons? To answer these questions, we find an explanation in the monsoons.
The first inter-monsoon Season occurs in March – April and the second inter-monsoon Season is in October-November. That´s why if you are planning a kite trip to Sri Lanka, better you avoid these months if you don´t want to ride an umbrella instead of a kite.
It´s true that when the first monsoon comes late, we have good wind to kite until mid-March but it is not as consistent as in January or February. On the other hand, when the monsoon is late in October, we have quite good wind until the rain comes and ruins everything
In short, if you are a kitesurfing lover and used to kite in any condition, Sri Lanka offers you on a silver platter ideal conditions for kitesurfing, except in APRIL and NOVEMBER. You can mark these two months in your BLACKLIST when it comes about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.
Downwinds and kite trips in high season
Come on, let’s get adventurous together! Come to Margarita Village and join our safe downwind trips. You are going to love it!
We organise many downwind adventures from the most idyllic kitesurfing spots, which we would love to share with you—riding along the white coastline, having the sun on your back and feeling the force of the wind with your bar. YEAAAH! Here we go!
If you are into downwind riding, we will organise a downwind trip for a group of approximately six people, with two kite instructors and one safety boat driving along with us for safety. You will be able to ride along the coast of Puttalam District and end up at the Wilpattu National Park! Sightseeing Sri Lanka from the water? …
Can it get any better? The downwind adventures depend on the season and the wind conditions. Typically, within the kitesurfing seasons, Summer, May until October and Winter, December until March, downwind trips are for practising your skills only. You only have to let us know that you are keen to do this. We will check the conditions, do the work and prepare it for you. You need to come along and enjoy the ride!
OFF WIND SEASON: What to do?
Oh my GOD! Just locked down in Sr Lanka without wind? No worries, we have such good news for you. Even in off kiting season Sri Lanka is a pearl when we talk about having the best and most unique holidays ever 🙂
Now, we have understood the kitesurfing season in Sri Lanka. Further, let us delve into
other reasons why you should tender us a visit:
1. Endless beaches and coastlines
Sri Lanka is perhaps the best kitesurfing destination in all of Asia (sorry Mauritius). The
obvious reason is the sheer volume of area that exists for surfers to be mind-blown. Sri
Lanka is home to some of the best flatwater kitesurfing destinations. With consistent winds
nearly 9 months off the year, it’s no less than a paradise for surfers.
2. Beautiful surroundings
It’s not just the picture-perfect beaches that Sri Lanka is known for. From the serene
landscapes to the picturesque mountains, the natural beauty of Sri Lanka is unrivalled. You
can tread through some of the exotic surroundings in Sri Lanka to further soothe your eyes.
3. Culture and Food
The diversity in Sri Lankan culture and food habits will leave you awestruck. Sitting by the
coastlines, you can cherish the spicy yet tasty food. The tropical climate goes well with the
coconut dishes and the surreal fishes — Sri Lankan staple foods.
Furthermore, your tastebuds are sure to rejoice as you cruise through this culinary
playground.
Take a look into our guide about the top activities you can do in Kalpitiya!
