Jaco Surfing Blog
Best Time of Year for Surfing in Jaco Costa Rica
When is the best time for surfing in Jaco Costa Rica? Compare the dry and green seasons and how they affect surf lessons for beginners.
You can surf in Jaco all year, but the experience changes with the seasons. Here's how to think about timing your trip.
Dry Season (Roughly December–April)
This is Costa Rica's high tourist season. Expect sunny days, little rain and busier beaches. Because it's busy, it's worth booking your surf lesson ahead of time.
Green Season (Roughly May–November)
The rainy season often brings afternoon showers rather than all-day rain, along with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. The Pacific generally receives more swell in these months, which can mean bigger surf on some days — another reason choosing the right location matters.
Time of Day
Wind and tide shape conditions through the day. Lessons run from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and your instructor can suggest a time that suits the day and your level.
Beginner Takeaways
- There's no single "wrong" month for a beginner lesson.
- Flexibility helps: locations are chosen daily based on conditions.
- When bigger swell arrives, a more sheltered spot nearby may still work well.
Planning more of your trip? Read Surfing in Jaco: A Guide for Costa Rica Vacationers and our complete Jaco Costa Rica surfing guide.
Whenever you visit, you can reserve Jaco surfing lessons with a 20% deposit.