Paunch in Panama is a wave magnet that primarily relies on wind swells, with ground swells being rare throughout the year. The best months for consistent surf are from December through March, when the swell size averages around 1.5m, and good wind conditions prevail 75-79% of the time. January and February stand out as the peak months, offering the most reliable combination of swell energy (97% wind swell) and favorable offshore winds. July also presents solid conditions with 1.4m swells and 83% good winds, making it a strong contender. The swell size gradually decreases from April through June, with May being the smallest (1.0m) and wind reliability dropping to 66%. The worst period is September to November, particularly October, when no swell occurs 33% of the time, swell height dips to 0.7m, and wind conditions are only favorable 50% of the time. For surfers prioritizing size and consistency, winter months (Dec-Mar) are ideal, while those willing to compromise for fewer crowds might still find decent waves in July. Avoid the fall months (Sep-Nov) unless you're comfortable with smaller, less predictable conditions.