Winter Kiteboarding in Tampa Bay

Winter kiteboarding in Tampa Bay does not last long. The winter months are typically between December and February. Temperatures during these months can fluctuate, but it is rare that it is “too cold” for kiteboarding. This article will go over more details about winter kiteboarding in Tampa Bay.

Weather Patterns in the Winter

In Tampa Bay, Florida, winter weather is relatively mild compared to many other parts of the United States. Typically, winter months, which span from December to February, experience cooler temperatures but don’t usually see extreme cold or snow. Here are some general characteristics of winter weather in Tampa Bay:

1. Temperature: Daytime temperatures during the winter months in Tampa Bay usually range from the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C). Nighttime temperatures may drop into the 50s°F (10-15°C).
2. Rainfall: Winter is part of the dry season in Florida. While rain is still possible, it’s less frequent compared to the summer months. Expect fewer and shorter rain showers during this time.
3. Humidity: Relative humidity tends to be lower in the winter, making the air feel more comfortable. However, Florida is generally a humid state, so humidity levels may still be noticeable.
4. Wind: Winds can pick up during the winter months, especially if there is a cold front moving through the area. This can lead to breezy conditions. On average, winds blow around 15 kts.
5. Cold Fronts: Tampa Bay experiences cold fronts that bring cooler air. However, these are usually short-lived, and temperatures tend to rebound relatively quickly.

Kiteboarding in the Winter Months

Kiteboarding during the winter can be very comfortable, especially if the right gear is worn. Wetsuits are recommended, and most people use 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuits. Our lessons include wetsuits if a person does not have one. Winds are easier to predict during these months as the wind often comes from cold fronts.

Wind

Cold fronts are the signature source of wind during the winter months in Tampa Bay. Before and after the front we’ll get good winds. Before the front will be warm southerly winds. The best spots to kiteboard during these winds tend to be the east side of Skyway or Fort Desoto East Beach depending upon exact wind direction.

After the cold front comes northerly winds. The mornings tend to have NE winds while afternoons have NW winds. However, exact wind directions can vary depending on the front. For the most accurate information regarding wind in the Tampa Bay area we use iKitesurf.

Kites

Kite sizes vary and are based upon the rider’s weight. A common sized kite during the winter time for a person 160 lbs would be a 12m. A 120 lb kiteboarder would most often use a 9m kite. We have kites for every sized rider and various wind speeds.

More Information

Looking for specific information regarding kiteboarding in Tampa Bay, or looking to get out for a lesson? Send us a message below and we’ll get back to you.

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