Playa Guiones - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (June - November)

The heart of the wet season unleashes Playa Guiones' true potential. From June through August and again in November, the southern hemisphere's long-period SSW groundswells roll in with authority, averaging 1.5m at 13-14 seconds. Surprisingly, the percentage of offshore NNE to ENE winds remains highest during these months – peaking at 68% in July – keeping the infamous Costa Rican onshore flow at bay. This is when the wave quality is at its most consistent and powerful, offering rippable walls and clean barrels for those who time the tides right.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & December)

The transitional edges of the wet season and the holiday month of December bring a mixed bag. April and May see the swell size and period start to climb (often 1.3-1.4m at 14s) as the Intertropical Convergence Zone stirs up storm activity in the South Pacific, but the offshore wind windows narrow to 48-52%. December offers a solid trade wind regime (60% offshore) but the swell loses punch, averaging 1.3m at 11.7s with more northerly components sneaking in. Waves are still fun, especially for longer boards, but require more patience to find the best sets.

Low Surf Season (January - March)

The early dry season delivers the most consistent offshore winds from the northeast, but at the cost of swell quality. Average heights sit at a mere 1.3m with periods dipping to 11.5-12.3s – fine for groveling but lacking the power and push of the wet season. While the wind is clean (40-43% ideal), the swell direction is a hodgepodge of northern hemi leftovers and weak southerly pulses. For those chasing long, clean lines on a longboard, there are still fun waves to be had, but the true firing conditions are on hold until the southern ocean wakes up.

August: Still Firing, Slightly Less Wind

August keeps the momentum going with average swell height still at 1.5m and period 13.3s. SSW swells make up 77.3% of the total, and the 1.5-2m range is again robust at 28.4%. The strong SW component (14.8%) adds extra juice. Ideal wind drops to 56% – still very good – but the wind directions become a bit more spread out, with onshore SE and SSE winds (9.2% and 9.6%) occasionally sneaking in. The trade winds are not as strong as July, so expect lighter mornings with potential for sea breezes after noon. Nevertheless, the swell quality remains high, and the longer period (13.3s) ensures powerful, long walls that are perfect for carving. August is a reliable backup month for those who miss July's wind advantage.