Manuel Antonio - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - April)

The dry season brings the Northeast trade winds that blow offshore across our SSW-facing beaches, creating clean, glassy conditions. Swell from the deep South Pacific is consistent, with average heights around 1.0 to 1.2m and long periods of 12-14 seconds. January through March are the peak months, with ideal wind frequencies above 25% and most waves in the fun, rippable 0.5-1.5m range. The combination of offshore wind and long-period groundswell makes this the premier time to score Manuel Antonio.

Fair Surf Season (May - August)

As the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts north, the trade winds weaken and onshore southerly and southwesterly flow becomes more common. Ideal wind drops to 19-22% of the time, but swell actually builds, averaging 1.3-1.4m with periods of 13-14 seconds. The SSW and SW swells are stronger, often reaching pumping 1.5-2m heights. When an early-morning or late-evening offshore window aligns with these bigger swells, the waves can be spectacular. It is a gamble, but the payoff is worth it.

Low Surf Season (September - November)

The transition back to dry season is slow, with onshore winds still prevalent, especially in October and November when ideal wind falls to 15-19%. Swell heights decrease slightly to 1.2-1.4m but remain rideable. November is the most challenging month due to persistent southerly winds. However, September shows a hint of improvement with ideal wind at 24%, and occasional strong offshore flows from the north can still deliver clean, long-period waves. Patience and a close eye on the forecast are key.

January: Peak Season Perfection

January marks the heart of the dry season along the Central Pacific coast. The Northeast trade winds blow offshore from N to ENE 26% of the time, typically light under 10kph, grooming the swell into clean, lined-up waves. Swell is dominated by SSW (69.8%) and SW (27.6%) directions, with an average height of 1.0m and a long period of 12.4s. Most waves fall in the 0.5-1.5m range, ideal for fun, rippable turns on a shortboard or step-up. The combination of reliable offshore winds and consistent, punchy groundswell makes January a dream month for surfers seeking quality over quantity.