Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Kitesurf in Varadero?
The best time to kitesurf (kiteboard) in Varadero is November to April, with 21 to 24 kiteable days a month on the steady east to east-northeast trade wind. Varadero gets around 245 kiteable days a year, so even the calmest month, September, still averages about 14 days with enough wind to ride.
This is a planning guide, not a forecast. Message us on WhatsApp before your session and we’ll pick the spot and time with the best wind that day.
Varadero Kite Season: Kiteable Days by Month
| Month | Kiteable days (12+ knots) | Main wind direction | Water temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23 | E | 24 °C |
| February | 21 | E | 24 °C |
| March | 23 | E | 25 °C |
| April | 22 | E | 27 °C |
| May | 20 | E | 27 °C |
| June | 17 | ESE | 29 °C |
| July | 20 | E | 30 °C |
| August | 17 | E | 30 °C |
| September | 14 | E | 30 °C |
| October | 20 | ENE | 28 °C |
| November | 24 | ENE | 27 °C |
| December | 24 | E | 25 °C |
Kiteable days: Kite Jungle wind statistics for Varadero, counting days with at least 12 knots (4 Beaufort) and excluding thermal wind. Wind direction: Windfinder observations 2011–2016. Water: seatemperature.org averages based on NOAA satellite data.
Why kiteable days and not average wind speed? Average wind figures for Varadero look low because they include the calm nights. Kiting happens in the windy part of the day, when the trade wind is blowing. Counting the days with at least 12 knots, enough to ride, shows the real picture. Because these counts leave out the afternoon thermal wind, they are on the conservative side.
What to Expect Each Season
November to April: Peak Season
The windiest stretch of the year: 21 to 24 kiteable days a month, with November and December the most consistent. It’s the best choice if your trip depends on wind, or if you want to finish a full course over several days.
May to August: Warm Water, Still Windy
17 to 20 kiteable days a month and the warmest water of the year (27–30 °C). June swings more east-southeast, which is when La Punta often works best. Plenty of good sessions, so a few flexible days are usually all you need.
September and October: Lightest Month, Then the Build-Up
September is the lightest month with around 14 kiteable days. In October the trade wind swings east-northeast and climbs back to about 20 days, building toward the November peak.
Wind Direction and Which Spot We Use
Most of the year the wind blows from the east, which suits our HQ on the downtown beach at Calle 38. When it swings more to the east-southeast, as in June, we move to La Punta at the eastern tip of the peninsula, where the beach faces the wind. See the Varadero spot guide for both locations, and how we run downwinders from La Punta back to downtown.
Water Temperature and What to Wear
Water runs from about 24 °C in January and February to 30 °C from July to September. A swimsuit and a long-sleeve rash guard work most of the year. During cooler fronts from late December to February, bring a shorty or 3 mm wetsuit.
Beginners vs. Independent Riders
- First-timers: book during November to April if you can. Steady wind makes it much easier to complete a progression over several days. Start with the beginner kiteboarding lessons guide.
- Independent riders: the peak season gives you the most riding days. Outside it, flexible dates still score good sessions. See kiteboarding rentals in Varadero.
Planning a whole trip to Cuba? Our kitesurfing in Cuba guide covers where to ride around the island, flying with your own gear, cash and getting to Varadero.
Plan Your Kite Trip to Varadero
Send us on WhatsApp:
- your travel dates and hotel
- whether you are a beginner or already riding independently
- whether you want lessons, rentals, or both
- how many days you want to ride
We’ll suggest a kiteboarding course or private coaching, or a rental plan, around the likely wind for your dates.