Map
Punta Panico
Today's Surf Conditions at Punta Panico
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Punta Panico lurks just south of Cabo Blanco, a raw, demanding left-hand reef break that commands respect from even the most seasoned surfers. This is not a wave for the faint of heart—it’s a fast, hollow tube over a jagged rocky bottom that comes alive when northwest swell marches in. While the broader Peruvian point can catch S-SW energy, Punta Panico truly shines with a northwesterly pulse, handling swell from three feet (one meter) all the way up to well overhead. Timing is everything: aim for mid to high tide to avoid the shallow, barnacle-encrusted sections, and make sure the wind is blowing from the southeast to keep the face clean and pitching. The setting is as dramatic as the wave itself. Cliffs curve around the point, creating a sheltered amphitheater of water where the reef mixes sand and rock, producing waves that are both distinct and punchy. Paddling out can be an adventure—either from the beach or over the jagged rocks off the point—but beware of the barnacles and the powerful rip. The local crew knows every shift in the lineup, so come with humility and sharp reflexes. This is strictly for expert surfers seeking quick, grinding barrels and a lineup that rewards precision. If you can handle the intensity, Punta Panico delivers sessions that are as memorable as they are challenging.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (December - April)
Punta Panico hits its stride from December through April, when the combination of consistent, long-period groundswell from the Southern Hemisphere and favorable offshore winds aligns perfectly. During these months, the South Pacific storm track is active, sending pulses of SSW to SW swell that wrap nicely into the NW-facing beach. Average wave heights range from 1.5m to 1.7m with periods averaging 14 seconds, offering powerful, rippable waves. The wind is ideal over 56% of the time, with light to moderate S to SSW breezes grooming the faces. This is prime time for securing clean, punchy surf with occasional XL days pushing past 2.5m on sizable swells.
Fair Surf Season (May & October - November)
May and the October-November window serve as transition periods. May sees the largest average swell heights of the year (1.8m) and a beaming 14.1s period, but the wind ideal percentage drops to 45% as stronger southerly winds begin to kick up. The surf remains powerful and consistent, but expect more texture and occasional blown-out sessions. October and November offer a step-down in size (1.7-1.8m) with still-solid periods, yet offshore wind windows tighten further (21-26% ideal). These months reward the dedicated surfer who can pick the windows where a strong high-pressure system stalls over the Pacific, delivering glassy mornings before the afternoon sea breeze ruins the party.
Low Surf Season (June - September)
June through September is the winter low season for surfing at Punta Panico. While the Southern Hemisphere winter produces the heaviest and most consistent SSW swell of the year (average 1.9m at 13.8-14.0s), the trade-off is a dramatic increase in southerly wind strength. The wind blows offshore from the S to SW over 80% of the time, but speeds frequently exceed 20-30 kph, making the waves choppy, bumpy, and difficult to surf. Ideal wind conditions plummet to 22-30%, meaning only the rare calm day or sheltered corner of the point offers truly good waves. During these months, the ocean is pumping with raw power, but the quality is often a battle with the wind.
Detailed Surf Information for Punta Panico
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Punta Panico with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
