Witches Rock - surf spot statistics

Witches Rock in Costa Rica is a consistent surf spot with reliable conditions year-round, primarily powered by ground swells. The swell is almost always present, with ground swells dominating 85-99% of the time, peaking in April (99%). Wind swells are minimal (1-15%), and there are virtually no flat days (0% no swell). The mean swell size hovers around 1.2-1.4m, slightly larger from May to September (1.3-1.4m). Wind conditions are the most critical variable for quality surfing here. Good offshore or light winds (optimal for surfing) occur 24-44% of the time, with the highest likelihood from June to November (peaking at 44% in November). The worst wind conditions (onshore or strong winds) are most common from December to April (65-76%), making these months less reliable despite consistent swell. The best months for surfing at Witches Rock are generally June through November, when the combination of solid ground swell (92-97%) and favorable wind conditions (40-44% good winds) aligns best. November stands out with the highest chance of clean conditions (44% good winds) and a manageable 1.2m swell. While the swell is slightly smaller than mid-year, the improved wind setup makes late-year sessions more reliable. May to August also offers larger swells (1.3-1.4m) and decent wind odds (37-43%), though slightly less consistent than the late-season window. Early-year months (January-April) see higher onshore wind interference (65-76% bad winds), reducing wave quality despite the strong swell presence. For surfers prioritizing clean, rideable waves, the sweet spot is late dry season into early wet season (June-November), with November being the prime month.

May at Witches Rock offers solid surf conditions, with a dominant swell from the southwest and south-southwest contributing the majority of rideable waves. The average swell height is 1.3m with a long 15s period, providing powerful, well-spaced waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The most consistent wave heights fall in the 1–1.5m range (34.46% from SW, 29.14% from SSW), with larger sets up to 2.5m appearing occasionally (10.32% SW, 8.01% SSW). Wind conditions are favorable 37% of the time, typically light to moderate (10–20kph) from the northeast to east-northeast, which can help groom the swell without becoming too disruptive. However, stronger ENE winds (20–30kph) occur around 6.42%, potentially causing chop. Overall, May delivers reliable, quality waves with good shape and power, though optimal sessions depend on timing wind shifts. Experienced surfers will find the best opportunities early in the day before winds pick up.