Surfing in Nicaragua in May
In May the best surfing in Nicaragua is at Popoyo, Playa Santana & Playa Colorado.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.4 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 30°C, no wetsuit
- Air: 33°C by day, 25°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 30 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 19; a day can have both
- Warm enough for no wetsuit: Popoyo, Playa Santana & Playa Colorado.
When are you planning to go?
1
MayPEAK SEASON
Popoyo
Nicaragua
1.5 m waves30° water33° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ MGA 75 km
2
MayPEAK SEASON
Playa Santana
Nicaragua
1.5 m waves30° water33° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ MGA 76 km
3
MayPEAK SEASON
Playa Colorado
Nicaragua
1.3 m waves30° water33° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ MGA 83 km
4
MayPEAK SEASON
Playa Maderas
Nicaragua
1.3 m waves30° water33° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ LIR 87 km
Averages of the 4 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in Nicaragua in May?
Popoyo: 1.5 m waves; Playa Santana: 1.5 m waves; Playa Colorado: 1.3 m waves.
How warm is the water in Nicaragua in May?
About 30°C: no wetsuit.
Which airport is closest?
Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport (MGA), 75 km from Popoyo; Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), 87 km from Playa Maderas.
