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.

September at Witches Rock offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a consistent period of 14.5s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The primary swell direction comes from SW, contributing to 58% of waves in the 1-2.5m range, with a significant portion (32.5%) falling in the 1-1.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Around 13.7% of swells reach 1.5-2m, providing bigger, more challenging waves when conditions align. Wind is favorable for surfing 40% of the time, typically light to moderate (below 20kph) from easterly directions (ENE-E), which helps maintain clean faces. However, stronger NE winds (20-30kph) occur occasionally (~12% of observations) and may cause choppier conditions. Expect a mix of playful mid-sized waves and occasional larger sets, best suited for surfers comfortable with faster, more powerful breaks. Early mornings often see the cleanest conditions before wind picks up.