Zanzibar Wind Season Calendar
Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling & Windsurfing in Kiwengwa
October 2026
Zanzibar Wind Season Calendar: Month by Month Guide for Kitesurfers, Wingfoilers, Windsurfers and Surfers
Zanzibar is a destination made for riders who want warm water, reliable trade winds and a beach lifestyle that continues long after the session ends. On the island’s east coast, Kiwengwa offers one of the most complete setups: a long white-sand beach, a reef-protected lagoon, shallow areas for learning, deeper channels for foiling and open water for riders who want to progress.
The island has two main wind seasons, known locally as Kaskazi and Kusi. Kaskazi brings warm northeast winds from around December to March, while Kusi delivers the more powerful southeast trade winds from around June to September. Together, they create two excellent windows for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing each year.
At Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar, riders can make the most of every part of the calendar. Whether you are learning your first waterstart, taking your first wingfoil flights, improving transitions or riding independently, Kiwengwa’s lagoon and the DPC Zanzibar team give you the right setting for your session.
The Kiwengwa advantage
Kiwengwa is a dynamic spot where the conditions change with the tide, offering different riding opportunities throughout the day.
At lower tide, the lagoon offers large areas of shallow, flatter water, creating comfortable conditions for beginners and an ideal environment for learning to wing foil. As the tide rises, deeper sections and channels open up, allowing for longer rides and more space for intermediate and advanced riders.
The outer reef helps protect the lagoon from the open ocean, while Kiwengwa’s east coast location benefits from Zanzibar’s seasonal trade winds. The result is a versatile spot with a variety of conditions throughout the day, all from the same location.
With Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar directly on the beach, getting on the water is easy: check the wind, choose your equipment, speak with the team about the tide and conditions, and head straight out for your session.
January: Kaskazi at its best
anuary is one of the most enjoyable months for a warm watersports holiday in Zanzibar, with the Kaskazi typically well established and providing consistent, rideable conditions.
At the beginning of January, the wind often starts building around noon, making the afternoon the most reliable time for a session. As the month progresses, the wind tends to arrive earlier and earlier, with morning sessions becoming increasingly possible towards the second half of January.
The conditions work well for all three main wind sports. Kitesurfers can enjoy long sessions across the lagoon, while wingfoilers can make the most of the steady winds and flat-water sections for cruising, practicing transitions and progressing their skills. Windsurfers can also enjoy the open space of the lagoon, with conditions suitable for relaxed freeriding. With different equipment sizes available, riders can adapt their setup as the wind changes throughout the day.
February: Flat water and foil freedom
February is typically one of the strongest and most consistent months of the Kaskazi season in Kiwengwa. The wind often starts early, around 10:00 AM or even earlier, creating the possibility for long days and multiple sessions on the water.
With the wind established from the morning and often continuing throughout the afternoon, February offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing. Riders can plan longer sessions or take a break and head back out later in the day.
Around the full moon, the long riding days can become even more special, with enough evening light to stay on the water until around 7:30 PM.
March: Ride, relax and explore
March is a transition month in Kiwengwa. During the first half of the month, the Kaskazi is usually still active, with regular northerly wind and plenty of good riding days for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing.
From around mid-March onwards, the Kaskazi gradually starts to weaken. The wind becomes less consistent and more difficult to predict, with some very good riding days mixed with lighter or windless days. Towards the end of March, we therefore recommend being flexible rather than planning a trip purely around wind sports.
On lighter-wind days, there is still plenty to do on the water. For wingfoilers, we often practice wakefoiling behind the boat, which is excellent for improving foil control, pumping and transitions. Alternatively, we can head out for a SUP tour or, when the swell is right, go surfing on the outer reef.
April:/May The island’s softer rhythm
April marks the transition into Zanzibar’s low-wind and rainy season. The Kaskazi has usually faded by this point, making the wind much less predictable than during the previous months.
