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.

In November, Boca Barranca offers consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a strong period of 13.8s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The swell is predominantly from the SSW (70.6% of waves between 0.5-2.5m) and SW (10.2% in the same range), creating clean, long rides ideal for experienced surfers. Smaller contributions from the S (14.2%) and SSE (0.3%) add variety. Wind conditions are favorable 42% of the time, with light offshore winds (0-20kph) from the NNE, NE, and E directions (20.7% combined) keeping the surface clean. However, moderate onshore winds from the SSW and SW (15.3% combined) can occasionally degrade conditions. Overall, November delivers solid, well-shaped waves with good consistency, best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, though wind variability requires selective timing.