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 September, Playa Tivives receives consistent swells with an average height of 1.3m and a long-period interval of 14.4s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The swell direction is predominantly from the SSW (51.6% of waves in the 1-1.5m range) and SW (10.9% in the same range), ensuring clean, organized waves with good shape. Larger swells (1.5-2.5m) are present but less frequent, offering occasional punchier conditions. Wind conditions are generally light, with SW and SSW winds (mostly under 20kph) dominating, but only 31% of the time are they perfectly offshore or cross-offshore (light ENE-E). Mornings often provide the best sessions before afternoon onshore tendencies (SW). Expect crowded lineups on good days, especially when long-period swells coincide with favorable winds. The spot works best on mid-to-high tides to avoid shorebreak.