Is January a good month to surf Tamarindo?

January 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 January?

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

What is the weather like in Tamarindo in January?

Air temperature averages 27°C, with about 0.1 mm of rain per day and average winds of 22 km/h.

Surf Tamarindo in January

Surfing Tamarindo in January: outside the main surf season, air around 27°C, sea around 28°C, 0.1 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf season

Off-season

Air temperature

27°C

Sea temperature

28°C

Rain

0.1 mm/day

Wind

22 km/h avg

Average wave height

1.3 m (4 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

1.6 m (5 ft)+

Swell period

12 s

Main swell direction

From NE (45°)

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

Surf size in Tamarindo in January

Offshore of Tamarindo, waves in January average 1.3 m (4 ft), below the year-round average of 1.3 m — the 9th biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 1.6 m (5 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 12 seconds from the NE.

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.

January in the context of Tamarindo's surf season

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

Full Tamarindo surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good month to surf Tamarindo?: January 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 January?: About 28°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.
What is the weather like in Tamarindo in January?: Air temperature averages 27°C, with about 0.1 mm of rain per day and average winds of 22 km/h.