Palomar
CAParagliding and hang gliding weather and wind forecast for Palomar, California.
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Location
What we look for at Palomar
Wind direction
SSW (200°) → WNW (290°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
5–10 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
SDHGPA-managed site (San Diego). Main Launch faces SW; ideal wind FROM ~220-320 deg (S/SW/W), acceptable 170-300. Ideal speed: PG min 0 / HG min 5, ideal 8 (PG) to 9 (HG); max 15 mph with gusts 5-8 mph. HAZARD: the "Toilet Bowl" is a known rotor zone immediately behind/east of launch — stay on the windward side, get high before drifting back with thermals well above terrain. Area above Main Launch can be very turbulent until early evening; mid-day flying is turbulent and needs advanced skill. Best time: afternoon through evening glass-off; fall-spring best, summer turbulent. Can work in mild Santa Ana due to valley micro-climate, but strong east winds penetrating over the mountain create layered rotor/shear/valley wind hazards. Upper "Smiley" Launch is a separate SE-S facing launch (ideal S-SW, 8-10 mph, not recommended in any west wind). Rating: H3/P3 (or H2/P2 with higher-rated pilots, site briefing, and instructor sign-off). Access: current USHPA + SDHGPA membership required; mixed paved/dirt drive-up road, do not drive single-occupant vehicles to launch.
Window data compiled from sdhgpa.com, public site guides and club resources.
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Sign in to contributeAbout Palomar
Palomar is a paragliding and hang gliding site in California. The launch faces southwest at 3,061 feet and works best in SSW to WNW wind of about 5 to 10 mph. There are 16 more Wonderwind sites within 50 miles, and the closest is Big Black, 15 miles away. Read the site guide on sdhgpa.com for rules and access before you fly.
Conditions are an automated estimate from public forecast models, not a go/no-go call. Always check the sky, talk to locals, and fly within your rating. You are responsible for your own safety.