When to Surf in Costa Rica: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
Wondering when’s the best time to surf in Costa Rica? The truth is there are waves here every month of the year — it just depends where you go.
The Pacific coast sees two main seasons: the dry months (Dec–Apr), when offshore winds and sunny days groom the beach breaks of Guanacaste, and the wetter green season (May–Nov), when SW swells light up the whole coastline, from Pavones to Witch’s Rock.
On the Caribbean side, the window is tighter but powerful, with reef breaks like Salsa Brava firing between November and March.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect and where to score.
>>Check out our full guide to surfing in Costa Rica for more information on the specific surf towns in this amazing country
Costa Rica surf seasons at a glance
| Month | Pacific Coast Surf | Caribbean Coast Surf | Best Regions to Surf |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Salsa Brava |
| February | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Avellanas, Marbella, Puerto Viejo |
| March | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Nicoya Peninsula, Salsa Brava |
| April | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Tamarindo, Santa Teresa |
| May | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Pavones, Dominical, Jaco |
| June | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Pavones, Hermosa, Esterillos |
| July | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Pavones, Santa Teresa, Dominical |
| August | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Pavones, Playa Hermosa, Dominical |
| September | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Central Pacific, Osa Peninsula |
| October | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Pavones, Osa, Hermosa |
| November | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Central Pacific, Dominical |
| December | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Playa Negra, Witch’s Rock, Puerto Viejo |
The wet season/Green Season in Costa Rica (May-November)
The wet season in Costa Rica – or the so-called Green Season – lasts roughly from May until November. The SW Pacific groundswells turn on the goods at this time, reaching all the way across from right down in the Southern Hemisphere and giving key spots in the south of the country – Pavones! – exactly what they like the most.
Mid-season can go pretty gnarly when the hurricane storms that brush Mexico and the Oaxaca coast can be felt along the north-west. They turn the otherwise beginner havens of Guanacaste into something more challenging for a brief day or two.
Basically, there’s tons of swell about on the Pacific and it can be big! On average, swells in the wet season are about double the size of what they are in the dry, so this is the time for more advanced surfers.
The Caribbean side of the country tends to be much smaller in May through to November. You might get lucky and find a stray typhoon system hitting somewhere north-east of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which can bring storm swells. However, we’d say the Pacific coast is by far the best bet!
Dry season (December-March)
You’ll feel the SW channels that bless Guancaste and the Nicoya Peninsula with their endless sets of 5-10 footers slacken a little around November. They never shut off entirely. Things are just a little less massive, so this is the best time for beginners wanting to hit the Pacific as the average size of sets can dip more than 50%.
The northernmost end of the Costa Rican Pacific coast can get some of the wintertime NW swells down from the northern Pacific. That helps add consistency throughout this season, meaning Tamarindo and the north remain decent choices.
Meanwhile, the unique flow-through of cold air from Colombia helps the Caribbean hit a high in December. It usually lasts until March, offering reliability to the reefs and fast shore-break tubes of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Monthly surf FAQs for the Costa Rica surf season
Each month in Costa Rica brings different surf conditions depending on the region. Here’s a breakdown of where to surf and what to expect throughout the year.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in January?
January is dry season on the Pacific coast, with offshore winds grooming the waves in Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and Nosara. The Caribbean coast can also fire this month, especially at Salsa Brava, thanks to strong winter swells from the north.
Where should I surf in Costa Rica in February?
Stick to the northern Pacific for clean, reliable beach breaks — Playa Avellanas and Marbella are great picks. The Caribbean remains active too, with some of the best reef swell of the year around Puerto Viejo.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in March?
Yes. Pacific conditions stay clean and sunny, especially around the Nicoya Peninsula. The Caribbean starts to taper off, but can still get solid days early in the month.
Where’s best for Costa Rica surfing in April?
April is the tail end of dry season. It’s still offshore in the mornings on the Pacific side, but expect smaller swells. Great for beginners around Tamarindo and Playa Santa Teresa.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in May?
May kicks off the wet season and swell season. SW swells start showing up consistently on the Pacific, lighting up Dominical, Pavones, and Playa Hermosa (Jaco).
Where to surf in Costa Rica in June?
June brings bigger, more consistent surf to the Pacific coast. Head south to spots like Pavones for long lefts, or try Central Pacific breaks like Esterillos for punchy beachies.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in July
Yes. July often sees a mini dry-season known as the veranillo. Expect solid swell and occasional glassy windows across both Central and Southern Pacific regions. If you’re goofy, you could make that once in a lifetime trip to Pavones right about now.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in August?
August is full-on swell season. Surf gets heavier, so it’s a good month for intermediate and advanced surfers. Dominical, Pavones, and Playa Hermosa can be on fire.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in September?
Yes, but it’s wetter and less predictable. SW swell is still pumping on the Pacific, but weather can be stormy. Pack for rain and focus on early sessions.
Where to surf in in Costa Rica in October?
October is peak wet season. Conditions can be raw but powerful. Pavones and the Osa Peninsula can still offer great sessions if the winds cooperate.
Where to surf in Costa Rica in November?
November is a transition month. Early in the month you’ll still get SW swell, but by the end things shift to dry season patterns. Great time to hit the Central Pacific.
Where’s best to surf in Costa Rica in December?
Dry season returns to the Pacific, bringing consistent offshores and smaller, clean surf. Playa Negra, Playa Grande, and Witch’s Rock all come into their own.