There can still be some good wind days, particularly earlier in April, but they are difficult to predict in advance. For this reason, we don’t recommend April for a holiday focused purely on kitesurfing, wingfoiling or windsurfing.
Instead, April is a great month to enjoy Kiwengwa’s other watersports. The lighter winds create good opportunities for SUP tours, while the outer reef can offer great conditions for surfing. For wingfoilers, calm days are perfect for wakefoiling behind the boat — an excellent way to improve foil control, pumping and transitions even when there is no wind.
June: The Kusi season arrives
June marks the beginning of the Kusi, Zanzibar’s southeast trade-wind season. During the first part of the month, the wind is usually still establishing its seasonal pattern, so conditions can vary from day to day. The wind often develops later in the morning or around midday and builds through the afternoon.
Early in June, the wind direction can also be more variable, ranging from offshore to onshore and side-shore. When the direction is less suitable for launching directly from the beach, we can use our boat to bring kitesurfers and wingfoilers to a better starting point and make the most of the conditions.
As June progresses, the Kusi generally becomes stronger, more consistent and more settled in direction. During the second half of the month, riding days become more regular and the wind often starts earlier, making late June particularly attractive for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing.
Some flexibility with session times is still recommended, especially during the first half of the month. Having access to different kite, wing or sail sizes is also useful, as wind strength can vary throughout the day. The lagoon offers riding options for different levels, while Kiwengwa’s deeper channel allows foilers to continue riding even around lower tide.
Overall, June offers an exciting start to the Kusi season, with conditions becoming progressively more reliable as the month goes on.
July: Powerful Kusi sessions
July tends to be one of the more reliable months of the Kusi season in Kiwengwa. The southeast trade wind is usually well established, with typical riding conditions around 16–20 knots and stronger days reaching 22–25 knots or more.
The wind often starts building around midday and becomes stronger during the afternoon. The tide can also influence the local wind conditions, with the wind often feeling stronger during an incoming tide and sometimes becoming lighter around the change of the tide itself.
These conditions work very well for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing. Kitesurfers will often use smaller kites than during the Kaskazi season, while wingfoilers and windsurfers can adapt their equipment to the conditions of the day.
The lagoon changes with the tide: lower tide creates flatter-water sections, while higher tide opens up more of the lagoon. Kiwengwa’s deeper channel remains rideable independently of the tide, making it particularly attractive for foilers.
August: Prime wind time in Kiwengwa
August is one of the absolute highlights of the Kusi season in Kiwengwa. The southeast trade winds are fully established, delivering some of the strongest and most reliable conditions of the year — perfect for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, kitefoiling and windsurfing.
The wind often starts early and builds throughout the morning, setting the stage for long, energetic sessions that can continue well into the afternoon. Whether you want to progress your skills, put in serious time on the water or simply enjoy session after session, August is the month to do it.
The changing tide gives the lagoon a different character throughout the day, from flatter, more protected sections for learning and progression to deeper water and longer runs for experienced riders and foilers.
For anyone looking for a true wind-focused Zanzibar holiday, August is hard to beat: reliable Kusi winds, warm tropical water and long days on the Indian Ocean, with Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar directly on the beach.
September: Reliable wind and long sessions
September is another fantastic month for a wind-focused holiday in Kiwengwa. The Kusi remains well established, with wind on almost every day and very reliable conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, kitefoiling and windsurfing.
The wind often starts during the morning and builds towards midday, providing long riding windows throughout the afternoon.
The lagoon continues to change with the tide, offering flatter sections for beginners and freestyle, while the deeper channel provides plenty of space for foilers and more experienced riders — even around low tide.
With warm water, consistent trade winds and almost daily opportunities to get on the water, September is one of our favourite months for watersports in Kiwengwa and an excellent choice for riders who want to maximise their time on the water.
October: A beautiful watersports escape
October is one of our favourite months for watersports in Kiwengwa. The Kusi is still active, with plenty of good wind days and warm Indian Ocean conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, kitefoiling and windsurfing.
