Rio Mar surf forecast

San Carlos · Panama Oeste · Panama

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Right-hand reef point in front of the Rio Mar community, just west of El Palmar; better shaped than the beaches nearby on lower tides.

Break
point break, rights; faces SE
Level
intermediate
Best swell
S, SW
Best wind
N, NW (offshore)
Best tide
low to mid tide
Season
April-October (south swell season)
Typical size
1-2 m
Crowd
medium
Hazards
rocks; reef

Best time to surf Rio Mar

For intermediate surfers the best months are March to May: in March about 1 days have rideable waves and 0 rate good or better. It is rarely small and clean enough for beginners. 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.

MonthRideable daysGood daysBeginner daysTypical sizeWater
Jan000–28 °C
Feb000–28 °C
Mar1010.6 m28 °C
Apr1010.7 m29 °C
May1010.8 m30 °C
Jun000–30 °C
Jul000–30 °C
Aug000–30 °C
Sep000–30 °C
Oct000–30 °C
Nov000–29 °C
Dec000–29 °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.

Nearby spots

Questions

When is the best time to surf Rio Mar?

For intermediate surfers March to May; in March about 1 days a month have rideable waves and 0 are good or better. Local guides say: April-October (south swell season).

What is the water temperature at Rio Mar and which wetsuit do I need?

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.

Is Rio Mar good for beginners?

It is best for intermediate surfers (rocks; reef). Beginners nearby can try El Palmar, San Carlos.

What swell, wind and tide work best at Rio Mar?

S, SW swell, N, NW wind (offshore), at low to mid tide. Typical size 1-2 m.

Live swell, wind, tide, a 14-day outlook, satellite pictures and webcams for Rio Mar are in the Surf Spoting app.