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.

November in Manzanillo offers solid surfing conditions with an average swell height of 1.2m and a favorable swell period of 13.7s, providing well-spaced, powerful waves. The majority of swell comes from the SW (43.31% of waves in the 1-1.5m range) and SSW (27.85% in the same range), ensuring consistent wave energy. Larger swells (1.5-2m) are rarer but appear occasionally from SW and NE directions. Wind conditions are variable—NE and ENE winds dominate, often blowing at 20-30kph (17.51-11.99% frequency), which can create choppy conditions. However, about 30% of the time, winds align favorably for surfing, typically lighter or offshore. Expect a mix of clean and wind-affected sessions, with the best conditions occurring during lighter wind windows or when offshore breezes prevail. Overall, November delivers decent surf with good consistency, though wind management is key for optimal sessions.