Weather and Surfing
Just a few useful facts and figures about the local conditions in Tarifa with links to weather and web cams.
Tarifa Climate
Summer Temperatures
Air : 25-35 C (daytime) Water: 15-20C (shorts, shortie / summer suit) Winter Temperatures Air : 10-25 C (daytime) Water: 10-15 C (summer / winter suit). The climate in Tarifa is excellent - with daytime air temperatures averaging from 15 C in the winter (with some heavy rain) and sometimes 35+ C in the summer (with welcome cooling winds). CostaSur's extensive Tarifa site also provides an excellent local weather summary. Up to date satellite feeds & weather for Spain can be viewed at AEMET - Agencia Estatal de Meteoro. See below for weather news plus live web cams. |
Prevailing Winds for Surfers
Tarifa is famous for two prevailing winds that blow through the Straits of Gibraltar. The Levante from the East (cross-offshore, left to right, looking out to sea) is most common in summer, when it can blow for weeks - day and night (although global climate change has made it rather less predictable now). It is generally stronger, warmer and produces flatter conditions.
The westerly Poniente comes in from the Atlantic (nearly direct onshore from the right, looking out to sea), is cooler and usually brings waves. The Los Lances white sand beach is generally 100mtr wide making launching / landing easy and is zoned to keep everybody happy. It has a very limited tidal range with a rock free, gently sloping sandy seabed. There is also a thermal effect that usually means the wind is strongest in the afternoon (such as at Valdevaqueros) ... ideal for party animals. Beginners kitesurfing courses often start at 10am! Conditions can change rapidly and a gentle force 3 / 4 can be a 6 to 7 within half an hour. It is often VERY windy - with a 40 - 60% chance of a Force 4 (Beaufort) or over any day of the year. Click here for general info on Tarifa & surfing conditions (courtesy of Planet Kitesurf). |
Weather Forecasts
Windfinder forecast
For current Wind Direction and Strength on Tarifa Beach. General info: www.windfinder.com Local forecasts from:
WindGuru Tarifa Forecasts Very reliable and detailed forecast for Tarifa and other good surfing spots in the region. General info: www.windguru.cz Stoked Publications is now charging for access to their excellent Kite and Windsurfing Guide (online or via the app). It has local info plus direct links to the current Windguru forecast for all the best spots across Europe, including Tarifa and Costa de la Luz. General info: www.stoked-publications.com |
Tarifa Web Cams
SpotFav Spots
SpotFav provide details of a number of spots across the region, some with web cams including a couple of local Tarifa beach cams (a logon is required for the live views). These usually provide views of Balneario (near the Isla), Los Lances (Campo de Fútbol - Río Jara) and Los Lances Norte (Arte Vida). There is also a view from the old town towards the Straits / Playa Chica (Kook Hotel). Valdevaqueros (Bibo) is further down towards Las Dunas and heading further north west up the N340 (behind the Punta Paloma headland) is the next main tourist / kiting spot at Bolonia (Sunset Loco). SpotFav provide weather info and chat on most of the local spots across Andalucia including alternative kiting spots like Canos de Meca (near Barbete) and Getares (near Algeciras). General info: www.spotfav.com Note: Some sites can be temporarily unavailable or may have become 'SpotFav' Premium' users only. |
Kitesurfing / Windsurfing / Clothing
Tarifa was Europe's best kept secret for windsurfing for many years and has had a rapidly growing kitesurfing community for at least 25 years (check out the list of kitesurfing spots on the GoTarifa site). Tarifa is often used to test new designs, hosts international events and has a thriving local surf community - from leisure through learner to pro and manufacturer. There is usually someone out just about every day of the year (it is still very mild even mid winter). Surfing from the main Los Lances beach is restricted in high season and even the Dos Mares end can get a bit crowded in July & August, often with 200+ kites / windsurfers ripping it up.
However, there are 10km of easy access beach to chose from and lots of other great spots just a short drive away - like nearby Valdevaqueros or Palmones / Getares near Algeciras and a bit further away to the stunning Canos de Meca beach (and not just because of the occasional new age nudist!). Windsurfer, kitesurfer and public zones are strictly managed to keep things sweet and the sandy beaches are kept clean. There is a short tide range, no reef and very few rocks.
Kiters should bring 8m - 12m kites (plus 6m in winter & maybe a 14m in summer). Shorty wet suit Jul-Sep, just in case, and 2/3mm full suit for winter. And do remember to wear your helmet - better safe than sorry! Bring a wind proof jacket, jeans/sweatshirt for evenings and something waterproof & warm (especially in winter). Make sure you bring plenty of waterproof sun block, lip balm & after sun - as the UV is very strong, even in winter. Mosquito repellent lotion and plug-ins are recommended (other than in winter) - especially for the odd calm evening/night.
You can also try our useful links and maps page for more information on Tarifa ...
However, there are 10km of easy access beach to chose from and lots of other great spots just a short drive away - like nearby Valdevaqueros or Palmones / Getares near Algeciras and a bit further away to the stunning Canos de Meca beach (and not just because of the occasional new age nudist!). Windsurfer, kitesurfer and public zones are strictly managed to keep things sweet and the sandy beaches are kept clean. There is a short tide range, no reef and very few rocks.
Kiters should bring 8m - 12m kites (plus 6m in winter & maybe a 14m in summer). Shorty wet suit Jul-Sep, just in case, and 2/3mm full suit for winter. And do remember to wear your helmet - better safe than sorry! Bring a wind proof jacket, jeans/sweatshirt for evenings and something waterproof & warm (especially in winter). Make sure you bring plenty of waterproof sun block, lip balm & after sun - as the UV is very strong, even in winter. Mosquito repellent lotion and plug-ins are recommended (other than in winter) - especially for the odd calm evening/night.
You can also try our useful links and maps page for more information on Tarifa ...
