Dakhla Weather Explained: Wind, Water Temperature and Wetsuit Recommendations

Dakhla has a unique desert coastal climate that creates steady wind, comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for kitesurfing and wingfoil for most of the year. Riders often arrive with the wrong expectations, so understanding the real Dakhla weather and water patterns helps you plan smarter sessions and choose the right wetsuit.

This guide explains Dakhla’s wind seasons, the true water temperatures and how each season feels on the water. It also includes local riding tips and links to beginner friendly spots so you can navigate the lagoon safely.

If you are planning your first trip, you can also read our beginner friendly kitesurf spots in Dakhla lagoon to understand where it is safest to ride at different tides.

Wind Patterns by Season#

The wind in Dakhla follows a predictable yearly rhythm. It comes from the Atlantic pressure systems and is reinforced by thermal effects from the lagoon and the desert around it. This combination gives Dakhla more windy days than many other kitesurf destinations, with a very strong peak in summer.

January to February#

The wind is generally light to medium during winter. You still get many rideable days, but the strength is softer compared to the rest of the year. Mornings feel cooler and the thermal effect is weak. If you ride long sessions you may want a thicker wetsuit to stay warm.

March#

March brings medium wind and the start of the spring thermal cycle. Conditions are calmer compared to summer but consistent enough for solid progression. The afternoons often get a noticeable push from the thermal effect, especially on sunny days.

April and May#

April and May produce medium to strong wind. This is when the season begins to accelerate. The thermal push becomes more reliable in the afternoon and the lagoon stays flat. Spring is a great period for steady riding without the intensity of midsummer.

If you are planning a wingfoil trip, these calmer spring conditions are ideal for early progression. Our guide on when to learn wingfoil in Dakhla explains how each season affects lift, stability and learning speed for beginners.

June, July and August#

June, July and August are the very strong wind months. Average strengths are around 24 knots on many days, and reliability is high, so you can expect frequent or even daily sessions. The afternoons are powered and the main lagoon becomes a fast progression zone for beginners and intermediates. Even in this peak period the air temperature stays mild, with typical summer values around 22 to 24 degrees.

September#

September stays medium to strong with warm water and long rideable days. The thermal push continues but is slightly softer than mid summer. This month is a favorite for riders who want strong wind without the peak season feeling.

October#

October keeps a stable wind pattern with a softer thermal push. Conditions remain enjoyable for most riders, and water temperatures are still comfortable. You get a good mix of decent wind and a relaxed atmosphere.

November and December#

The wind becomes light to medium again. Even with softer wind, you can expect plenty of rideable days and smaller crowds. Winter mornings have a clear temperature difference compared to the afternoon. The evenings are cooler but never extreme.

For daily wind forecast and real time readings, you can check Windguru, which has a specific spot page for Dakhla.

Real Water Temperature Through the Year#

Water temperature in Dakhla stays fairly stable compared to continental climates. The Atlantic influences the lagoon, but the shallows warm up faster with sun exposure. Based on average climate data and local knowledge, this is how the water feels through the seasons.

Winter Water#

Around 16 to 18 degrees. It feels fresh because of wind chill and the morning temperature drop. Winter water often feels colder than the numbers suggest, especially if you spend a lot of time in the water teaching or body dragging.

Spring Water#

Around 18 to 20 degrees. Spring becomes comfortable, especially during the afternoon thermal push. The lagoon warms faster than the ocean side, so shallow spots feel nicer than deeper channels.

Summer Water#

Around 21 to 23 degrees. Summer feels warm and you can ride comfortably without a wetsuit on many days. The water is not tropical, but it is very comfortable for long sessions and repeated crashes.

Autumn Water#

Around 18 to 20 degrees. The temperature begins to freshen again. Early autumn still feels warm, but the water slowly cools down toward November. You start to feel the difference during longer sessions and windy days.

For an overview of long term temperature trends, you can also consult Windfinder’s Dakhla data.

Wetsuit Recommendations Based on Real Riding Experience#

The best wetsuit in Dakhla depends on how long you ride and how sensitive you are to fresh water. Here is what local riders use throughout the year.

