Careneros - surf spot statistics

Careneros in Panama is primarily a windswell-dominated spot, with very little ground swell influence throughout the year. The best months for surfers are typically from December through March, when swell consistency and wind conditions are most favorable. During these months, windswell makes up 97-98% of the waves, with negligible ground swell, and mean swell sizes range between 1.3m and 1.5m. Wind conditions are relatively good, with favorable winds occurring 56-60% of the time, though there’s still a notable chance of poor wind days, especially in March when offshore winds are slightly more frequent. Swell size begins to drop in April, averaging 1.1m, and wind reliability decreases, making early-year months more consistent. May through November sees a decline in quality, with September and October being particularly weak—swell size drops to 0.7m-0.8m, and wind conditions worsen significantly, with bad winds occurring over 50-63% of the time. July stands out as a minor exception in the mid-year slump, with a small swell uptick (1.4m) and slightly improved winds. Overall, the ideal window is December to March, offering the most reliable size and better wind odds, though surfers should be prepared for some onshore interference, given that bad winds still occur 40-44% of the time even in peak months. Late-season surf (September-November) is generally poor due to weak swells and unfavorable winds.

March at Careneros, Panama, offers decent surfing conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a period of 8.2s, providing consistent and manageable waves. The primary swell directions are ENE and NE, accounting for the majority of the swell distribution, with ENE swells (1.5-2m at 7.26%) and NE swells (1-1.5m at 21.67%) delivering the best wave energy. The wind is favorable for surfing 60% of the time, predominantly coming from the W, WNW, and NW, but staying in the 10-20kph range most frequently (12-15%). While stronger winds (20-30kph) do occur occasionally, they’re less common, typically under 1.5%. The lack of southerly swells means wave variety is limited, but the ENE/NE swells combined with manageable winds create reliable, intermediate-friendly conditions—ideal for surfers looking for clean, waist-to-head-high waves without excessive chop. However, mornings often provide the best sessions before afternoon winds pick up slightly. Overall, March is a solid month with consistent surf, though not epic.