Mexico
Playa Punta Norte is located on the north coast of Cozumel, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is an ocean-exposed spot with turquoise waters and a fine sandy beach. Riders come here for its easy access from the coastal road and its potential for foil or waves depending on the conditions.
The area is quiet, away from the tourist zones in the south, with a wild atmosphere on the north coast. You encounter few people, perfect for downwinder sessions by boat. The island of Cozumel offers a paradise setting to combine kite and diving.
Access via the north road, parking possible near the beach. It is an authentic place for intermediates and advanced riders looking for space.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
chopchopFavorable winds come from the N, NE, E, SE, often side-on or onshore relative to the northeast-facing beach. The water is generally chop to ocean swell, with rolling waves on the shallow sandbar when there is significant swell. The riding area extends over the north bay, wide and deep, ideal for foil due to the constant depth.
Easy launching on sand, but beware of waves on the shallow bar. Takeoff at the edge of the beach, with space to inflate. In case of nortes from October to April, strong north winds, it's great here. Local feature: combine with downwinder boat to other northern spots. Best period November to June, thermal wind reinforced December-May, 60-70% of kiteable days.
For waves, east onshore is perfect, but side-shore for clean riding. Avoid small tides if swell, water conditions more choppy.
Ideal conditions with winds NE to E 18-25 kts, side-on for surfable waves without too much chop. Ocean swell for the best ride, avoid pure onshore if a beginner.
Water conditions chop to swell, waves of 1-2m typical with onshore wind. Shallow sandbar creates pounding waves, rolling on ocean swell. Choppy surface in gentle breeze to moderate.
Currents are marked by strong undertow on the east and north coasts, especially with swell. Moderate tides, low amplitude, but caution when exiting. No major channel here, but rip currents possible near the points.
For typical winds 15-25 kts, sizes 9 to 12m² for intermediates, 7-9m² on strong nortes days. Foil possible in smaller sizes.
The wind regime follows the trade winds, predominantly east, average strength 15-25 kts. Reinforced by thermals December-May, and cold nortes from the north in winter. Basic forecasts often underestimate, add a few knots on thermal days.
Tropical warm climate year-round on Cozumel, with air temperatures around 26-30°C. Dry season from December to May ideal for kite, thermally reinforced winds. From June to November, more humid with cyclone risk, but winds possible on nortes.
Progressive depth with sandy bottom on shallow bar near the shore, then quickly deep for foil. Foot possible up to 50m at low tide on the lagoon-like northern part.
Warm temperatures year-round, 26-28°C winter-spring, 28-29°C summer. A 1mm shorty is always sufficient.
