San Carlos · Panama Oeste · Panama
Beach and gentle right point at San Carlos with a surf school on the sand; a common first surf for visitors from Panama City.
For intermediate surfers the best months are May: in May about 1 days have rideable waves and 0 rate good or better. Beginners find the friendliest waves in April. Experienced surfers looking for size and power: no clear season. Local guides: April-October (south swell season).
Water 28 °C in February to 30 °C in September: Boardshorts / rash vest in winter, Boardshorts / rash vest at the warmest.
| Month | Rideable days | Good days | Beginner days | Typical size | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 28 °C |
| Feb | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 28 °C |
| Mar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.7 m | 28 °C |
| Apr | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0.6 m | 29 °C |
| May | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0.7 m | 30 °C |
| Jun | 0 | 0 | 1 | – | 30 °C |
| Jul | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 30 °C |
| Aug | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 30 °C |
| Sep | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 30 °C |
| Oct | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 30 °C |
| Nov | 0 | 0 | 1 | – | 29 °C |
| Dec | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 29 °C |
Days per month, typical of the last three years of wave and wind model data, rated with the same scale as the forecast. Not a forecast: some years are better than others.
For intermediate surfers May; in May about 1 days a month have rideable waves and 0 are good or better. For beginners April. Local guides say: April-October (south swell season).
The sea ranges from about 28 °C in February to 30 °C in September. Wear a Boardshorts / rash vest in the coldest months and a Boardshorts / rash vest in the warmest.
Yes, on small days: it is a point break that suits beginners. Watch out for: rocks. Take a lesson or surf near the lifeguards if you are new.
S, SW swell, N, NW wind (offshore), at mid to high tide. Typical size 0.5-2 m.
Live swell, wind, tide, a 14-day outlook, satellite pictures and webcams for El Palmar are in the Surf Spoting app.