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.

In September, Careneros typically experiences small to moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of **0.8m** and a decent period of **7.8s**, suggesting somewhat organized but generally softer waves. The swell direction is predominantly **NE to ENE**, accounting for **over 90% of the waves**, with the majority falling in the **0.5-1.5m range**. Larger waves (1.5-2m) occur occasionally (around 2.4% of the time), but there are practically no waves over 2.5m. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing **44% of the time**, with the most common winds coming from **WNW, NW, and NNW** at speeds under 20kph. However, stronger winds (20-30kph) from these directions can occasionally create choppy conditions. Given the spot's exposure, these swells and winds typically produce **knee-to-chest-high waves** with occasional shoulder-high sets. The consistency is decent for an exposed point break, but advanced surfers may find the waves lack power, while beginners and intermediates can enjoy manageable, user-friendly conditions when winds are light.