Ceará wind season: when to go kitesurfing in Brazil
Guide ·
If you are planning a kitesurf trip to Brazil, Ceará is one of the best-known wind destinations in the world: for much of the year the wind is strong, steady and predictable along 573 km of coast. But the season is not the same all year, and picking the right month changes the trip.
When it blows hardest
The strong wind season starts in August and is usually said to run until October or November, depending on the source. Figures from Funceme, Ceará's weather agency, published by Diário do Nordeste, show the curve for the state. We converted them to knots, rounded:
- January: 22.2 km/h, about 12 knots
- February: 18.5 km/h, about 10 knots
- March: 16.3 km/h, about 9 knots
- April: 14.8 km/h, about 8 knots, the lowest average of the year
- May: 19.6 km/h, about 11 knots
- June: 24.4 km/h, about 13 knots
- July: 28.1 km/h, about 15 knots
- August: 31.5 km/h, about 17 knots, the highest average of the year
- September: 31.1 km/h, about 17 knots
- October: 29.6 km/h, about 16 knots
- November: 27.4 km/h, about 15 knots
- December: 24.8 km/h, about 13 knots
These are general averages, not readings from one beach. Wind usually differs along the coast, so check the forecast for the place you are visiting.
Why it is so windy
The driver is the South Atlantic Subtropical High. When this system moves closer to Brazil, the southeast trade winds strengthen and run more parallel to the Ceará coast. Once the rains end, the wind becomes even steadier.
When to go
Going by the averages, June to December is the most favourable period, and August to October is the peak. In a report by O Povo, an instructor names late July to September as the best phase, which overlaps with Brazilian school holidays. Locals say high season crowds the water, while low season is calmer. From February to May, the rainy season pulls the averages down.
Take care in strong wind
In season, gusts in the state tend to sit between 40 and 60 km/h, and Funceme has reported sudden, short peaks of up to 63 km/h. Choose your gear for the day's wind and do not go in without assessing conditions. Wind also hides the heat: sunscreen, UV clothing and water are part of your kit.
How to follow the wind
On windtops, each spot shows a daily traffic light: 13 to 19 knots is a go, 20 to 30 is nuking, always looking at 9 am to 5 pm. See the 16-day calendar for Cumbuco, Preá, Jericoacoara or all spots. Still choosing a destination? Read our guide to the best kitesurf spots in Ceará.