Best time to surf in Panama
April to July for intermediate surfers, March to August for beginners, and January for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 20 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 28 °C | Los Santos |
| February | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Los Santos |
| March | 6 | 12 | 3 | 0.8–1.2 m | 29 °C | Los Santos |
| April | 8 | 13 | 6 | 0.9–1.3 m | 29 °C | Los Santos |
| May | 7 | 11 | 5 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| June | 7 | 13 | 4 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| July | 8 | 14 | 3 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| August | 4 | 12 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| September | 3 | 10 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| October | 3 | 8 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Los Santos |
| November | 3 | 9 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 29 °C | Los Santos |
| December | 2 | 11 | 0 | 0.7–1.1 m | 29 °C | Los Santos |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veraguas | April to June | March to August | 28–30 °C |
| Bocas del Toro | July | few beginner days | 28–31 °C |
| Los Santos | March to September | March to April, June to September, December | 27–29 °C |
| Panama Oeste | May | April | 28–30 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Panama?
April, with about 8 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is April to July.
When is the best time to surf in Panama for beginners?
March to August, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Panama?
January has the biggest typical surf (about 0.9–1.3 m at the spots we follow).
Can you surf in Panama in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 6 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Panama?
About 28 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 30 °C in May (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Panama · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.