When is the best time for watersports on the Baltic? In short: April to October is the main season. It’s windiest in spring and in September and October, high summer tends to be light (that’s when light-wind gear or a foil shines), and the waves come with the autumn and spring storms from October to April. Here’s the honest overview, month by month.
The rules of thumb
- Most wind: March–May and September–October.
- Warmest water: July–September (around 17–20 °C), but often less wind.
- Empty beaches & off-leash dogs: autumn and winter (see below).
- Waves to surf: October–April with strong onshore wind.
- Warm water without freezing: in winter, better to travel (see destinations).
Month by month
| Month | Wind | Water | Beach crowds | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | lots, often stormy | icy (~3 °C) | empty | the hardy, waves, warm-water trip |
| February | lots | icy (~3 °C) | empty | waves, trip planning, buying gear |
| March | lots, changeable | cold (~4 °C) | empty | season start, spring winds |
| April | good, windy | cool (~6 °C) | quiet | kite, wing, windsurf , top winds |
| May | good | fresh (~10 °C) | quiet | getting started, all sports |
| June | medium | pleasant (~15 °C) | filling up | courses, SUP, family |
| July | rather light | warm (~18 °C) | busy | SUP, light wind, foil, kids |
| August | rather light | warmest (~19–20 °C) | busy | SUP, foil, holiday & camping |
| September | very good, windy | still warm (~17 °C) | quieter | kite, wing, windsurf , the dream time |
| October | very good, strong | cool (~13 °C) | empty | wind & first waves, off-leash dogs |
| November | lots, stormy | cold (~9 °C) | empty | waves, strong wind, warm-water trip |
| December | lots | cold (~6 °C) | empty | the hardy, waves, winter trip |
By season
Spring (March–May)
Windy and gloriously empty, but cold water , now the right wetsuit matters (often 5/4 with a hood). Perfect for the season start; before that, do the spring gear check.
Summer (June–August)
Warm water, holidays, busy beaches , but often only light wind. Ideal for SUP, foil, beginner courses and family (with children). Camping? Our camping section. For dogs, a leash requirement usually applies now , details in With a dog at the spot.
Autumn (September–November)
For many the best time: strong wind, still mild water in September, empty beaches and the first waves. From October dogs may often run free again. The wetsuit gets thicker.
Winter (December–February)
Plenty of wind and waves for the hardy with a winter wetsuit , or the time to plan gear and escape the frost. Our winter destinations (Egypt, the Canaries & co.) deliver wind and warm water.
In short: the best time
- Most wind: spring + September/October.
- Warm water: July–September.
- Quiet & off-leash dogs: autumn/winter.
- Waves: October–April.
- Always: check the wind check and wetsuit calculator first.