Roses & Empuriabrava
The Golf de Roses is the Costa Brava's kite bay: sandbanks, shallow water and a summer thermal that is gentle in the morning and strong enough in the afternoon. The official summer kite zones sit by the Rubina nature reserve between Empuriabrava and Santa Margarita.
Working wind (blowing from)
Season
Typical wind
15–20 knWater
Flat, ChopLevel
Beginner–advancedDirections
42.2550, 3.1300Wind directions at Roses & Empuriabrava
| Wind from | Angle to the beach | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| N | Side-shore | Doesn't work |
| NE | Side-onshore | Works |
| E | Onshore | Works |
| SE | Side-onshore | Best |
| S | Side-shore | Doesn't work |
| SW | Side-offshore | Doesn't work, offshore |
| W | Offshore | Doesn't work, offshore |
| NW | Side-offshore | Doesn't work, offshore |
Wind
In summer a thermal blows side-onshore from the south-east, gentle in the morning and 15–20 kn in the afternoon. Outside summer the wind is the Tramontana from the north or the Garbi from the south. Best conditions come with easterlies: Gregal (NE), Levante (E) and Xaloc (SE).
Water & level
Several sandbanks make for broad shallow areas, and the wind can deliver a decent chop. Mornings are a calm slot for children and beginners. The centre at Golf de Roses is open from April to mid-October.
Launch & rules
Use the official kite zones: they are organised by local schools and licences limit the number of riders. In July and August some areas are restricted, areas for kites and windsurfers are separated, and jumps must stay at least 200 m from the beach. Check the current signs before launching.
Watch out
Boat traffic from the marinas, summer zone restrictions, crowded sectors in July and August and strong Tramontana days in the off-season.
Forecast: 5 models side by side
Wind and gusts every 3 hours from five weather models, refreshed every hour. When the models agree, trust it; when they disagree, check the live stations before you drive.
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Wind map
Wind stations near Roses & Empuriabrava
We do not embed a live wind station for Roses & Empuriabrava yet. Use the five-model forecast and the Windy map, and ask the local school what the wind is doing.
Forecasts for Roses & Empuriabrava on this page: ICON (DWD), ECMWF IFS, ARPEGE/AROME (Météo-France), UKMO (Met Office), GFS (NOAA) (via Open-Meteo), plus the Windy map.
FAQ
When is the best time to kite at Roses & Empuriabrava?
Prime months are June, July, August. Rideable but less reliable: April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Roses & Empuriabrava?
NE, E, SE work, and SE is best. W blows offshore, so don't ride then.
Is the water flat or choppy at Roses & Empuriabrava?
Shallow, flat, chop.
Is Roses & Empuriabrava good for beginners?
Level: Beginner–advanced. Shallow, flat, chop.
Conditions, rules and access change. Always check on the beach, ask local schools and ride within your level.
More spots in Spain
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Valdevaqueros
Los Lances
El Médano
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