The Gulf Coast's flatwater capital. Real-time wind forecasts for South Padre Island — Texas's flat-water kitesurfing paradise on the Gulf Coast.
1 spots · 2-week forecast · Updated hourly
Sign up free to add your own spots & set wind preferencesLive wind readings and the 7-day kitesurfing outlook for 1 spot in South Padre Island. Wind speeds are in knots, temperatures in °C, and all times are local to the spot. Daily figures cover the sailable window between 08:00 and 20:00. Last updated Aug 6, 2026, 2:36 PM UTC.
Right now at 09:00 local: 11 knots from the SSE (157°), gusting 16 knots, air 30°C. SSE is a marginal wind direction for this spot.
| Day | Wind | Gusts | Direction | Peak | Air | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 6 | 15 kt | 20 kt | SE (146°) | 16:00 | 34°C | 3% |
| Fri, Aug 7 | 13 kt | 16 kt | ESE (123°) | 14:00 | 33°C | 5% |
| Sat, Aug 8 | 12 kt | 15 kt | ESE (108°) | 19:00 | 29°C | 5% |
| Sun, Aug 9 | 13 kt | 16 kt | SE (124°) | 13:00 | 29°C | 11% |
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South Padre Island sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre, a long shallow bay that produces some of the cleanest flatwater in North America. The dominant wind is a southeast sea breeze that builds through the spring and early summer as the Texas interior heats up. Classic days run 18 to 22 knots side-onshore on the bay side, perfect for freestyle and learning. Early morning is usually lighter, the wind builds through late morning, and peaks from early afternoon into the evening. Cold fronts in spring can flip the wind to the north and bring stronger gusts.
The bay-side flats are the main reason riders come to SPI. Knee-to-waist deep water for hundreds of yards, butter-flat conditions, and steady side-onshore wind. Ideal for learners, freestyle, and foiling.
At the south end of the island, with easy access to both the bay flats and the gulf side. Big rigging area and the most popular launch on the island. Schools operate here through the season.
Open Gulf of Mexico water with side-onshore wind on a southeast day. Small to medium chop, occasional swell, and plenty of room. A good change of pace from the flats.
The classic learner zone on the bay side, named after the long-running school. Shallow flatwater and consistent side-onshore wind make this one of the easiest places in North America to learn to kite.
Most riders use 9 to 12 m² kites in peak season, with 12 to 14 m² for lighter days and 7 to 9 m² for the windiest spring fronts. Water is warm from late spring through early fall (mid-70s to mid-80s °F), so a 2 mm shorty or boardshorts and rashguard work fine. In March and early April a 3/2 fullsuit is comfortable.
Spring cold fronts can shift the wind 180 degrees and bring sharp gusts. The Laguna Madre is shallow, but the flats are dotted with seagrass beds and the occasional oyster patch, so wear booties if you are walking in unfamiliar areas. Boat traffic in the bay channels picks up on weekends. Always stay aware of the wind direction so you can self-rescue back to shore.
Spring break (March) is busy on the gulf-side beaches, but the flats stay relatively quiet. The most reliable wind season is April through June. Bring sun protection: there is no shade on the flats and the wind makes it easy to underestimate the burn. Schools and rentals are concentrated around Isla Blanca Park and the south end of the island.
| Mon, Aug 10 |
|---|
| 16 kt |
| 19 kt |
| SE (140°) |
| 15:00 |
| 30°C |
| 5% |
| Tue, Aug 11 | 15 kt | 18 kt | SE (146°) | 14:00 | 30°C | 0% |
|---|
| Wed, Aug 12 | 15 kt | 19 kt | SSE (148°) | 13:00 | 30°C | 1% |
|---|