Weather : The climate here is mild and warm all year round. See our water and air yearly temperatures, forecast, always windy

The w eather Tarifa

The Weather in Tarifa
Finding good Weather in Tarifa was the reason for me to leave Northern Europe for Spain in the first place. I then ventured to Tarifa, for a windsurfing trip and found that the climate here could be even better than what is generally considered a warm and dry climate.
Tarifa, thanks to the sea and its never stopping breeze (and gales) keeps the temperature steady between 15 -32°C all year round. On one freak winter day I remember I say snow and on several occasions when the 'Levante' turned to 'Poniente' the temperature shot up to 40°C for several minutes. I survived on all occasions.
In winter it can rain, and when it does it really belts it down but during the sunny spells the water and air is warm enough to go for a swim, well that is if you come from the north of Europe.
One piece of advice I can give you is that although you never really feel the heat, the sun really beams down and you should always use some sun cream. Total protection in my case!
Average water and air temperatures chart. These take into consideration max. & min. temperatures (day and night)

Percentage of over 6 wind force chart

Well don't take my word for it see the charts and check the weather forecasts.

Weather in Tarifa links
Animated satellite image
Spanish weather forecast
Weather forecast
Wave forecast
How the wind blows compared to other locations
Beaufort, wind force and speed converter

The Weather in Tarifa has two prevailing winds, the south easterly known as the Levante and the westerly known as the Poniente. This is because of the mountain ranges on either side of the straits which not only bends other winds but also acts as a funnel, intensifying it.

However strong winds are also the result of other conditions such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the high and low pressure zones that place themselves on either side of it's coast. The wind, and the weather in general, can change very quickly here and even the most accurate weather forecasts are not always reliable.

In areas such as Casa de Porro it is further accelerated due to thermal differences between the sea and land. This also explains why the winds are strongest between 14:00 and 18:00hr.

Great for windsurfers who want to both sail and stay out late at night. (yeah!!!) Harder for the beginners who normally have to start their courses at 10:00. (sigh :-()

As a rule the Levante is stronger, blows night and day and can last for weeks. Because it blows from land, it is warmer and does not form waves. The Poniente blows from the Atlantic. It's colder and brings in waves, mostly in winter. Nevertheless the best wave seasons are spring and autumn, specially when the winds coincide with full moon. Tides are negligible for the average surfer, but if it's waves you are looking for, it's always best whilst the tide grows.

Still not convinced about Tarifa's wind reputation? Check the comparative charts.

The Weather in Tarifa is as good as it gets. The Weather in Tarifa is the destination for many windsurfers. The Weather in Tarifa can be quite challenging at times. the Wind in Tarifa blows at all forces. the Weather in Tarifa is known for its wind force and reliability. The Weather in Tarifa is ideal for beginners, because the wind is not too strong and the water very flat specially in the mornings. The Weather in Tarifa is great for expert surfers who enjoy radical conditions. The Weather in Tarifa does not cause big waves unless after or during storms or strong poniente, westerly winds and during the equinoxes. The Wind in Tarifa comes from two directions, the Levante, easterly and the poniente westerly. The Weather in Tarifa could not be more serviced with its 7 schools, centers (centres) on the beach and over 20 surf shops. The Wind in Tarifa can be so strong that many over night repair shops have opened for your boards and sails .
The Weather in Tarifa is varied in conditions of both beach and wind intensity find you ideal location in the many spots. Due to the Weather in Tarifa this is the location chosen for the best events and Windsurf competitions, Speed and slalom world cup are held here. The Wind in Tarifa enabled the open sea speed record to be broken here.
These are some of the popular spots for Windsurf and kitesurfing in Tarifa. Please remember that, especially in Summer, some beaches are restricted to either windsurfers, kitesurfers or neither, these may even change from year to year and ask locally for confirmation. You may become very unpopular apart from risking a fine if you surf in the wrong area.
How will you know which spot to go to? Hang out at Valdevaqueros Chiringuito and listen to where the locals are going. They always phone ahead to someone who lives at one of the alternative spots to find out the wind conditions. Or…… pop into one of the schools and ask! Remember that the kite zones are strictly enforced during the summer months of July, August and September and there is little tolerance for kitesurfing outside these zones. The beach is completely packed in summer and people should be able to swim in the swimming zone without endangering their lives! Outside of the summer season you will often see kiters everywhere...
Popular Spots in Tarifa:
The Weather in Tarifa Playa Chica
The Weather in Tarifa Los Lances
The Weather in Tarifa Rio Jara
The Weather in Tarifa Dos Mares
The Weather in Tarifa Arte y Vida
The Weather in Tarifa Hurricane
The Weather in Tarifa Bunquer
The Weather in Tarifa Valdevaqueros
The Weather in Tarifa Spinout
The Weather in Tarifa Casa de Porros
The Weather in Tarifa Las Dunas
The Weather in Tarifa Punta Paloma
The Weather in Tarifa Spot scereto
Close to Tarifa
The Weather in Tarifa Caños de Meca
The Weather in Tarifa Getares
The Weather in Tarifa Palmones
The Weather in Tarifa Sottogrande

Tarifa has become known as 'the Wind Capital' for many different reasons. Its wind reliability probably tops them all.It is very difficult to have two consecutive non windy days, as the detailed comparative chart shows.

However conditions are not always constant. It is wise to bring your full range of sails (renting locally is any easy option with the many schools spread along the beach). Here it is just as common to sail with your 3.5 m² as it is with your 6.5 m², even if I personally consider the 4.5 m² as the ideal sail. The new trend is to use a wave board in strong winds and kitesurf when winds are weaker.

Apart from rare occasions (during equinoxes and storms) the water is pretty flat, which make it ideal for beginners and slalom sailors. The most radical often make the trip to Caños de Meca which is only 50 km away. This is best after a few days of strong levante.
The Wind
Tarifa has two prevailing winds, the south easterly known as the Levante and the westerly known as the Poniente. This is because of the mountain ranges on either side of the straits which not only bends other winds but also acts as a funnel, intensifying it.

However strong winds are also the result of other conditions such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the high and low pressure zones that place themselves on either side of it's coast. The wind, and the weather in general, can change very quickly here and even the most accurate weather forecasts are not always reliable.

In areas such as Casa de Porro it is further accelerated due to thermal differences between the sea and land. This also explains why the winds are strongest between 14:00 and 18:00hr.