Esterillos - surf spot statistics

Esterillos in Costa Rica offers consistent surf year-round with predominantly ground swell, making it a reliable destination for surfers. The best months for optimal conditions are typically December through March. During this period, ground swell is dominant (96-100%), and good wind conditions are more frequent (58-63%), especially in December and January when winds are most favorable. Swell size remains manageable, averaging around 0.9-1.0m, providing fun, clean waves. April and November are transitional months, with slightly larger swells (1.1m) but fewer good wind days, making sessions more hit-or-miss. From May through October, swell size increases (1.3m), but the frequency of poor wind conditions rises significantly (59-67%), leading to choppier surf. September and October see the highest wind swell influence (6-8%), though ground swell remains dominant. Overall, mid to advanced surfers may still find good sessions year-round, but the dry season (December-March) delivers the most consistent and cleanest conditions with lighter winds and reliable waves.

In October, Esterillos experiences solid surf conditions with a consistent south to southwest swell direction, making it a reliable spot for intermediate to advanced surfers. The average swell height is 1.3m, with a strong average period of 14.2s, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves. The majority of the swell falls in the 1-1.5m range (55.23% from SSW), while larger sets up to 2.5m are less frequent but present. Wind conditions are favorable 36% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (under 20kph) predominantly coming from the southwest, south, and southeast—ideal for keeping the waves clean. However, stronger gusts occasionally occur, particularly from the SSW direction, which could create choppier conditions. Overall, October offers consistent, high-quality waves with good shape and manageable wind, making it a prime month for surfing in Esterillos.