WIND
Over the entire year the dominant wind directions are NNW, N, S and SW. In September and October winds are from the North / NNW, while South and SSW winds blow mostly in April and from June till August. We travelled to Lake Balaton several times in September and had sessions with South, SW, N and NNW winds. The wind blew frequently and we also got wind when none was forecast! Wind from the north gets funnelled through valleys. Southern winds especially can be significantly stronger than predicted and in the afternoon it normally increases. A prediction of 15 knots usually means good wind conditions. The wind can also get really strong at times, up to 40 knots plus at Lake Balaton.
If you go to a beach which has a good wind you should just go out. Sometimes the wind does not last too long, or it blows less just a few kilometres away from the spot you are at. Winds from a north or northwesterly direction can last for several days. During thunderstorms caution is required due to the heavy winds and dangerous lightning strikes! There is a storm warning system of stations with flashing lights distributed around the lake.
WIND FORECAST
Windy.com, the map-based prediction is very beneficial because the winds often vary over the lake or fronts only hit the lake at one half due to its length. The wind is predicted exactly and the windsurfing sessions can be optimally planned and we never missed the wind. Windfinder also worked great.
SCHOOLS & RENTALS
www.wind99.com – windsurfing, sailing, accommodation and yacht charter in Tihany.
www.wasserstart.hu/en – windsurf centre in Balatonföldvar.
balatoni-strand.clubaliga.hu/szorf-center – windsurf centre in Balatonaliga.
www.sharkysurf.hu – windsurf school in Vonyarcvashegy.
viharsarok.hu/index.php/hirek/130-segelschule – windsurf centre and sailing school in Balatonföldvar.
www.standuppaddle.hu/de – SUP centre in Tihany.