Playa Tivives - surf spot statistics

Playa Tivives in Costa Rica benefits from consistent ground swells year-round, with percentages rarely dipping below 90%, ensuring reliable wave activity. The best months for surfers are typically December through March, when favorable wind conditions peak—December (59% good winds) and January (62%) stand out as the most surf-friendly. During this period, the swell size averages 0.8–0.9m, offering manageable waves ideal for intermediate surfers, though not overly powerful. Ground swells dominate almost exclusively, minimizing wind swells that can degrade wave quality. From April through November, conditions become more challenging due to increasing onshore winds (bad wind conditions rising to 61–69%), particularly in May–September. While swell size increases slightly (1.0–1.3m), the higher frequency of unfavorable winds creates choppier, less clean waves. March and November serve as transitional months, with improving winds in November (47% good winds) but still moderate swell sizes. For surfers prioritizing clean, rideable waves with minimal wind interference, the early dry season (December–February) is optimal, despite slightly smaller swells. The rest of the year offers larger swells but demands tolerance for stronger onshore winds, making it better suited for experienced surfers who can handle less predictable conditions.

In April, Playa Tivives offers consistent but relatively small surf, with an average swell height of 1.0m and a solid period of 14.9s, indicating well-organized, clean waves. The dominant swell directions are SSW (48.22% of waves in the 1-1.5m range) and S, with occasional contributions from SW—ideal for a beach break with this exposure. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 39% of the time, primarily coming from the N to SW. Offshore winds (light ENE to E) are rare but possible, while the most common onshore winds (SSW to SW) tend to be light to moderate (10-20kph), keeping conditions manageable. Expect mostly waist-to-chest-high waves, with larger sets up to 1.5m on occasion. While not a big-wave month, the consistency and clean conditions make it suitable for surfers of all levels, particularly those who prioritize quality over size.