Satellite-derived data (NSCAT and Quickscat) are used to study the annual variability of the sea surface winds over the Gulf of California. Our results indicate that the monsoon character of the winds have been exaggerated. Particularly erroneous is the concept that the wind has two symmetrically, gulf-following, preferred directions. For some years, this has been the main characteristic used to explain the dynamics of the gulf and it has influenced the development of the ocean circulation models of the region. The surface winds have an average direction that follows that of the gulf, but generally track in a south-eastward direction. The summer reversal (i.e. wind flowing from the south-east) occasionally occurs only in the southern regions. The magnitude and standard deviation of the winds are largest in winter. There is an important east-west gradient in their magnitude and the winds on the peninsular side are generally stronger than those of the continental side.