When to Go Kitesurfing in Diego Suarez: The Complete Wind & Season Guide

Diego Suarez, in northern Madagascar, is one of the most consistent kitesurf spots in the world. The reason is the Varatraza, a south-east trade wind that blows almost non-stop for nine months of the year. But "almost non-stop" does not mean "identical": wind strength, crowd levels, and riding comfort vary significantly by month. Here is a month-by-month breakdown to help you choose the best time for your kitesurf trip to Madagascar.

The Varatraza: the wind behind Diego Suarez's reputation

The Varatraza is a south-east trade wind amplified by two geographic effects: a cape effect (Madagascar's northern tip) and a venturi effect created by the surrounding terrain. The result is that Sakalava Bay boasts some of the best wind statistics in the world, with rideable days regularly exceeding 90% across the season.

The wind sets in around mid-March and blows through to early January, building in intensity toward a peak in the heart of the southern winter.

Month-by-month wind calendar

Mid-March to April, early season

Wind builds gradually, between 15 and 25 knots. Water sits at 27-28°C, air is pleasant around 28-30°C during the day. No wetsuit needed, a UV lycra top is enough. Crowds are moderate, with a slight uptick during the European spring school holidays (mid-April), otherwise it is a good window for riders who prefer calmer conditions and a quieter spot. Recommended kite size: 8-12 m².

May, building up

Wind stabilizes between 20 and 35 knots. Water around 26-27°C, air still mild (27-29°C). A shorty or lycra top depending on your tolerance to cold. This is one of the busiest months on the spot: school holidays in Reunion and Mayotte bring a strong flow of regional riders, so the spot is quite crowded even though the wind is already excellent (25 knots and up) and the water still fairly warm, a great option for riders who want reliable wind without waiting for the heart of the southern winter. Recommended kite size: 7-9 m².

June to September, peak season

The most reliable and powerful stretch: 25 to 35 knots daily, driven by the southern winter. It is also the coolest period of the year: water between 23 and 26°C (lowest in August), air around 26-28°C during the day but with cool mornings close to 20°C. With wind this strong, the chill factor on wet skin is real: a shorty (2-3mm) or a long-sleeve wetsuit for early and late sessions is recommended, especially in the morning. Recommended kite size: 5-7 m². This is Diego Suarez's high season, with the busiest crowds of the year: June and September stay relatively quiet, but July and August coincide with European summer holidays and see the heaviest crowds on the spots and in the schools. Book well ahead if you are aiming for July-August.

October, tail end of high season

Wind stays strong, between 20 and 35 knots. Water starts warming up (25-26°C), air climbs to around 28-29°C. A light shorty is enough, or just a lycra top if you run warm. Crowds are light early in the month, then pick up slightly toward the end with the European All Saints' holidays, an excellent, often underrated month. Recommended kite size: 7-9 m².

November, late season

Wind gradually eases (15-25 knots), water and air both warm up noticeably (water around 27°C, air close to 29-30°C during the day): a lycra top or bare skin is all you need. No European school holidays fall in November, making it the quietest month of the year in terms of crowds. Recommended kite size: 9-12 m².

December, an uncertain month

Wind becomes clearly less reliable: depending on the year, only 20% to 40% of days are windy. Water and air are at their warmest (water 27-28°C, air up to 30-31°C during the day), a lycra top or bare skin is more than enough. Despite the uncertain wind, bookings pick up sharply from mid-December with the Christmas and New Year holidays, making it the most in-demand period of the year despite less reliable kite weather. This month is worth considering if your trip combines kitesurfing with exploring the region rather than a pure kite focus, or if your dates are flexible. Madakitecamp closes after the year-end holidays, so this is the last window of the year before the break. Recommended kite size: 9-14 m², or larger depending on the day.

Early January to mid-March, seasonal closure

This is Madagascar's cyclone season. Wind becomes unpredictable and potentially dangerous, with frequent rain. Madakitecamp closes during this period, we do not recommend a kitesurf trip to northern Madagascar at this time.

Which period suits you best?

• Beginners or riders returning after a break: mid-March/April/May or October/November. Wind is present but more moderate, ideal for learning with confidence.
• Advanced riders chasing strong wind and waves to surf: June to September is your window, with a July-August peak for thrill-seekers on smaller kites.
• Traveling with family or non-riders: March, April, November, and December offer the best balance of pleasant winds, mild temperatures, and less crowded spots.

Once you've picked your ideal window, two things remain: getting there and filling your days on-site. Our article [how to get to Diego Suarez] covers the best flight and transfer options to Sakalava Bay, and our guide [things to do in Diego Suarez] gives you plenty to do on rest days between kite sessions.

Book at the right time

Madakitecamp is open from mid-March to early January. High season (May to October) books up several months in advance, especially for spot-view accommodation. Contact us to check availability for the period that matches your level and plans.