A variety of conditions determine whether your kite rises to the clouds or crashes down to land. Ideal wind speed factors into your success a great deal but varies by kite type.
Light Winds
Diamond and dragon kites fly well in light winds. More specifically, zero wind and ultra light kites fly best with winds between 2 and 5 mph, while moderately light kites, large foils, large power kites, deltas, box and cellular kites fly best in winds ranging from 6 to 12 mph.
Medium Winds
Most standard kites, including many diamond kites, fly best in medium wind. Standard kites handle wind speeds between 13 and 17 mph well, with the upper wind range of standard kites resting around 18 to 20 mph.
Heavy Winds
Parafoil and specialized kites need slightly stronger winds to fly best. Specifically, most specialized kites fly best in 19 to 24 mph winds, while vented sport kites and small power foils need 25 to 31 mph winds. Conveyances pulled by kites work well in 31 to 40 mph winds, and buggies and vented kites can even handle winds ranging from 41 to 50 mph.