Surfing Costa Rica from December to February
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Direct answer: December to February is the start of the Pacific dry season in Costa Rica. Expect drier weather, offshore winds returning in the north and busier beach towns, especially over the December holidays. Beginners often find smaller, cleaner surf than in the green season. In far-north Guanacaste, strong offshore winds can make some days harder, so keep a backup beach.
For the full calendar, see when to surf Costa Rica by season. Traveling sooner? Read surfing Costa Rica in November.
December: holiday weeks and booking early
December is when the Pacific dry season starts. Rain drops off, and in northern Guanacaste the offshore winds start to come back. The weeks around Christmas and New Year get very busy in beach towns. Book your stay and your first lesson early, and pick morning lesson times when you can. Keep one spare day in case wind or swell changes your plans.
January: settled dry season
By January the dry season has settled in on the Pacific side. Most days are dry, and the trade winds blow from the northeast. In Guanacaste that wind blows offshore, which can clean up morning waves. In the far north, strong wind gusts can last for a few days at a time. On those days, surf early or move to your backup beach, and ask your surf school where to go.
February: what the surf is like
February is still dry season. The trade winds are strong this month, so mornings are usually the cleanest time to surf in Guanacaste. Swell is often smaller than in the green season, which many beginners like. In the far north, strong wind can pull cooler water up to the surface, so a dawn session there can feel chilly.
Where to surf from December to February
- Tamarindo: easy access from Liberia (LIR), many surf schools and a gentle main beach for first lessons.
- Nosara: coaching culture and a slower rhythm for a training week.
- Santa Teresa / Mal País: intermediate-friendly peaks that change with tide and wind. Plan a real transfer day.
- Jacó: about 1.5 to 2 hours from San José (SJO), with gentler inside waves at the south end of the beach.
- Dominical: stronger surf for confident surfers, with softer lessons nearby in Uvita.
- Puerto Viejo: the Caribbean follows its own swell calendar. Salsa Brava is for experienced surfers only, so ask locally and check conditions before you go.
What to wear and pack
Water is warm on both coasts. Most surfers wear a rash guard with boardshorts or a swimsuit. If you surf at dawn in northern Guanacaste from January to March, a light 1 to 2 mm neoprene top helps on windy mornings. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag. Full list in our Costa Rica surf packing list.
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Surfing December to February FAQ
Is December a good month to surf in Costa Rica?
Yes, for most visitors. December starts the Pacific dry season, with drier weather and offshore winds returning in the north. Beach towns get busy over the holidays, so book lessons and stays early.
What is surfing in Costa Rica like in February?
February sits in the Pacific dry season, with mostly dry days and steady offshore mornings in Guanacaste. It suits beginners and improving surfers who want a settled routine at one base.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf Costa Rica from December to February?
Most surfers use a rash guard or a shorty. Check the month and the beach with your surf school, since water can feel cooler on windy days in the far north.
Which Costa Rica surf town suits December to February?
Tamarindo and Jacó are the easiest bases for beginners. Nosara and Santa Teresa suit surfers who want a quieter rhythm, and far-north Guanacaste can be windy on some days.