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.

Playa Tivives in August offers consistent surf conditions with a predominant swell arriving from the SSW direction, making up the majority of waves in the 1-1.5m range (50.31%) and 1.5-2m range (12.17%). The average swell height is 1.3m with a solid period of 14.5s, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. While wave energy is strongest in the SSW quadrant, smaller contributions from S and SW directions provide variety. Wind conditions are variable, but only 34% of the time are they truly ideal for surfing—typically when light offshore or cross-shore breezes prevail. The strongest winds come from the SW and SSW, sometimes reaching 20-30kph, but most winds remain below 20kph. Surfers can expect the best sessions in the morning before onshore winds pick up, though the long-period swell ensures rideable waves even when winds are less favorable. Overall, August delivers good consistency with a mix of medium-sized waves and occasional bigger sets, but wind luck plays a role in scoring clean conditions.