Boca Barranca - surf spot statistics

Boca Barranca in Costa Rica is a renowned river-mouth point break that offers long, peeling left-hand waves, heavily dependent on ground swells for quality surf. Analyzing the monthly averages, the best time to surf here is during the dry season, particularly from **December to April**, when ground swell consistency is high (80-87%), and swell size is manageable, averaging 0.8m to 1.0m. This period also sees slightly better wind conditions, with favorable winds occurring 37-44% of the time, though onshore winds are still frequent. The peak months for reliable ground swells are **February to May**, with March and April offering the best balance between swell size (0.9m-1.0m) and consistency. However, wind conditions are less ideal during these months, with bad winds prevailing 60-65% of the time, meaning early mornings often provide the cleanest waves. The wet season (**May-November**) brings larger swells (1.1m-1.2m) but also higher chances of onshore winds, particularly from September onward when bad winds occur up to 68% of the time. September and October see a slight drop in ground swell dominance (81-83%) and increased wind swell influence, which can make conditions less predictable. For surfers prioritizing clean, rideable waves, **December to February** may be optimal despite smaller swell sizes, as wind conditions improve slightly compared to later months. Overall, Boca Barranca is most consistent in the first half of the year, but surfers should expect frequent wind challenges regardless of season. Early sessions are recommended to maximize glassy conditions.

February at Boca Barranca offers consistent but relatively small surf, with an average swell height of 0.8m and a solid 14.0s period, indicating well-spaced, organized waves. The swell predominantly arrives from the SSW (60.55% of waves in the 0.5-1m range), with occasional contributions from the SW (12.04% in the same range) and S (2.11%). While larger waves over 1.5m are rare, the long period ensures good energy, making the smaller waves rideable and fun, especially for intermediate surfers. Wind conditions are favorable 43% of the time, with the most common offshore or light winds coming from the NNE to NE (9.62% and 7.35% at 0-10kph, respectively). However, SW and SSW winds can occasionally pick up (7.41-7.47% at 10-20kph), potentially creating choppy conditions. Overall, February provides a mix of rideable days with clean, mellow waves, though bigger swells are uncommon. It’s best suited for surfers comfortable with waist-to-chest-high waves and who can capitalize on the longer-period energy.