Playa Tamarindo • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

The North Pacific storm track fires up during these months, and Playa Tamarindo's west-northwest orientation finally aligns with the better long-period swells out of the W, WNW, NW, and NNW. Combined with the strong NE/ENE trade winds that blow cleanly offshore/cross-offshore, the dry season delivers the most consistent surf of the year. Water temperatures hover around 27°C (80°F), rain is scarce, and average surf heights sit near 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) with periods climbing into the powerful 12-14s range.

Fair Surf Season (April - August)

As the North Pacific goes quiet, the Southern Ocean and South Pacific step up. Swell direction shifts to SSW and SW, with periods often reaching 13.5-14.1s, but those angles are not ideal for a WNW-facing beach; wave quality depends on refraction, tide, and sandbar shape. Trade winds remain relatively favorable, especially from May through August, and the ocean warms to about 29°C (84°F). It is still very surfable, but expect more inconsistency and softer shoulders than during the core winter months.

Low Surf Season (September - November)

The green season peaks in September and October, bringing frequent rain, cloudier skies, and more variable winds. Swell energy is still present, mostly from the SSW and SW, but the west-northwest exposure rarely sees the full force of it. Onshore westerly and northwesterly wind days increase, and river runoff can add color to the lineup. November marks the beginning of the upswing as trades re-establish and the first North Pacific pulses sneak back into the picture.