Playa Matapalo - surf spot statistics

Playa Matapalo in Costa Rica offers consistent surf year-round, with ground swells dominating nearly every month (92-100% occurrence), ensuring reliable wave energy. The swell size averages 1.0-1.1m in the early and late months (January-March, December) but builds to 1.4m from May through November, peaking in the mid-year period. Wind conditions show a clear seasonal split: January-April has less favorable winds (38-47% good conditions), while May-December sees significant improvement, with the best winds from June to September (71-75% good conditions). The sweet spot for surfers is between May and November, combining larger swells (1.3-1.4m) and offshore-friendly winds (63-75% favorable). June through September stands out as prime time—consistent 1.4m ground swells and 71-75% clean wind days create ideal surfing conditions. Early season (January-April) still delivers waves, but smaller swells and onshore winds reduce quality. October-November offers a strong compromise with solid swell size and 64-67% good winds before dropping slightly in December. Advanced surfers targeting bigger, cleaner waves should prioritize the mid-year window, though Matapalo remains surfable year-round thanks to its high groundswell consistency and limited flat spells.

December at Playa Matapalo delivers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.0m and a solid 13.7s period, providing well-spaced, powerful waves. The swell is predominantly from the SSW direction, with 75.8% of waves in the 0.5-1.5m range, offering manageable but punchy conditions—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Larger sets (1.5-2m) appear occasionally (3.73%), adding variety. Wind conditions are favorable 56% of the time, typically light (10-20kph) from the SW to WSW, ensuring clean faces. However, stronger SW winds (20-30kph) occur 1.2% of the time, potentially causing chop. Overall, December is a reliable month for quality surf, with a mix of playful and powerful waves, though wind vigilance is advised on occasion.