One of Portugal’s most striking natural phenomena is the Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo. As a kitesurfer, I share a special connection with this northwestern wind that cools our Portuguese coasts from May through September, offering visitors a distinct experience. Get yourself powered up with a good Portuguese lunch at the beach and when you’re finished the wind will blow you away. The termic wind in Viana doesn’t skip a beat. An interesting fact: if Windfinder shows 10 knots, often expect it to feel like 20, and yes, 20 can feel like a roaring 35 to 40 knots. On these days, packing your smallest kite, such as a 6m², is wise. This wind generally holds steady until sunset, culminating in a spectacular end to the day as the sun dips behind the endless water horizon.
So if you see this? That’s means at least 30 knots in the afternoon:
Not sure about the wind? Check out the live camera or windmeter (Viana Locals). This gives you realtime information about the exact wind on that moment
The origin of the Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo
The Nortada isn’t just any wind; it’s a special wind that shapes the summer in Portugal.
Here’s how it happens:
1. Land heats up faster than water: During summer, the land in Portugal gets hot quickly under the sun. However, the nearby ocean stays cool. Because the land is hotter than the sea, the air above the land heats up and rises. This creates a kind of empty space.
2. Cool air rushes in: Nature doesn’t like empty spaces, so the cool air from the ocean moves in to fill the gap where the hot air was. This movement of air from the ocean to the land is what we call the Nortada.
3 Coriolis effect: The Earth spins, and this spin makes winds curve as they travel. In the Northern Hemisphere, winds curve to the right. So, the cool air coming in from the ocean turns and comes in from the northwest. That’s why the Nortada is a northwesterly wind.
4. The mountains: The landscape of Portugal helps shape the Nortada. Mountains and valleys can squeeze the wind, making it stronger in some places, which helps cool the coast even more.
Besides bringing cooler air, the Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo also helps the environment. It stirs up the ocean, bringing nutrients from deep water to the surface, which helps sea life thrive.
So, the Nortada is more than just a breeze. It’s a crucial part of summer in Portugal, making the hot days cooler and helping nature along the coast. This simple dance of wind and water is a big reason why Portugal’s summer is so pleasant.
Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo: perfect for kitesurfing
Viana do Castelo fully enjoys this wind, not just for the cooling effect but also for the ideal conditions it offers for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It provides a remarkably stable wind for long sessions on the water at the beach of Cabedelo.
Whether you are a local from one of the fortunate coastal towns, a visitor seeking respite from the heat, or a water sports enthusiast eager to harness the wind, the Nortada has something for everyone. It is more than just a wind; it symbolizes the Portuguese summer, bringing joy and, for some of us, acting as a faithful companion.
Managing the intensity of Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo
No worries. The Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo also moderates the climate along the Portuguese west coast, making it noticeably cooler than in the Algarve, for example. This cooler climate makes it perfect for other activities like mountain biking or a vigorous hike through the dunes. The cooling breeze ensures you remain energized, even during intense activities.
Whether you prefer to conquer the waves with your kite or explore the hills by bike or on foot, the Nortada wind in Viana do Castelo offers both challenges and relief, making the Portuguese summer a unique experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
