Caldera - surf spot statistics

Caldera, Costa Rica, offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with ground swells dominating the swell regime (80-87% occurrence) and minimal wind swell influence (0-7%). The mean swell size ranges from 0.8m in the early and late months (January, February, December) to 1.2m in the mid-year period (June-September), making it a solid spot for surfers who prefer smaller to medium-sized waves. The best months for surfing in Caldera are typically November through March, when ground swells remain strong (80-86%), and wind conditions improve slightly, with good wind days occurring 41-48% of the time—significantly better than the mid-year months. December and January are particularly favorable, combining decent swell size (0.8m) with relatively lower onshore wind interference (bad wind days at 52-54%). From April to October, swell height increases, but unfavorable winds become more prevalent (64-72% bad wind days), particularly in September, which has the worst wind conditions (72% bad days). If you prioritize cleaner conditions over sheer swell size, target the winter months. However, if you’re comfortable with stronger winds in exchange for slightly bigger waves, June-August can still work, especially since ground swell consistency remains high (85%).

In March, Caldera in Costa Rica offers consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 0.9m and a strong average period of 14.4s, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the SSW, which brings the most rideable waves—46.5% of the time in the 0.5-1m range and 27.24% in the 1-1.5m range. Smaller contributions come from the S and SW, ensuring variety. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 42% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (0-20kph) predominantly from the NNE, NE, and SSW directions. However, stronger winds (20-30kph) occasionally occur from the SSW and SW, which may slightly affect wave quality. Overall, March provides solid, clean waves for intermediate to advanced surfers, with the best sessions likely when winds remain light and swells align from the SSW.