Winter#

A 4.3 mm suit is enough for most riders. If you do very long sessions or spend time in the water teaching, a 5.4 mm can add extra comfort. Winter mornings feel much colder than the afternoons, so a warmer suit is welcome for early sessions.

Spring#

A 3.2 mm suit is perfect for most riders in spring, especially once the afternoon thermal wind builds. Many riders switch to a shorty 3.2 during warmer days, while those who are more sensitive to fresh water or plan long sessions often prefer a light 4.3 mm for extra comfort.

Summer#

A shorty 3.2 or 2.2 works very well. On warm days with strong wind you can ride without any wetsuit at all. Even though Dakhla is in the Sahara, summer afternoons stay around 22 to 24 degrees, so you never get the extreme heat people sometimes imagine.

Autumn#

A combination of 3.2 and 4.3 depending on the month and your comfort. Early autumn is warm and often fine with a 3.2. Late autumn becomes fresher as the water cools down. The thermal push in autumn afternoons helps keep sessions comfortable, but the wind chill is noticeable once you stop riding.

How Dakhla Weather Feels on the Water#

The Dakhla climate has a few specific behaviors that affect your sessions and gear choice.

Morning to Afternoon Temperature Shift#

Winter mornings are noticeably cooler than the afternoons. The sun warms the lagoon quickly, but the early hours can feel cold until the wind builds. Planning your main session around midday or the afternoon often feels more comfortable.

Thermal Wind Reinforcement#

Spring and autumn often experience a strong afternoon thermal push. Sessions are calmer before lunch and become more powerful later in the day. This thermal effect is one of the main reasons why Dakhla weather is so reliable during the mid seasons.

Summer Heat Perception#

Many riders expect extreme heat because Dakhla is in the Sahara. In reality summer afternoons stay around 22 to 24 degrees. The wind keeps the climate mild and comfortable. You rarely feel overheated, even in full sun, and most of the time the wind chill is more relevant than the air temperature.

Choosing the Right Spots for the Weather#

Different parts of the lagoon feel better depending on the tides, water depth and wind strength. On very strong wind days, flatter and more protected areas feel easier. On medium wind days, you have more freedom to explore different zones.

If you want an overview of where beginners ride safely and how depth and tides affect each area, read our guide to the beginner friendly kitesurf spots in Dakhla lagoon. That article explains which parts of the lagoon are best at high tide, which ones work at low tide and which areas are not recommended for riders who cannot go upwind yet.

External Resources for Weather Forecasting#

For real time wind readings, many riders rely on Windguru because it provides detailed forecasts specifically calibrated for the Dakhla lagoon. The data shows wind strength, direction and timing, which is helpful when planning sessions during medium wind seasons like spring and autumn.

If you want a second source to compare trends, Windfinder gives a clear overview of temperature changes, swell influence and daily wind evolution. It is especially useful when checking water temperature throughout the year.

Using both platforms helps you understand the daily thermal push, choose the right kite size before launching and decide which part of the lagoon will feel better under the current conditions.

Plan Your Sessions and Ride Comfortably#

If you want to rent kitesurf or wingfoil gear in Dakhla or book your kitesurf or wingfoil lessons in Dakhla, our team is available all year and adapts sessions to the season and daily conditions.

Understanding Dakhla’s weather is the key to enjoying smooth and comfortable sessions. By choosing the right wetsuit and knowing how each season feels, you maximise your time on the water and ride with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Dakhla windy all year?
Dakhla has many windy days throughout the year, with medium to strong wind in spring and autumn and lighter conditions in winter. The very strong period is from June to August, when average wind often reaches around 24 knots on many days.

How cold is the water in Dakhla?
Water temperatures are usually around 16 to 18 degrees in winter and can reach about 21 to 23 degrees in summer. The lagoon often feels slightly warmer than the open ocean side.

Do you need a wetsuit in Dakhla?
In winter you will want at least a 4.3 mm wetsuit, and a 5.4 is more comfortable for long sessions. In spring and autumn a 3.2 or light 4.3 works well. In summer many riders use a shorty or no wetsuit at all, depending on wind chill and session length.