The short answer: the best time to kitesurf in Cumbuco is August to December, when the trade wind blows on more than 90% of days at 15 to 25 knots. The full season runs from July to January. From February to June the wind is lighter and less regular, but there are still good days, especially for wingfoiling and bigger kites.
Aug to Decstrongest, most reliable wind
15 to 25 kntypical wind in season
28°Call year, no wetsuit needed
We have run our kite and wing centre on this beach since 2001 and ride here all year, so this guide is based on what we see from the beach every day. Below you will find what each month is like, what kite size to bring, when it gets busy, and how to pick the right weeks for your trip.
Updated October 2026.
In this guide
When is the wind season in Cumbuco?
The main wind season in Cumbuco runs from July to January, with the strongest and most reliable wind from August to December.
In season, a south-east trade wind blows along the coast of Ceará. In front of Windtown it comes in side-onshore from the east-southeast, usually at 15 to 25 knots, with stronger days above 30. It typically picks up late in the morning and builds through the afternoon, so most riders have a slow breakfast and go out around midday.
The rest of the year is not a write-off. February to June is the lighter season: the wind is less regular, there is more rain, and some days are too light to kite. On the windy days, wingfoilers and riders with bigger kites still get good sessions, and the beach is much quieter.
Cumbuco wind and weather, month by month
| Month | Wind | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Season ending. Lighter than the peak, often around 11 to 15 knots, with good days still common | Warm; the first rain can arrive | Busy: Brazilian summer holidays |
| February | Wind becomes less regular from mid-month | Rainy season starts | Busy around Carnival, otherwise quiet |
| March | Light and irregular; windy on roughly half the days | Wettest months of the year | Quiet |
| April | Light and irregular | Wettest months of the year | Quiet, except Easter |
| May | Light and irregular | Rain easing | Quiet |
| June | Wind starting to return late in the month | Last of the rain | Quiet |
| July | Season starts; the trade wind becomes steady again | Dry and sunny | Busier: Brazilian school holidays |
| August | Strong and reliable, 15 to 25 knots | Dry and sunny | Moderate |
| September | Strong and reliable; often the windiest month | Dry and sunny | Moderate |
| October | Strong and reliable | Dry and sunny | Moderate |
| November | Strong and reliable | Dry and sunny | Moderate |
| December | Strong and reliable | Mostly dry | Busy from Christmas to New Year |
What wind strength and kite size should you expect?
For the July to January season, bring kites between 8 and 13 m². That is the range our kite school recommends for most riders.
- 8 to 9 m² for lighter riders and the windiest days
- 12 to 13 m² for heavier riders and lighter afternoons
- A bigger kite or a foil helps on light days from February to June
If you would rather travel light, you can rent kites, boards and harnesses at Windtown, by the hour or by the day. Ask the kite school for current prices.
Is Cumbuco good for wingfoiling?
Yes. The same side-onshore trade wind works well for wingfoiling along the whole beach, and wingfoilers often get more riding days than kiters in the lighter season from February to June.
Two things to know. First, the beach is the place to foil: Cauípe lagoon is too shallow for foiling in most places, so it is mainly a kite spot. Second, if you are new to the sport, a lesson is worth it. At Windtown you can start with a 1-hour wingfoil taster with all equipment included, then continue with the 8-hour wingfoil course, private or shared.
When is Cumbuco busy?
Cumbuco is busiest during Brazilian holidays, not during the best wind.
- July: school holidays, the first busy month of the season
- Christmas, New Year and January: Brazilian summer holidays
- Carnival in February, and long weekends
The quietest period is March to June. In season, the beach in front of the village centre gets the most crowded; the water further along, in front of Windtown, is wider and calmer. Cauípe lagoon is quietest on weekdays.
What is the weather like?
It is warm all year. Daytime temperatures sit around 28°C, and the water is warm enough to ride without a wetsuit.
Most rain falls between March and May. From July to January it is mostly dry and sunny, so bring a lycra, strong sunscreen and sunglasses.
So when should you go?
- First kite trip or a course: August to December, for steady wind every day
- Strong wind and long sessions: September to November
- Wingfoiling: any time from July to January, plus the lighter months if you are flexible
- Fewer people on the water: August to early December outside long weekends, or the lighter season if you have your own bigger kite or a wing
- Combining kiting with a family holiday: July or December work well, but book early because these are Brazilian holiday months
Plan your stay
Once you have picked your weeks, choose where to stay. The Windtown Beach Hotel suits trips of a week or less, with breakfast and daily cleaning included. Windtown Apartments Cumbuco suit longer stays, families and groups, with a full kitchen and a sea-facing terrace. Both are on the beach, with our kite and wing school in front of the door.
Not sure which area or type of place suits you? Read our guides where to stay in Cumbuco for kitesurfing and hotel room or apartment in Cumbuco?
Frequently asked questions
September is often the windiest month, and August to December is the most reliable period, with wind on more than 90% of days at 15 to 25 knots.
Sometimes. February to June is the lighter season, with more rain and less regular wind. There are still windy days, especially for wingfoiling and bigger kites, but you cannot count on wind every day.
Most riders use kites between 8 and 13 m² in the July to January season: 8 to 9 m² for lighter riders and windy days, 12 to 13 m² for heavier riders and lighter afternoons.
No. The water is warm all year and daytime temperatures are around 28°C. A lycra and sunscreen are enough.
The trade wind usually picks up late in the morning and builds through the afternoon, so midday and afternoon sessions are the most reliable.
Plan your Cumbuco trip with us
Stay right on the kite beach, in the hotel or in your own apartment, with our Kite & Wingfoil school in front of the door.
Questions first? WhatsApp us at +55 85 98596 8874.
