Mexico
Playa El Cuyo, on the north coast of Yucatán, is a small fishing village nestled at the eastern tip of the Gulf of Mexico. This spot attracts kiters for its wide white sandy beaches and shallow water, in a still preserved setting close to the Ría Lagartos reserve.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with few people even in season. There are kitesurfing schools and simple accommodations, ideal for combining sessions and discovering the local nature, such as the pink flamingos.
It is a perfect place to progress quietly, away from crowded spots.
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.
flatflatThe beach is oriented facing northeast, which means that the dominant winds from N, NE, E, and SE arrive in side-onshore or side-shore, perfect for stable navigation. The water is shallow over a large area, often up to 1-2 meters even 200-300 meters from the shore, making the spot ideal for learning and waterstarts.
Launching is done directly from the wide and rock-free beach, with a spacious take-off area. Generally, you ride on a flat to slightly choppy water surface, with no big waves thanks to the protection of the Gulf. Tides have little impact, but at low tide, the water remains navigable everywhere.
Sessions often take place in open areas in front of the beach, with enough space for freeride, jumps, or strapless. Be cautious of the rare bathers near the village; pros advise staying offshore for more freedom.
The ideal conditions are side-shore winds from NE to E between 15 and 25 knots, for a flat water surface and consistent power.
The water surface is generally calm and flat, with a slight chop in strong winds. No significant waves, thanks to the protected bay.
The currents are weak to nonexistent in the main navigation area. The Gulf tides are moderate, with a range of about 0.5 to 1 meter, having no major impact on kiting.
For typical winds of 16-24 knots, opt for kites of 9 to 12 m² mostly. Beginners prefer 12 m², while advanced riders go down to 7-9 m² depending on the wind strength.
The winds are consistent thermal winds, especially from November to July, with average strengths of 16 to 24 knots. They mainly come from the N, NE, E, SE, side-onshore on the beach.
Off-season, the winds are lighter around 10-15 knots, but reliable year-round according to local sources.
The climate is warm tropical year-round, with daytime temperatures between 28 and 32°C. The dry seasons from November to May offer clear skies, while summer brings more humidity and short rains.
It is always sunny, perfect for uninterrupted kite days.
The depth is gradual and shallow, with a clean sandy bottom. You can stand for a long distance, ideal for lessons.
The water remains warm year-round at 26-29°C. In winter, it rarely drops below 25°C; a lycra is sufficient, except in cold north winds.
