Is December a good month to surf Tamarindo?

December is outside Tamarindo's main surf season (May–November), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.

How warm is the sea in Tamarindo in December?

About 28°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.

What is the weather like in Tamarindo in December?

Air temperature averages 26°C, with about 0.6 mm of rain per day and average winds of 18 km/h.

Surf Tamarindo in December

Surfing Tamarindo in December: outside the main surf season, air around 26°C, sea around 28°C, 0.6 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf season

Off-season

Air temperature

26°C

Sea temperature

28°C

Rain

0.6 mm/day

Wind

18 km/h avg

Average wave height

1.2 m (4 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

1.5 m (5 ft)+

Swell period

12 s

Main swell direction

From SSW (203°)

What to wear: with the sea around 28°C in December, expect boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf size in Tamarindo in December

Offshore of Tamarindo, waves in December average 1.2 m (4 ft), below the year-round average of 1.3 m — the smallest month of the year. One hour in ten is 1.5 m (5 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 12 seconds from the SSW.

These are open-ocean figures from 10 years of hourly wave data, not a beach forecast: a sheltered break will be smaller, an exposed reef or point can be bigger.

December in the context of Tamarindo's surf season

Tamarindo's main surf season runs May–November. December is outside it.

Full Tamarindo surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is December a good month to surf Tamarindo?: December is outside Tamarindo's main surf season (May–November), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.
How warm is the sea in Tamarindo in December?: About 28°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.
What is the weather like in Tamarindo in December?: Air temperature averages 26°C, with about 0.6 mm of rain per day and average winds of 18 km/h.