Know Before You Go
Real-time conditions from our Tempest station in Watamu.
Kaskazi and Kusi trade winds
Through the working months
Boardshorts all year
The safest direction to learn in
Real-time conditions from our Tempest station at Tribal Kite School — Watamu — updated every 30 seconds.
Measured on-site by our Tempest station every minute — last 6 hours, shown in station local time (Watamu, Kilifi County).
Daily outlook for Watamu, Kilifi County — wind averaged over the 9am–6pm riding window.
Data delivered by our on-site Tempest Weather Station. Last update: —.
The Monsoon
Both systems are equatorial, which means they blow steadily rather than in bursts, and both come in cross to cross-onshore — the safest wind direction to learn in.
December – April · North East
15–25 knots
The warm season wind. December and January are the most consistent, easing gradually through March and April. Ideal conditions for a first course.
June – September · South East
25 knots, gusting 30+
The strongest and most reliable season, and the one that brings the best swell. July through September is when the spot is at its most consistent.
May · October – November
Under 10 knots
The gaps between the two systems. Wind is light and unreliable, so we would rather tell you now than have you arrive to a flat sea. Great for SUP and snorkeling.
On The Day
26–29°C year round. No wetsuit needed, a rash vest is plenty.
The lagoon changes through the tide. We time sessions to suit your level.
Equatorial UV. Long sleeves and reef-safe sunscreen, every session.
Squalls pass through in the shoulder months and clear quickly.
Planning Questions
Either working season is fine, but many beginners prefer Kaskazi (December to April). It is warm, steady and a little softer than Kusi, which can gust past 30 knots at its peak.
In the working seasons that is rare, and we will move your session rather than waste it. In the quiet months we will tell you honestly before you book — that is a better trip spent on SUP or snorkeling.
No. Water sits at 26–29°C all year. A rash vest or UPF shirt is the only thing worth packing, mostly for the sun rather than the cold.
For the 9 hour course, allow at least four or five days. That gives room to spread the hours across good wind windows instead of forcing them into a marginal afternoon.
