The Best Time to Surf in Costa Rica – Green Season or High Season? (Yep, That’s What They’re Called)
Costa Rica is a wave-chaser’s dream come true—warm barrels, good vibes in every surf town, and world-class breaks that beckon year-round. But the biggest question for every surfer planning the ultimate trip is this: do you score the lush green season, or hang for the sun-drenched high season? Each comes with its perks, quirks, lineups, and local color. Here’s the complete insider’s guide to making your Costa Rica surf trip absolutely epic—no matter when you paddle out!
Surf Seasons in Costa Rica: Green vs High Season
Green Season (May–November): Jungle Juice & Power Swells
The green season—aka “the rainy season”—cranks everything in Costa Rica up a notch. The waves pump, the jungle explodes with color, waterfalls are at full send, and beaches see way less foot traffic. This is the playground for intermediate and advanced surfers who want legit, consistent swells and don’t mind a midday downpour.
Pros:
Consistent Pacific Swells: May–November keeps the Pacific Coast lit. Expect powerful, head-high+ waves; it’s classic swell season for Witch’s Rock, Playa Hermosa (Jacó), Dominical, Pavones, and Matapalo.
Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists, even the most legendary peaks are more relaxed.
Better Travel Deals: Scores on flights, surf hostels, surf camps, and car rentals. Many surf lodges run off-season discounts or killer package deals.
Lush Jungle Vibes: Wildlife, waterfalls, and green everywhere. Beach towns feel laid-back and authentic.
Cons:
Afternoon Rains: Storms can roll in early or late and sometimes shorten afternoon sessions.
Road Challenges: Pavones, Dominical, and other remote towns? Go 4x4 or go home—muddy, rutted roads are the move.
Mosquitos: Especially at dawn and dusk. Bring a strong, DEET-free repellent!
Nightlife & Safety: Surf towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Dominical remain lively but more chill than during peak months. Stick to main streets and well-lit areas at night. In smaller towns, nightlife may be low-key or even nonexistent, but that just means earlier mornings for dawn patrol.
High Season (December–April): Sunshine, Easy Living, & Pure Vibes
When dry season hits, Costa Rica is all endless blue skies, packed beach days, and classic hangouts from sunrise to sunset. Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone after laid-back fun.
Pros:
Consistent Sunshine: Dry, perfect weather for surfing, beach hangs, and exploring every corner of the coast without getting rained out.
Beginner/Family-Friendly Swells: Waves mellow, water’s warm, and beach breaks are forgiving. Lineups are a mix of stoked tourists and happy locals.
Easier overland travel: Roads dry up; anywhere from Nosara to Santa Teresa and Pavones is fair game—even in a basic rental (just avoid sketchy shortcuts at night).
Bustling Towns & Nightlife: Towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, Jacó, and Puerto Viejo hum with life—beach bars, street eats, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
Cons:
Crowds: Peak season means packed beaches—especially in beginner hotspots like Tamarindo and Nosara. Reserve ahead.
Higher Prices: Accommodations, flights, and rental cars jump. Booking in advance = crucial.
Petty Theft: Surfers distracted by the swell sometimes get too relaxed. Stick to attended parking, lock up your gear, avoid flashing cash/gadgets.
Safety: Stick to busy towns at night — Nosara and Tamarindo are top choices for safety. Santa Teresa gets rowdy after dark; if you want mellow evenings, opt for places like Uvita or Dominical instead.
The Ultimate Costa Rica Surf Spot Breakdown
Legendary Waves & Where to Score (By Season and Town)
Witch's Rock (Roca Bruja): (North Pacific, inside Santa Rosa Nat'l Park)—Best late April–September. Fast, barreling lefts and rights, only for advanced surfers. Go early before the wind!
Ollie’s Point: Remote, boat-access break firing in green season southern swells. Long right-handers for those willing to adventure.
Playa Hermosa (Jacó): Consistent, heavy beach break, year-round spot for intermediates and up. Close to Jacó nightlife but way more surf!
Dominical: Powerful, shifty beach break, delivers best between May and October. Laid-back hippie town, chill bars, and safe vibe.
Pavones: Epic, ultra-long lefts light up June–September. Plan for muddy roads in green season—bring supplies and make friends.
