Best Time to Surf in Nicaragua: Ultimate Surfing Guide

Recognized around the world as one of the top surf trip destinations and a global surfing mecca, Nicaragua is home to a variety of surfing spots for all experience levels. Moreover, thanks to natural phenomena, the Central American country promises world-class swells all year.

In fact, the best time of the year to surf Nicaragua’s coast is different for every type of traveler, depending on what types of waves you are looking for.

Whether you are looking to experience the biggest and most powerful waves the country offers or are simply looking for a fantastic spot to catch your very first wave, this is the best time to surf Nicaragua’s various surfing hot spots.

Planning a surf trip to Central America? Don’t forget to check out my other Nicaragua Travel Guides for more advice, tips, and inspiration.

The Best Time to Surf in Nicaragua

The best surf season in Nicaragua is during the region’s wet season, which runs from the end of March to September. During this time, big-wave surfers flood Nicaragua’s coastal hotspots in search of consistent swells and big breaks.

However, while the wet season is the best time of year to visit Nicaragua for professional and experienced surfers, the waves at this time aren’t particularly beginner-friendly, and those looking to catch their first waves may be better off visiting at another time of the year.

In fact, Nicaragua features several surfing regions along both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, each of which offers the best surfing conditions at different points throughout the year and caters to various skill levels.

The Lake Nicaragua Effect

Nicaragua’s year-round suitability as a world-class surfing destination is largely thanks to the inland Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.

At 8,264 square kilometers, the lake is so expansive that it actually causes a meteorological anomaly colloquially known as the Lake Nicaragua Effect, in which the lake is perfectly placed inland that it helps facilitate the continental crossing of the world’s trade winds from Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast to its Pacific Coast.

The result is steady offshore winds, creating consistent surf, for more than 300 days of the year—a feat that in any other part of the world is legendary in proportions. As the trade winds meet the east coast, they meet with the Pacific Ocean’s southern swells to produce perfect conditions for year-round surf.

So, let’s take a closer look at what this means for the best time to surf in Nicaragua for the country’s different regions and skill levels.

Surfing in the Dry Season

The Dry Season in Nicaragua runs from December to March and is the best time to surf in Nicaragua for beginners. During this time of year, the country’s surfing hotspots along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast feature reliable swells smaller than during the wet season, providing consistent surf, thanks to the Lake Nicaragua Effect.

It is a great time for surfers with less experience or those looking to catch their first wave. However, the Dry Season is also the peak season in Nicaragua, and you should expect to share the surf with plenty of tourists.

While the dry season offers the perfect beginner-friendly surf along the West Coast, more experienced surfers looking for larger waves should head over to the Caribbean side of the country, with several of its popular surf spots boasting their best conditions of the year during this time.

Surfing in the Wet Season

Spanning from the end of March to September, the wet season is the best time to surf the popular hot spots along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, promising big waves and barrels along its reef and beach breaks.

April to June is particularly a great time to hit these surf spots as it is the region’s low season. Along with promising consistent good waves, surfers will also have fewer tourists looking to catch their first waves getting in the way. Of course, this low season ends at the end of June, when tourists arrive in droves for the summer holidays.

Nicaragua’s Surfing Regions

Along with its main surf regions along its Pacific Coast, Nicaragua boasts some lesser-known hot spots for niche surfing. Let’s take a closer look at what each of the country’s surf regions offers.

San Juan del Sur

The majority of Nicaragua’s world-class surf destinations are all focused around the Pacific Coast town of San Juan del Sur.

Home to an established surfing industry, the community offers several services, ranging from board rentals and surf lessons to full-day excursions, including boat trips, to some of the region’s best breaks.

Home to a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and bars, San Juan del Sur is a great spot to base for a surfing holiday to Nicaragua and offers convenient access to several surf spots.

Beginner surfers looking to catch their first waves will want to head over to Playa Maderas, a popular surf spot and beach promising consistent low-level waves and onsite amenities and lessons.

Meanwhile, more experienced surfers can head over to Playa Hermosa, a less touristy beach promising arching breaks perfect for big wave surfing.

Planning a trip to Nicaragua’s surf capital? Don’t forget to check out my full San Juan del Sur Travel Guide!

Pacific Coast

Beyond the beaches of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is home to several fantastic surfing destinations along its entire shoreline, many of which offer a quieter setting for enjoying a relaxing day on the waves.

Like in San Juan del Sur, the best time for experienced surfers to visit Nciargaua’s Pacific Coast is during the wet season, from March to September. Meanwhile, beginners should plan to visit when weaves are slightly more manageable, from November to April.

Some of the best beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast for surfing are Playa el Yankee for beginners and Playa Miramar for experienced surfers.

Caribbean Coast

While the surf scene along Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast is not as celebrated as the regions along the other side of the country, it does still boast some fantastic surf hotspots for those looking to escape the crowds of San Juan del Sur.

What’s more, the Caribbean features warm waters compared to the Pacific, promising more comfortable surfing conditions for learning how to catch a wave. Unfortunately, this coast is not well-suited for wet season surfing, as it is subject to the tropical storms of the Caribbean.

Corn Islands

While not as renowned as Nicaragua’s other regions, the Corn Islands found within the Caribbean do offer some surfing opportunities. Both Big and Corn Island feature year-round waves and are popular amongst beginner and intermediate surfers looking for a relaxing wave.

The surf does get a little rougher during the wet season, making it the best time for experienced surfers to visit the islands.

