Playa Nosara • Statistics for April

April: South Swell City

April marks the real beginning of the core surf season at Playa Nosara. The wave rose is almost absurdly focused: SSW alone delivers 75.6% of all swell energy, with SW adding another 13.3% - a combined 89% from the optimal window. The average period climbs to 14.1 seconds and the average height remains a solid 4ft (1.3m). This is what a long-period South Pacific groundswell looks like in the tropics, and the beach becomes far more consistent than in the winter months.

Wind-wise, the dry-season trades begin to slacken. NE drops to 21% and the flow becomes lighter and more variable, with SE, S and SSW components filling in. Ideal wind sits at 47%, and because the prevailing wind tends to be light, the south swell gets a chance to stand up clean before the afternoon sea breeze. Rainfall starts to climb to 1.10mm/day as the first wet-season showers arrive, but water temperatures warm to 29.4°C.

The combination of focused SSW/SW swell and 14-second period means April is a standout month for pure wave quality. Dawn patrol generally reveals chest-to-head-high, rippable waves with genuine power - a major upgrade from the mixed winter surf.