When is the best time to surf in El Palmar, Panama? (Season guide for beginners & intermediates)
- abDieL aDameS
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Planning a surf trip to Panama and wondering when the best time is to visit El Palmar? The good news: you can surf here year round.
But depending on the season, the experience changes. Especially when it comes to wave size, crowd levels, and who the conditions are best suited for.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for soft waves or an intermediate surfer chasing more power, this guide will help you choose the right time to visit El Palmar.
Surf seasons in El Palmar: What to expect
El Palmar is one of the few surf spots in Panama that works throughout the year, but it feels different in every season. Here’s how it breaks down.
Dry season (December – April): Ideal for learning
This is Panama’s dry season and for many travelers the most popular time to visit.
What the surf is like:
Smaller, softer waves
Clean, consistent conditions
Ideal for learning and building confidence
Who it’s best for:
Beginner surfers
First time surfers
Travelers looking for relaxed conditions
What to expect overall:
More sunshine and easy, predictable surf sessions.
Note for intermediates: While beginners love this season, the waves can occasionally be too small to offer a real challenge for more experienced intermediate surfers.
Rainy season (May – November): Best for intermediate surfers
This is when El Palmar starts to show a different side. The rainy season brings stronger swell to the Pacific coast, transforming the wave.
What the surf is like:
Bigger, more powerful waves
More dynamic conditions
Still a beach break but with more energy
Who it’s best for:
Intermediate surfers looking for the best conditions
Beginners ready to level up
Surfers looking for more challenge without heavy crowds
👉 This is the prime season for intermediates, as the Pacific swell provides the power and size needed to really improve.
Dry season vs rainy season: Quick comparison
Season | Wave type | Best for | Crowd level | Overall feel |
Dry (Dec–Apr) | Small, soft | Beginners | Moderate | Easy, sunny |
Rainy (May–Nov) | Bigger, stronger | Intermediates | Lower | Lush, dynamic |
Why El Palmar works year round
Not every surf spot in Panama offers this kind of flexibility.
What makes El Palmar unique:
A consistent beach break
Access to nearby Playa Serena for beginners when swells are high
Conditions that evolve with the seasons
👉 This means you can:
Start as a beginner at any time of the year
Come back in the rainy season as an intermediate
Experience a completely different, more powerful wave
How it compares to other surf spots in Panama
If you’re still deciding where to go, it’s worth comparing El Palmar to other well known spots.
Santa Catalina → more powerful, better for advanced surfers
Playa Venao → consistent but more crowded and higher cost
El Palmar → more accessible, less crowded, and adaptable
👉 For a deeper comparison, check:
El Palmar vs Santa Catalina
Playa Venao vs El Palmar
Or explore all the best surf spots for beginners in Panama
FAQ: Surfing in El Palmar
Can you surf in El Palmar year round? Yes. El Palmar offers surfable waves throughout the year. For beginners, we can always move to nearby Playa Serena if the main break is too big.
What is the best month to surf in El Palmar? It depends on your level. Beginners can enjoy any month, while intermediate surfers definitely prefer the rainy season (May–Nov) for more consistent power.
Is El Palmar good for beginner surfers? Yes. It’s one of the best beginner friendly surf spots in Panama because of its adaptability and the nearby backup spots.
Plan your stay in El Palmar
No matter when you visit, El Palmar offers a surf experience that adapts to you. If you’re looking to:
Learn to surf (with instructors who find the best beach for your level)
Improve your skills on bigger rainy season swells
Or simply enjoy uncrowded waves
You’ll find the right conditions here.
Explore:
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