Playa Negra - surf spot statistics

Playa Negra in Costa Rica is a consistent surf spot with reliable ground swell year-round, rarely experiencing flat spells (0-1% "No Swell" days). The best months for surfing here are typically June through August and November, when swell size peaks (1.4-1.5m on average) and wind conditions improve. June and July stand out as particularly favorable, with June offering 42% good wind conditions and July seeing the best wind setup (51% favorable). November is another strong month, combining decent swell (1.3m) with the highest likelihood of good winds (54%). While ground swell dominates every month (92-100%), the dry season (December-April) tends to have smaller waves (1.2m) and less favorable winds (60-64% bad conditions). The wet season (May-November) brings slightly larger swells (1.3-1.5m) and better wind odds, though September and October still struggle with onshore winds (64% bad). Surfers prioritizing size and cleaner conditions should target June-August, while those seeking fewer crowds might prefer November's balance of swell and improving winds.

August at Playa Negra offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.5m and a strong period of 14.6s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The swell predominantly arrives from the SSW, SW, and S directions, with the majority of waves in the 1-2m range, providing ideal conditions for intermediate to advanced surfers. Notably, 29% of SSW swells and 21.9% of SW swells fall in the 1-1.5m range, while 14.97% of SSW and 14.71% of SW swells reach 1.5-2m—delivering punchy, barreling waves when conditions align. Wind is favorable 44% of the time, predominantly light offshore from the NNE to NE at 10-20kph, though moderate onshore ENE to E winds (9.64% NE at 10-20kph) can occasionally create choppy conditions. Overall, August is a reliable month for quality surf, with the best sessions occurring during lighter NNE-NE winds and SSW-SW swells, offering hollow, high-performance waves.