Guide · Wind & seasons
The best time to kitesurf in Hainan
Hainan has wind for most of the year, but not in the same place all year. Here's how the seasons work and where to go in each month, from the school that has been riding the island since 2012.
Two wind seasons
Hainan gets its wind from two different sources. From about October to March the north-east monsoon blows across the island. It is the more reliable of the two, and it's the main season on the east coast around Bo'ao, Wenchang and Haikou.
In summer the monsoon is replaced by thermal sea breezes: the land heats up during the day and pulls wind in off the sea. Thermal wind tends to build through the morning and is strongest in the afternoon, which is why summer sessions usually start after lunch.
Which spot, which month
Because the two seasons favour different coasts, there is almost always a spot somewhere on the island that's working:
| Spot | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo'ao | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Wenchang | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Haikou | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||
| Sanya | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
| Dongfang | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Bo'ao, our home spot, has the longest season. August and September are the quietest months on the east coast, which is when Sanya in the south and Dongfang on the west coast come into their own.
Water and weather
Hainan has the warmest water in China. Most riders don't need a wetsuit even in winter, though a thin top helps on a windy day in January. What you do need, all year, is sun cream. Summer brings heat, humidity and the occasional tropical storm, so we plan sessions around the forecast.
Planning your trip
- For a first course, October to July in Bo'ao gives you the best chance of steady wind and flat water in the lagoons.
- For experienced riders, winter offers the strongest, most consistent wind; summer is good if you're happy to travel to where the thermals are.
- Leave some slack. Wind is never guaranteed anywhere, so a trip of five days or more lets you work around a calm day.
- Contact us a week ahead. We check the forecast and tell you which spot looks best for your dates.