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.

November at Playa Tivives offers consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a solid 13.9s period, providing well-spaced, clean waves. The swell is predominantly from the SSW direction (47.7% occurrence in the 1-1.5m range), ensuring good shape and rideable shoulders. Smaller but still surfable waves from the S and SW directions add variety. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 47% of the time, typically light and variable, though moderate winds from the NNE to SW can occasionally interfere. The best sessions come when SSW swells align with light winds, offering glassy or lightly textured waves in the 1-1.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Larger sets up to 2m appear occasionally, but this spot rarely gets too heavy. For optimal sessions, watch for days when wind speeds stay below 20kph. Overall, November delivers reliable waves with good shape and manageable wind conditions.