Egypt's Winds & Micro-Climates
A Paraglider's Paradise
Egypt, with its diverse landscapes, offers a unique paragliding experience. Understanding the country's wind direction and micro-climates is crucial for a safe and exhilarating flight.
The Sahara's Influence:
Egypt sits on the edge of the Sahara desert, receiving dry continental desert air. However, the high mountains along the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia coast act as a barrier, deflecting westerly winds southward along the Red Sea .
ref. see article by ( nikolay yotov ) xc Egypt
Prevailing Northwesterlies:
The low terrain of Egypt allows easy penetration of geostrophic winds, with the most prevalent being north-westerlies from the Mediterranean. These winds bring cooler air masses and a favorable temperature gradient, ideal for paragliding. The good news? Northwesterly winds are present year-round, offering a reliable window for paragliding adventures.
Micro-Climates and Site Selection:
Despite the dominant northwesterlies, Egypt boasts micro-climates that affect wind patterns. Here's where specific locations come into play:
Galala Ain Sokhna Mountains: These high mountains experience strong thermals due to the significant temperature difference between valleys and peaks. Experienced pilots can use these thermals to gain altitude and extend their flight time.
Red Sea Coast Resorts: Many resorts along the Red Sea coast offer stunning sea-side paragliding experiences. The proximity to the water creates a unique micro-climate with consistent winds, making it ideal for tandem flights and paragliding courses. The convenience of landing directly at resorts with hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities adds to the charm. Imagine paragliding down to your resort after an amazing flight!
Additional Factors to Consider:
Seasonal Variations: While northwesterlies dominate, wind strength can vary throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally have stronger winds, ideal for experienced pilots. Summer winds tend to be lighter, perfect for beginners and tandem flights.
Daily Cycles: Wind strength often increases in the afternoon as the land heats up. Paragliding companies typically schedule flights for the morning or late afternoon to take advantage of these wind patterns.
Knowledge is Power:
By understanding Egypt's wind direction and micro-climates, you can choose the ideal location and time for your paragliding experience. Partnering with a reputable paragliding company that has in-depth knowledge of local wind patterns and specific flying zones is crucial for a safe and unforgettable flight.
So, are you ready to experience the magic of paragliding in Egypt? Research your chosen location, choose a qualified company, and embrace the thrill of soaring through the skies!
OFFICIAL PARAGLIDING
SITES INFORMATION
ALTITUDE : 845 ASL .
WIND: NE - E .
Car accessible - flyable most of the year - better late after noon when the sea breeze prevail .
landing : sand beach at sea side .
Need Permits : Please Read Flying Rules in Egypt.
ALTITUDE : 869 M ASL .
WIND: NE - E .
Car accessible - flyable most of the year - better late after noon when the sea breeze prevail .
landing : sand beach at sea side .
Need Permits : Please Read Flying Rules in Egypt.
ALTITUDE : 1200 -1300 M ASL .
WIND: N- NE - E .
Car accessible + hiking- flyable most of the year
landing : any good area near to hurgada road
Need Permits : Please Read Flying Rules in Egypt.
Please Read : (Nikolay Yotov ) xc instructor article about Cross COUNTRY in Egypt
ALTITUDE : 45-50 M AGL .
WIND: W - NW -SW .
Car accessible : 4WHEELDRIVE - Need good off-road driver , or you can hire safari guide with 4wheel drive car @ wadi el Rayan protectorate . also camping is available in this area
Good for soaring - thermals induced from 2-4pm -soarable 18 to 29 wind kmh - best from October to February - in summer wind is gusty and very hot ,turbulence
landing : sandy dunes
Need Permits : Please Read Flying Rules in Egypt.
We are not a substitute for professional paragliding instruction.
Paragliding requires proper training and certification to ensure safety. We recommend that anyone interested in learning to paraglide enroll in a course with a reputable paragliding school in Egypt. Our role is to provide general information and resources to help you get started on your paragliding journey.
We are not affiliated with any specific paragliding schools or equipment brands.
We maintain an objective stance and do not promote any particular school or brand over another. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased information so you can make your own decisions.
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