Seasonal· Guna Yala (comarca-wide)· Other Caribbean

Christmas Winds (Reinforced Trades & Northers)

9° 34.2′ N · 78° 49.2′ W · approximate

From December to April the NE–E trades blow hard along Panama's Caribbean coast, peaking in January–February; outside the reefs seas build steeply while the lagoons stay flat, and occasional winter cold fronts send long-period northerly swell into exposed passes.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Coordinate approximate (comarca-wide). Dry season trades typically 15–25 kn with gusts over 30 kn in reinforced spells; seas outside the reef often 1.5–3 m (SailScanner). Northers (roughly Dec–Mar) bring strong N–NE winds and swell that can close exposed passes and make roadstead anchorages roll: move to inner lagoons with land or reef to the north, and delay reef transits. Porvenir's approach channel is difficult in northerlies (Noonsite). Puerto Obaldía's anchorage takes a large swell in peak trades, Jan–Mar. The crossing from Cartagena can be rough: one boat had a wave fill its dinghy in 25–30 kn (2017). Skies are generally clear and water visibility is best for eyeball navigation (SailScanner).

Best for

Planning passages and picking reef-protected anchorages in winter

Season

Dec–Apr, strongest Jan–Feb

Nearby