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.

May: Building South Swell

May is a transitional month as the Intertropical Convergence Zone moves north, bringing more onshore S and SW winds. Ideal wind sits at 20%. Swell continues to build, averaging 1.3m with a period of 14.1s. The SSW direction dominates (88.7%), but the height distribution shifts upward: 64.1% in the 1-1.5m range and 17.8% in the pumping 1.5-2m range, plus 1.2% of 2-2.5m. These are serious waves. The challenge is wind direction, as southerly and southwesterly breezes blow onshore. However, any break in the clouds with a northerly wind will deliver firing conditions. Keep an eye on the early mornings.