Playa Santa Teresa - surf spot statistics

Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a consistent surf destination with year-round swell activity, primarily dominated by powerful ground swells. The best months for surfing are typically from November to April, when conditions are most favorable. During this period, ground swells are predominant (92-100% occurrence), and wind conditions improve, especially in December and January, where good wind conditions reach around 60%. Swell size during these months averages between 0.9m to 1.2m, offering manageable yet fun waves suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The peak swell size occurs from May to October, averaging 1.4-1.5m, but this period also brings more frequent onshore winds, with bad wind conditions peaking at 60-64% from April to September. March and April see the largest swells of the high season (1.1-1.2m), but wind quality deteriorates, making late November to February the optimal window—great swell consistency, decent wind, and slightly smaller, cleaner waves. If you prefer bigger, more powerful surf and can handle less ideal winds, September offers the largest swells (1.5m), though wind conditions are poor (64% bad winds). For surfers prioritizing clean conditions, December and January strike the best balance between swell size, consistency, and favorable winds.

December in Playa Santa Teresa offers solid surfing conditions with consistent swells and generally favorable winds. The average swell height is 1.0m with a long-period 13.8s interval, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves that are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The majority of swells come from the SSW (25.72% at 0.5-1m, 28.88% at 1-1.5m) and SW (20.96% at 0.5-1m, 13.01% at 1-1.5m), delivering clean, rideable waves with occasional larger sets up to 2m. Winds are favorable 61% of the time, predominantly blowing from the NNE (7.54% at 0-10kph, 12.01% at 10-20kph) and SSW (2.49% at 0-10kph, 6.31% at 10-20kph), which typically keep conditions clean with minimal onshore interference. Offshore breezes are frequent, grooming the waves for quality rides. Expect a mix of shoulder-high to slightly overhead waves, best during mid to high tide when the swells wrap more cleanly into the bay. While larger swells are rare, the consistency and power of the waves make December a reliable month for surfers seeking performance turns and open faces.