Playa Tamarindo - surf spot statistics

Playa Tamarindo in Costa Rica benefits from consistent year-round swell, primarily ground swell, which dominates the conditions with over 90% presence in every month. The swell size remains steady, averaging between 1.1m and 1.4m, peaking slightly from May to September. Wind conditions vary more noticeably, with the best wind reliability occurring from May to August when favorable winds are present around 50-55% of the time. The worst wind conditions are from December to March, when onshore winds dominate, reducing surf quality despite solid swell. April stands out as a transition month with 100% ground swell and improving wind conditions. For advanced surfers seeking the most reliable mix of swell and wind, the window from May to August offers the best balance, with slightly larger waves and a higher chance of offshore or light onshore winds. September and October still provide solid swell but see a marginal drop in wind quality. While Tamarindo rarely has flat spells, those prioritizing glassy conditions should focus on mid-year, whereas those comfortable with chop may find decent waves year-round.

November in Playa Tamarindo offers solid surfing conditions with a consistent swell averaging 1.2m and a favorable period of 13.9s, ensuring well-organized and powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the southwest to south-southwest, with the highest frequency in the 1-1.5m range (36% SSW, 31.5% SW). Larger sets in the 1.5-2.5m range occur occasionally, providing more challenging rides for experienced surfers. Wind conditions are ideal for surfing 50% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (0-20kph) coming mostly from the northeast and east. However, stronger NE winds (20-30kph) are present around 10% of the time, which can create less favorable cross-shore effects. The combination of consistent, mid-sized swell and moderate wind conditions makes November a reliable month for surfers of varying skill levels, with the best sessions typically occurring during periods of lighter offshore or side-offshore winds.