Panama's Surf Seasons Decoded: When to Plan Your Panama Surf Trip

Panama may be the Western Hemisphere's most underrated surf destination. Often overshadowed by popular yet crowded surf destinations like Costa Rica and El Salvador, Panama has slipped under the radar for many surf travelers. Panama offers surfers roughly 1,550 miles of wave-rich costs between dueling coastlines. No matter what time of year you travel to Panama, you're bound to find surf, warm water, and friendly locals. Between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Panama is home to almost too many good waves to count. Unfortunately, Panama's best waves don't always break at the same time, so traveling surfers must be intentional about when and where they hunt for waves. If you're planning a Panama surf trip, continue reading below for Panama's Surf Seasons Decoded: When to Plan Your Panama Surf Trip.

When is Swell Season in Panama?

With two distinct coastlines (the Pacific and the Caribbean), Panama has two distinct surf seasons. This means no matter what time of year you travel, you can find world-class waves.

Swell Season on Panama's Pacific Coast

Swell season on Panama's Pacific Coast falls during the rainy season, from Late April through September. During this time, powerful winter storms form at the lower latitudes of the globe and send long-period ground swell, traveling thousands of miles toward Panama's serpentine-shaped Pacific Coastline. These swells organize themselves into well-groomed sets and peel down Panama's sandbars, reefs, and points in the form of world-class waves. If you're a serious surfer traveling to Panama's Pacific coast, book your stay for the rainy season.

Swell Season on Panama's Caribbean Coast

The main surf area on Panama's Caribbean coast is Bocas Del Toro, an archipelago that rises out of turquoise tropical water and is dotted with lively coral reef. The swell season in the Caribbean is driven by winter weather activity in the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere and thus falls during the dry season (October through April). During this time, powerful winter storms like nor'easters send swells from the northern Atlantic to the Caribbean that collide with Bocas Del Tora's near-perfect reef passes to produce flawless turquoise waves. If you're barrel hunting in Panama, hit Bocas in the middle of winter.

What's it Like to Travel During the Rainy Season in Panama

Despite what its name may suggest, traveling during Panama in the rainy season is pleasant. Yes, it rains daily, but usually in the afternoon, and the daily rain offers a brief respite from the tropical heat. During the rainy seasons, the country is teeming with life. The hills are green, the rivers are flowing, and the swell is pumping.

What's it Like to Travel to Panama in the Dry Season

Panama's dry season is never-ending blue skies and sunshine. On the Caribbean coast, it's swell season, and on the Pacific coast, surfers enjoy small, well-groomed waves. Thanks to the Papagayo Winds, the Pacific Coast experiences nearly all-day offshore winds during the dry season. So, despite the smaller swell size, it's an excellent time for beginner and intermediate surfers to enjoy everything Panama's Pacific Coast offers.

When to Travel to Playa Venao, Panama

Playa Venao is one of Panama's premier waves and surf destinations, offering something for every surfer. Whether you're an experienced surfer paddling out at the main peak or a new surfer taking lessons in the corner of the cove, Playa Venao has something for you. Even during the biggest swells of the year, the corners of the Playa Venao provide new surfers with small, beginner-friendly waves. So, new surfers can plan a trip to Playa Venao any time of year to learn to surf with our world-class instructors.

Book your stay at our Panama Surf Camp to experience the magic of Playa Venao for yourself. Whether you're traveling to surf, train, or unwind, Beach Break Surf Camp is the ultimate destination for new and experienced surfers alike.

‍