Best time to surf in Nicaragua
April to October for intermediate surfers, April to November for beginners, and June for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 26 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0.7–1.1 m | 27 °C | Leon |
| February | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0.7–1.1 m | 26 °C | Managua |
| March | 7 | 18 | 2 | 0.8–1.2 m | 27 °C | Leon |
| April | 14 | 23 | 5 | 0.9–1.3 m | 28 °C | Leon |
| May | 15 | 24 | 7 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Rivas |
| June | 21 | 23 | 13 | 1–1.4 m | 30 °C | Rivas |
| July | 17 | 24 | 6 | 0.9–1.3 m | 29 °C | Leon |
| August | 13 | 23 | 5 | 0.8–1.2 m | 30 °C | Leon |
| September | 14 | 23 | 4 | 0.8–1.2 m | 30 °C | Rivas |
| October | 12 | 21 | 5 | 0.8–1.2 m | 29 °C | Leon |
| November | 7 | 18 | 2 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Leon |
| December | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0.6–1 m | 27 °C | Managua |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivas | April to September | April to October | 25–30 °C |
| Leon | April to October | March to November | 28–30 °C |
| Managua | April to September | March to May, July to November | 27–30 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Nicaragua?
June, with about 21 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is April to October.
When is the best time to surf in Nicaragua for beginners?
April to November, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Nicaragua?
June has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.4 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Nicaragua in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 17 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Nicaragua?
About 26 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 30 °C in May (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Nicaragua · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.