Wind Strength and Direction in La Manga and the Mar Menor

The predominant winds in the Mar Menor - La Manga area are the Levante (ENE) and the Lebeche (SW).  La Manga has approximately 4/5 days of Levante and 2/3 days of the Lebeche winds each week. Levante winds tend to be fairly constant all day. They normally start at a level of BF3 in the morning, rising a few knots to a low BF4 in the afternoon.  These winds, which come off the Mediterranean Sea are generally stable and not gusting.

In contrast, the Lebeche winds can increase from nothing to a level of BF6 during the day.  They rise over the hills of the Calblanque and flow down over the waters of the Mar Menor.  These winds can be hot and gusty, and should be treated with respect!  A normal Lebeche wind will start at around BF2 or less, gradually rising to BF3/4 at noon and by 4pm it will usually be BF5.  Some Lebeche winds are gentle and never reach more than BF4, however others can increase as high as BF6 or more.  We can usually accurately predict from the weather forecast and what happens in the morning, how high a level it will reach.  We will not let anyone out on the water if we think it is likely to not be safe to do so.