Matapalo (Osa Peninsula): Gorgeous right-handers between May and September. Jungle surf with wildlife all around.
High Season + Caribbean Stretch
Tamarindo: Pacific classic—top surf schools, playful waves, party scene and family-friendly.
Nosara (Playa Guiones): Mellow, forgiving waves, easy for all levels, cool yoga-surf crowd, safe and healthy vibe.
Playa Negra: Technical reef break with punch, great for intermediates and up, best Dec–April.
Santa Teresa: All-levels break (but stick to central zone if you want safety at night).
Jacó: Perfect for learning, with a bustling nightlife—great for socializing but watch your stuff.
Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava): In October–December, get Caribbean slabs and a reggae-funky town (petty theft higher, secure your belongings).
Playa Cocles: Consistent Caribbean beach break, best October–March, good mix of surf hostels and party bars.
When (and Where) to Surf Costa Rica by Month
January–March: Strong, consistent waves in Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Hermosa; dry, sunny, great nightlife.
April–June: Witch’s Rock and Playa Negra turn on as swells strengthen; fewer crowds.
July–September: Pavones and Matapalo go off—lush scenery, plenty of waves all day.
October–December: Salsa Brava, Playa Cocles peak—if you want a taste of Caribbean juice.
Pro tip: Always check local surf reports like The Costa Rica Surf Company via Surf Captain or Surfline—tides and wind matter everywhere.
Nightlife & Safety Tips: Where to Party, Where to Chill
Surf Towns for Nightlife: Tamarindo (bars, clubs, live music), Jacó (late-night scene, casinos), Puerto Viejo (Caribbean parties, reggae).
Chill Vibes: Nosara (health and wellness, early nights), Dominical (bonfires, surfers’ bars), Uvita (more quiet, family-friendly).
Safety Musts: Travel with a buddy, avoid isolated roads/beaches after dark, stash valuables in dry bags or surf lockers, NEVER leave stuff unattended at the beach.
Travel Deals & Money-Saving Hacks
Green Season = Bargains: Low prices on flights and rooms—off-season surf camps or vacation rentals are a steal.
Booking Tips: Set fare alerts on Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. Weekday flights and packages that bundle surf lessons, board rental, and transport are golden.
Local Rentals: Save baggage fees—rent boards at the beach. Surf shops stock all shapes and sizes.
Transport: Skip Uber and standard taxis—private shuttle services and rental 4x4s make surf travel safer (especially to remote towns).
Essential Gear for Every Season
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 50+): You’ll roast without it. Choose mineral formulas (no oxybenzone) and reapply after every surf.
After-Sun Aloe & Lotion: Reduce burn, hydrate after sessions in the sun.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitos are relentless, especially in green season. Go DEET-free—lemon eucalyptus or picaridin works best.
Rash Guards, Surf Hats, Dry Bags: Keep skin protected, gear safe, and valuables dry. Check out our Surf Shop for your board shorts, bikinis, surf tees, lock boxes, and more.
Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated from sunrise to sunset.
Family, Friends & Crew Safety
Lifeguarded Beaches: Stick to popular, patrolled beaches if you’re traveling with kids—Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jacó top the list.
Set Meeting Points: Beach flags, posts, or surf shops make great markers.
Locals Know Best: Ask your hosts about safe transport, places to avoid at night, and insider surf hacks.
“Waves of Wisdom” Green Season vs High Season: The Takeaway
There’s no “wrong” time to surf Costa Rica—it’s a surfer’s wonderland from January to December. If you want big, empty waves and don’t mind jungle showers, green season is for you. If you’re after mellow sessions, guaranteed sunshine, and buzzing towns, book high season and get ready to party.
Dial in your timing, lock in travel deals, pick the right surf town for your vibe, and always travel prepared. Your Costa Rica surf adventure is waiting—so pack light, stay safe, and paddle out in style!
Be sure to check out our Costa Rica Travel page for more surf and travel info or to join one of our weekly group trips! And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, and repping the local team is a great way to start a conversation, make friends, and show you’re here for the right reasons. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.
Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you find your spot and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social, and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for event invites, news, great discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We aren't trying to crowd the lineup in your emails or drop in on your inbox, just here to help you know what's out the back so you can time your set wave. Pura Vida!
