Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Barra do Cunhaú
The river mouth separates a shallow lagoon from open-ocean wave peaks.
Best season
jun to oct
This month · jul
92%kiteable days
Peak wind · aug
17 kn
What riding here is like
July through January brings the most useful trade winds, with August to November generally the steadiest.
The Curimataú river mouth creates two distinct rides: shallow, flatter water inside, and waves plus current near the entrance and ocean. The lagoon can suit lessons when tide, depth, and direction align; that does not make crossing the mouth beginner terrain. Reef, current, and waves are for intermediate and advanced riders with local guidance. Plan around the tide and do not improvise a return between banks.
Season history
Data period: 2000-2026
| Month | ≥12kn % | ≥15kn % | Mean wind (kn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62 | 21 | 12.1 |
| February | 59 | 21 | 12 |
| March | 48 | 16 | 11.2 |
| April | 57 | 21 | 11.7 |
| May | 73 | 35 | 13.1 |
| June | 86 | 56 | 14.6 |
| July | 92 | 71 | 16.2 |
| August | 96 | 83 | 17.1 |
| September | 96 | 79 | 16.8 |
| October | 90 | 61 | 15.3 |
| November | 81 | 38 | 13.7 |
| December | 77 | 30 | 13.2 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to kitesurf in Barra do Cunhaú?
The best season in Barra do Cunhaú runs from June to October, with up to 96% of days historically kiteable at the peak.
Is Barra do Cunhaú good for beginners?
Yes. Barra do Cunhaú caters to beginners, with mixed water and low crowds in high season.
How do I get to Barra do Cunhaú?
Natal airport (NAT) is roughly 100 km away, a two- to two-and-a-half-hour drive. Pipa is about 30 km away, though local roads make the trip slower than the map suggests. Transfer or rental car both work; agree with the school which bank to meet on, because river and sea divide the support points.
What to do in Barra do Cunhaú when there is no wind?
Take a boat on the Curimataú river through the mangroves, visit the beaches of Baía Formosa, or spend the day in Pipa. The ecological sanctuary and cliff-top viewpoints are good alternatives, but check opening times and access before leaving the river mouth.
Plan the trip
Getting there
Natal airport (NAT) is roughly 100 km away, a two- to two-and-a-half-hour drive. Pipa is about 30 km away, though local roads make the trip slower than the map suggests. Transfer or rental car both work; agree with the school which bank to meet on, because river and sea divide the support points.
When there is no wind
Take a boat on the Curimataú river through the mangroves, visit the beaches of Baía Formosa, or spend the day in Pipa. The ecological sanctuary and cliff-top viewpoints are good alternatives, but check opening times and access before leaving the river mouth.
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