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.

December: Holiday Waves, Smaller but Clean

December signals the return of the dry season trade winds. Ideal wind remains excellent at 60%, with NE winds dominating at 44.5% and moderate speeds (10-20kph common). However, the swell takes a step back: average height falls to 1.3m, period to 11.7s, and the direction becomes more mixed. SSW still leads at 31.1%, but SW (18.7%) and even N and NNE (9.2% combined) contribute. The 1-1.5m range is the most common, with only 1-2% of waves over 1.5m. The shorter period means waves are punchier and less organized. December is perfect for longboarding and fun, rippable sessions, especially on a high tide. The offshore winds keep faces smooth, but don't expect the heavy barrels of July. Still, for the holidays, it's a welcome treat.