Manzanillo - surf spot statistics

Manzanillo, Nicaragua, benefits from consistent ground swells year-round, rarely experiencing flat days (0% no swell). The best months for surfers are typically from March to October, when ground swell dominates (90–98%) and wind conditions gradually improve. March through June offers reliable 1.2–1.4m swells with slightly better wind percentages (21–31% good), though onshore winds remain a challenge (69–79% bad). Late-season months like September and October stand out, combining strong ground swells (93%) with the year’s best wind conditions (33–36% good). July and August see slightly larger swells (1.4m) but suffer from inconsistent winds (20–25% good). Winter months (November–February) are less ideal due to higher bad wind frequencies (70–85%), despite decent swell size (1.2m). For advanced surfers prioritizing clean conditions, September and October are the prime window—expect manageable winds and consistent, mid-sized swells. However, expect year-round wind volatility, making dawn patrol or sheltered sections the best bet.

June in Manzanillo, Nicaragua offers solid surf conditions with a dominant swell from the southwest, providing consistent waves averaging 1.4m and a strong period of 14.7s—ideal for generating clean, powerful waves. The swell distribution shows the highest frequency in the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m ranges (42.94% and 14.81% from SW, respectively), ensuring rideable waves most of the time. Winds are the main variable, with only 31% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore conditions. The prevailing ENE winds (15.84% at 20-30kph) often bring choppier onshore flow, particularly in the afternoons. Early mornings tend to be cleaner, especially when winds shift lighter from the south or SW. Overall, expect punchy beachbreak waves with good shape when winds cooperate, though patience may be needed for optimal sessions. Advanced surfers will find the most opportunities, particularly on mid-range swells with favorable wind windows.