Best time to surf in Costa Rica
April to October for intermediate surfers, April to December for beginners, and June for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 45 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 15 | 1 | 0.7–1.1 m | 29 °C | Limon |
| February | 3 | 15 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 29 °C | Limon |
| March | 7 | 14 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| April | 11 | 17 | 6 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| May | 12 | 18 | 7 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| June | 16 | 19 | 9 | 1–1.4 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| July | 14 | 21 | 6 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| August | 11 | 18 | 4 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| September | 11 | 19 | 3 | 0.9–1.3 m | 30 °C | Puntarenas |
| October | 10 | 18 | 4 | 0.8–1.2 m | 29 °C | Puntarenas |
| November | 7 | 17 | 3 | 0.9–1.3 m | 28 °C | Puntarenas |
| December | 3 | 19 | 0 | 0.7–1.1 m | 29 °C | Puntarenas |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puntarenas | March to November | March to December | 28–31 °C |
| Guanacaste | April to October | May to November | 28–30 °C |
| Limon | February, June to July | May to August, December to February | 28–30 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Costa Rica?
June, with about 16 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is April to October.
When is the best time to surf in Costa Rica for beginners?
April to December, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Costa Rica?
June has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.4 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Costa Rica in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 14 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Costa Rica?
About 28 °C in November (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 30 °C in May (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Costa Rica · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.