Surfing in Panama in August
In August the best surfing in Panama is at Santa Catalina, Playa Venao & Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.1 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 29–30°C, no wetsuit
- Air: 29°C by day, 24°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 23 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 29; a day can have both
- Warm enough for no wetsuit: Santa Catalina, Playa Venao & Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff.
- For beginners: Playa Venao.
When are you planning to go?
1
AugPEAK SEASON
Santa Catalina
Panama
1 m waves30° water29° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ CTD 101 km
2
AugPEAK SEASON
Playa Venao
Panama
1.1 m waves29° water29° air
Beginner-friendly · no wetsuit · ✈ CTD 66 km
3
AugGOOD
Playa Bluff
Bocas del Toro · Panama
1.1 m waves30° water29° air
Advanced only · no wetsuit · ✈ BOC 7 km
Averages of the 3 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in Panama in August?
Santa Catalina: 1 m waves; Playa Venao: 1.1 m waves; Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff: 1.1 m waves.
How warm is the water in Panama in August?
About 30°C: no wetsuit.
Where can beginners go surfing in August?
Good spots for beginners this month: Playa Venao.
Which airport is closest?
Alonso Valderrama Airport (CTD), 101 km from Santa Catalina; Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport (BOC), 7 km from Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff.
