Jacó: One of the World’s Top Surf Destinations

When planning a vacation, timing is everything. Weather, crowds, festivals, hotel rates and room availability for most destinations revolve around the calendar and the changing of the seasons. Most travelers plan their trips during peak season, when weather is typically pleasant, while others patiently wait for the shoulder seasons when the crowds begin to thin.

For travelers interested in surfing lessons, timing is particularly important. Changes in weather brought about by different seasons make a big impact on tide conditions, wave shapes and consistency.

So, why is Costa Rica considered one of the top surf destinations in the world? The answer: There’s never a bad time to go surfing in Costa Rica. While other surf spots suffer from off-seasons, consistent swells make Costa Rica one of the best places to learn how to surf, no matter the time of year.

Surfing Seasons in Costa Rica

While surfing conditions are good throughout the year, Costa Rica still has seasons. The dry season and the green season are the two times of year that Costa Rica’s environment experiences a shift.

The dry season runs from December through April and is also known as Costa Rica’s summer season. This is the high season and is typically when tourists come to the country, escaping the northern latitude’s colder temperatures. Local schools in Costa Rica are closed from December to February, meaning kids and families flock to the beach towns, especially on weekends. Crowds should also be expected over the holidays—Christmas, New Year’s and Easter. Planning your surf trip during the dry season will offer the best weather conditions. The threat of thunder and lightning storms won’t impact your time in the surf, and the smaller waves make perfect conditions for those who are just learning to surf.

The green season, also referred to as winter, or the rainy season, runs from May until the end of November. The early months, from May until August, are also a great time to visit Costa Rica. During this time, the temperatures are still hot, but the heavy rains haven’t yet begun, and the crowds are noticeably lighter. Historically, the rainy season offers bigger, more powerful waves compared to the dry season. However, many people enjoy surfing during the rainy season because there are simply fewer people, which allows for more flexibility in accessing the top surf spots.

Where to Take Surfing Lessons in Costa Rica

The green season, from late June to October, also brings increased swells and larger, faster waves to the Pacific coast. The Caribbean side sees better waves from November through May, though several areas offer consistent year-round breaks.  One of those areas happens to be our home, Jacó Beach.

Surfing Lessons in Jacó, Costa Rica

Located on the Central Pacific Coast, Jacó offers consistent year-round waves that are ideal for learning how to surf. With miles of surf spanning a variety of swells, surfers of all abilities are drawn here. First-time surfers can get their feet wet at Playa Jacó, where smaller, friendlier waves live. Experienced surfers looking for something a little more advanced can head a few miles south to Playa Hermosa, where seasoned veterans gather for the consistently large and powerful breaks.

Another draw for visitors to the Jacó area is its easy accessibility. Just two hours from San José, Costa Rica’s capital, Jacó is an easy escape for city dwellers and international travelers.

No matter the time of year or season, travelers looking to have an incredible surf experience will not be disappointed in the Jacó area. Consider your preferences when booking, and we’ll see you in the surf!

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