The Best Surf Spots in Nicaragua & When to Expect the Best Waves

1. Playa Maderas

Popular Beach and Reef Break with Consistent Waves Perfect for Beginners

Only about a 20-minute drive from Nicaragua’s surfing haven in San Juan del Sur, Playa Madera is easily the most popular surf spot in the country, with a combination of beach and reef breaks offering the perfect surf conditions for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Playa Madera is also a great setting for enjoying the surfing atmosphere without actually taking to the water. Whether you’re heading to the beach with friends or simply want to soak in the laid setting, Playa Madera offers plenty of sand and a beachside bar for enjoying the surfer lifestyle.

While the beach offers year-round consistent swells, the best time to visit for experienced surfers to catch big waves is during the wet season. However, as a particularly favorite destination for those looking to catch their first waves, the best time to surf Playa Madera for beginners is from November to April.

2. Playa Colorado

A Private Beach with a Reef Break Promising Big Swells for Experienced Surfers

While Playa Madera is the best surf spot for beginners and intermediates, Playa Colorado is the absolute pinnacle of Nicargaua’s big wave surf offerings.

Located about a one-hour drive north of San Juan del Sur, Playa Colorado benefits from the year-round swells of Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, but the best time to surf the region is definitely during the wet season, when waves are often head high and larger, with plenty of barrels to go around.

March to the first half of June is a particularly great time to surf this hot spot, as the region’s low season means there is less competition before the summer crowds begin to flock in.

3. Playa Hermosa

A Secluded Southern Beach with barrels Perfect for Experienced Surfers.

Another fantastic surf spot near San Juan del Sur, Playa Hermosa, offers a mile of pristine white sands for visitors looking for a secluded surf spot.

About a 25-minute drive south of town, Playa Hermosa requires a small fee to access the road leading to its shorelines but rewards visitors with a vast expanse of sand, leading to some of the best waves in the country.

Perfect for experienced surfers looking to escape the tourist crowds, this southern Nicaragua beach features some impressive breaks and powerful swells with a mid-to-high tide break.

While Playa Hermosa offers exciting surf throughout the year, the best waves are to be had around the wet season, between March and October.

4. Playa Santana

Beginner Friendly Beach And reef Breaks Between Popoyo and San Juan del Sur

Tucked away about halfway between Nicaragua’s popular surf towns of San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, Playa Santana offers a varied selection of Beach and Reef breaks along picturesque vistas of untouched coastline.

While there are some beginner-friendly waves to be had in the area, Playa Santana predominantly features swells better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Luckily, there’s plenty of space to catch a wave, and surfers won’t have too hard of a time finding their own spots along the surf. The best time to surf in Playa Santana is from December to February for beginners and from March to November for more advanced surfers.

5. Playa Gigante

Hidden Beach with Consistent Waves Perfect for Beginners.

Promising some of the best surf breaks in the country, Playa Gigante is the perfect destination to catch a wave without competing with the larger crowds around San Juan del Sur.

And despite what the name may suggest, Playa Gigante is well-suited for all experience levels, boasting both big wave breaks and consistent smaller swells perfect for those catching their first waves.

December to March is a great time for beginner surfers to take lessons, while the region’s wet season offers more experienced surfers the opportunity to catch bigger waves without crowding.

6. Playa el Yankee

Untouched Beaches with Breathtaking Waves for Beginners

Located not too far from Playa Hermosa, Playa el Yankee tends to experience far fewer visitors while still boasting the idyllic, untouched coastlines of South Pacific Nicaragua.

What’s more, while Playa Hermosa is great for experienced surfers looking for an isolated section of water, Playa el Yankee promises smaller but consistent waves, perfect for those within the beginner to intermediate levels.

The breaks here are all white sand bottoms, resulting in it being a great place to learn to surf while taking a couple of falls.

7. Punta Miramar

Point Break in Northern Nicaragua Offering Challenging Waves

Located within the Leon Province, Punta Miramar is perfect for visitors looking to catch a wave while exploring the northern reaches of the country.

Located less than an hour’s drive from the city of Leon, Punta Miramar is an exposed point break promising big swells and breaking barrels. It promises the perfect isolated surf spot for advanced skill levels, far away from the busy tourist crowds of San Juan del Sur.

Additionally, Punta Miramar promises plenty of nearby hotels and surf camps, making it the perfect spot for a surfing holiday. The best time to surf this big wave haven is from March to October.

8. Playa Amarillo

Beginner Friendly Surf Spot Perfect for Catching first Waves.

Located between Gigante Bay and Popoyo, Playa Amarillo offers long empty stretches of both beach and reef breaks, with plenty of space to catch a wave without competing with the heavy crowds of the more popular surf spots.

Known as a beginner-friendly surf spot, the best time to surf Playa Amarillo is between November and April. However, like many other beaches in the country, more experienced surfers can still catch their thrill in Playa Amarillo, with the beach offering its best big wave surfers between March and October.

9. Little Corn Island

Tropical Caribbean Paradise with Limited Surf Scene

As a quiet tropical paradise in the Caribbean, the Corn Islands are not known for their waves. In fact, throughout most of the year, there is no surf to be had between the two islands.

However, those set on experiencing a slice of paradise while catching a few swells can expect a small window throughout the summer months in which the islands experience surfable waves, with swells often peaking in July and August.

What’s more, the Caribbean features a much warmer water temperature, making it a comfortable spot for catching a great wave.

10. Big Corn Island

Beautiful Island with Manageable waves in the Wet Season

Like Little Corn Island, Big Corn Island does not host any notable surf throughout most of the year. Instead, those looking to catch a wave while visiting its tropical shores should plan to visit during the summer months, between May and October.

The best surf on the island occurs at the peak of the rainy season, in July and August, when the resulting waves are at their most inviting.

Whether planning your next surf trip or looking for adventures through Central America, be sure to check out my full Nicaragua Travel Guide for more tips, tricks, and advice to experience the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.