Playa Cambutal - surf spot statistics

Playa Cambutal in Panama offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with ground swells dominating the wave energy nearly every month. The swell is highly reliable, with ground swell percentages ranging from 89% in January to 100% in April, ensuring quality waves almost daily. Wind swells are minimal, contributing less than 11% at most, and there’s virtually no flat spell, making it a dependable destination for surfers. The mean swell size hovers between 1.3m and 1.5m, with the largest waves occurring from April to October, peaking at 1.5m during these months. However, wind conditions are the main variable affecting surf quality. Good offshore or light wind days are relatively scarce, with the best odds in July (37% good winds) and November-December (35-36%). The worst wind conditions prevail from January to March, where only around 23-24% of days have favorable winds. April through August sees a slight improvement, with good wind chances between 30-37%, though onshore winds still dominate. Overall, the best months to surf Playa Cambutal are likely April through August, when swell size is slightly larger and wind conditions are marginally better, especially in July. November and December also offer decent wind windows, paired with solid ground swell consistency. While waves are rideable year-round, mid-year months provide the most optimal balance of swell size and wind conditions for high-quality sessions.

November at Playa Cambutal offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.4m and a solid 14s period, providing well-organized, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are SSW and SW, with 43.4% of waves in the 1-1.5m range and 24.9% in the 1.5-2m range from the SSW—ideal for generating clean, ridable surf. The SW direction also contributes, adding smaller but still surfable waves. Wind conditions are favorable 35% of the time, typically light (0-20kph) from the S to WSW, but stronger winds (20-30kph) from the W and WSW can occasionally create chop. Expect mid-sized, high-quality waves with good shape, though wind variability may require selective sessions. Advanced surfers will appreciate the power and consistency, while intermediates should monitor wind shifts for optimal conditions. Overall, November is a reliable month for surf at this spot.