The wind remains generally reliable, although towards the end of the month it can gradually become a little more variable than during August and September. Foil equipment is particularly useful on lighter days, helping riders make the most of a wider range of conditions.
One of the highlights of October is the quieter atmosphere. With fewer visitors than during the peak summer months, the beach and lagoon feel more relaxed, with plenty of space on the water. It’s a great time for riders who want quality sessions without the busier high-season feeling.
With warm water, good wind, uncrowded riding and beautiful beaches, October offers a fantastic balance between watersports and a relaxed Zanzibar holiday. And if the wind takes a break, there is always something to do — from wakefoiling and SUP to surfing on the outer reef.
November: Recharge by the ocean
November is a transition month in Kiwengwa, as the Kusi season comes to an end and we wait for the Kaskazi to begin. Especially during the first part of the month, there can still be some good wind days, but as November progresses the wind generally becomes lighter and less predictable.
For this reason, November is not the month we would recommend for a holiday focused purely on kitesurfing, wingfoiling or windsurfing. However, flexible riders can still be rewarded with some great sessions when the wind comes, particularly with efficient foil equipment.
The quieter conditions also make November a great month to enjoy everything else Kiwengwa has to offer. Calm days are perfect for wakefoiling behind the boat, SUP tours along the coast or surfing on the outer reef when the swell is right.
With warm tropical water, quiet beaches and very few riders on the lagoon, November is all about flexibility: enjoy Zanzibar at a relaxed pace, keep an eye on the conditions and make the most of every ocean day.
December: Beginning of the Kaskazi season
December marks the beginning of the Kaskazi season in Kiwengwa. At the start of the month, the wind is usually still settling into its seasonal pattern, so the direction and strength can be a little variable and less predictable. As we move towards mid-December, the Kaskazi typically becomes more established, bringing more consistent northerly winds and more reliable riding conditions.
For early December, it’s best to stay flexible and plan your sessions around the daily wind and tide rather than fixed times. Having access to different wing or kite sizes is also helpful, as conditions can change during the day. From mid-December onwards, the more established Kaskazi generally makes it easier to plan regular sessions, with the local team able to recommend the best time to ride each day based on the wind and tide.
Kaskazi or Kusi: Choosing your season
Choose Kaskazi, from December to March, for tropical warmth, northerly winds and beautiful days on the water. It is a fantastic season for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing, whether you are learning, progressing or simply enjoying long sessions across the lagoon.
Choose Kusi, from June to September, for Zanzibar’s southeast trade winds and a slightly different character on the water. The wind can be a little stronger than during Kaskazi, particularly in July and August, while temperatures are generally slightly cooler and less humid than from December to March. The season offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing, with plenty of opportunities for progression and long riding days.
Both Kaskazi and Kusi offer fantastic watersports conditions in Kiwengwa. Each season has its own wind direction, rhythm and atmosphere, giving riders a different experience depending on when they visit.
And when the wind is lighter, there is no need to stay off the water. We can head to the outer reef for a surf session, explore the coastline on a SUP tour or practice wakefoiling behind the boat. Whatever the conditions, there is almost always a way to enjoy the ocean in Kiwengwa.
Ride with Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar
Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar brings together professional instruction, premium equipment and one of the island’s most versatile lagoon locations. The center offers kitesurfing, wingfoiling, kitefoiling, windsurfing and SUP for every level, from complete beginner to independent rider.
The team can help you read the day’s wind and tide, select the right setup and choose the best part of the lagoon for your session. That local guidance is what turns a good day on the water into a great one.
Complete your Kiwengwa wind trip
After a day on the water, stay at Mvuvi Boutique Resort Zanzibar, an oceanfront base directly beside the Kiwengwa lagoon. Wake up to the sea, walk straight to Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar for your session and return to the beach to relax as the day winds down.
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