Best Time to Ride · Playa Venao vs Santa Catalina
Playa Venao vs Santa Catalina: which is better for surfing?
Playa Venao or Santa Catalina? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Playa Venao has bigger waves in 10 of 12 months.
- Santa Catalina has warmer water in 9 of 12 months.
- Best months at Playa Venao: April–November.
- Best months at Santa Catalina: May–November.
- 119 km apart.
BestApr–Nov
Playa Venao
Panama
Beginner-friendly · 29°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ CTD 66 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND282627272929292929292829
Best time to go →
BestMay–Nov
Santa Catalina
Panama
Intermediate and up · 29°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ CTD 101 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND292829293029303029292829
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.