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 January, Playa Tivives offers consistent but generally small to medium-sized surf, with an average swell height of 0.8m and a favorable long-period energy of 13.6s. The swell primarily comes from the SSW (64% of waves in the 0.5-1m range) and SW (15.14% in the same range), delivering clean, well-shaped waves suited for intermediate surfers. Larger swells (1-1.5m) are less frequent but occur about 10.3% of the time from the SSW direction. Wind conditions are ideal for surfing 62% of the time, with light to moderate breezes (10-20kph) predominantly from the NNE, NE, and SW, ensuring minimal onshore interference. However, stronger winds (20-30kph) from the NE and SW can occasionally create choppy conditions. Overall, January provides reliable, surfable waves with good shape and manageable wind, making it a solid choice for those seeking fun, waist-to-chest-high sessions.