Mexico
Playa Mayate in Los Barriles is a white sand beach located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, between La Paz and Los Cabos in Baja California Sur. It is a spot favored by kitesurfers for its easy access and consistent conditions throughout the winter season.
The village of Los Barriles offers a warm and laid-back atmosphere, with an established expatriate community and locals who are very welcoming to visitors. There are restaurants, small shops, and various accommodations, just an hour from Los Cabos airport or 40 minutes from La Paz.
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.
flatflatPlaya Mayate benefits from a side-shore to side-onshore orientation with a dominant wind from the north and northeast. The water surface is generally flat to slightly choppy, ideal for beginners and riders looking to progress in freestyle. Water entry is easy from the sandy beach, with safe and well-cleared launch areas.
Conditions are very consistent and predictable during the main season. The wind generally blows in the morning and afternoon, with intensity gradually increasing throughout the day. The beach offers good width for navigating without obstruction, and the waves remain moderate, making it a very accessible spot for all levels.
The ideal conditions at Playa Mayate are between 18 and 25 knots of wind from the north or northeast. At this strength, the water surface offers good lift without being too aggressive, allowing riders of all levels to progress comfortably. The best sessions occur in late morning and early afternoon, when the thermal wind reaches its maximum intensity.
Days with consistent wind and no excessive gusts are the most appreciated, providing predictable and safe conditions for a full day of riding.
The water surface at Playa Mayate is generally flat to slightly choppy, with small ripples created by thermal winds. The waves are moderate and consistent, rarely exceeding 1 meter, making the spot ideal for beginners and progressing riders.
The water is clear and turquoise near the shore, with excellent visibility. Conditions remain stable throughout the day, with no sudden changes in sea state.
The currents at Playa Mayate are generally weak to moderate. However, one should remain vigilant near channel areas where the current can become stronger. The tides of the Sea of Cortez are moderate and do not significantly affect navigation conditions.
The gradual depth and sandy bottom provide good safety for riders of all levels, with no dangerous current areas immediately near the beach.
For Playa Mayate, the recommended kite sizes vary according to conditions and the rider's weight. With an average wind of 18-22 knots, light riders will use kites of 11 to 13 m², while medium-weight riders will prefer 9 to 11 m². Heavier riders or those seeking more control will opt for 7 to 9 m².
It is advisable to have at least two kites of different sizes to adapt to variations in thermal wind throughout the day and seasonal changes.
The dominant wind pattern in Los Barriles is that of the thermal winds “El Norte”, which blow from the north and northeast. These winds form early in the morning and maintain a consistent strength throughout the day. On average, the wind blows between 18 and 22 knots, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 knots in the best conditions.
The wind is present at least 5 days a week during the main season, making it a very reliable spot for planning a session. Days with light wind are rare and generally limited to 2 to 4 days per month.
Los Barriles enjoys a hot and dry desert climate. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures between 20 and 25°C, while nights can be cool, dropping to 10-15°C. Summers are very hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The region receives very little precipitation, averaging only 15 centimeters per year, mainly concentrated in August and September.
The water of the Sea of Cortez remains pleasant year-round, with a moderating influence from the Pacific that makes the climate slightly cooler than other coastal areas of Mexico.
The depth at Playa Mayate is gradual and consistent, with a fine sandy bottom. You can stand up to 50 meters from the shore, providing a large safe navigation area. The sandy bottom is free of rocks or obstacles, making the spot very accessible for beginners.
The gentle slope of the bottom allows for easy water entry and a gradual progression to deeper areas, ideal for learning or progressing safely.
The water of the Sea of Cortez at Los Barriles remains pleasant year-round. During the winter months (December to February), the temperature ranges between 20 and 24°C, which requires a shorty or a thin wetsuit. Nights can be cool, with air temperatures dropping to 10-15°C.
In spring and autumn (March to May and October to November), the water warms up to 24-28°C, making a wetsuit optional. In summer (June to September), the water reaches 28-32°C, allowing for riding in just a swimsuit.
