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Note that the wind in Puerto Plata is always weaker than in Cabarete. |
Current Weather & Forecast:
Satellite Imagery
Wind
Waves
Also try the kiteboarding section of ActiveCabarete.com and DRpure.com.
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The Wind: The trade
winds with thermals make for strong and consistent
winds. The wind blows easterly, which gives Cabarete
perfect side-onshore
kiting conditions most of the time. Generally
in the morning there is little to no wind. At 11AM
wind is usually good for beginners. At around 12:30
- 1:30 the thermals kick in and make the wind a lot
stronger reaching its strogest at about 4PM.
At around 6PM the wind dies off.
CONDITIONS
BY MONTH/SEASON:
8 days out of 10 are good
for kiteboarding most time
of the year.
In 2002 Cabarete
had 295 kitable days with 247
days with over 11 knots.
In 2001 there were 292 kitable days with 254 days
with over 11 knots.
In 2000 we had 274 and in 1999 we had 282 kitable
days.
Mid-December
- April: Winter
Average kite size: 13.5m2 - 15.5m2
surface area
Good and consistent wind, averaging
15-20 MPH (24-32 km/h, 13-17 knots).
Waves and chop can be challenging
during this time.
Great wave sailing out on the
break at Kitebeach, and at Encuentro Beach.
June
- September: Summer
Average
kite size: 11.5m2 - 13.5m2
surface area
Fantastic flat waters.
June, July and August: Greatest winds, averaging 15-25 MPH (24-40 km/h, 13-22 knots) side shore.
Not always the greatest months:
The
thing about Cabarete is that one never really knows. The months
that are on average over many years considered not so good like
May, October and November could this year be the best of all.
Usually, you can always catch a few good days whenever you come.
There is, however, on average the least amount of wind in October
and November until about the 24th of December when Santa Claus
brings Cabarete's annual gift: Lots of WIND.
Water conditions:
The
water temperature is always about a comfy 26°C (79°F)
so you don't ever really need a wetsuit (but
it does provide some protection against
bruises though).
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