Offshore StaysSurf Costa Rica: the best surf towns, seasons and spots
Where to surf in Costa Rica: 2 surf towns compared by surf season (mostly March–November), waves, skill level and sea temperature.
Best time to surf Costa Rica: March–November is main surf season in most of its surf towns. The table below shows each town's own season.
Costa Rica surf towns compared
| Town | Best surf | Waves | Suits | Sea temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa surfMexico, Central America & Caribbean | March–October | beach breaks | all levels | 28–30°C |
| Tamarindo surfMexico, Central America & Caribbean | May–November | beach breaks and reef breaks | beginner and intermediate surfers | 28–29°C |
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Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to surf Costa Rica?
- Across the 2 surf towns we cover in Costa Rica, March–November is main surf season in most of them. Santa Teresa: March–October; Tamarindo: May–November.
- Where is the water warmest for surfing in Costa Rica?
- Santa Teresa has the warmest sea of the towns we cover, around 30°C in April. The coldest is Tamarindo, around 28°C in February.
- Where should beginners surf in Costa Rica?
- Santa Teresa, Tamarindo have breaks that suit beginners. The other towns are better for surfers who already ride green waves.