Surfing Waves

Traveling to Costa Rica in November and will be staying near Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra
Has anyone traveled here beginning of November and how was the surf / consistency?

Thanks in advance!

Make sure and rent a 4 wheel drive to Negra. November marks the end of the wet season and roads could still be wet and ungraded. Waves size is usually good, form depends on the wind. I always wait until Dec-Jan, gauranteed morning offshores from seasonal Papagayo winds. Check out Playa Callejones just south of Playa Negra. Pura Vida

Thanks so much for the reply / Playa Callejones suggestion! We definitely planned on renting a 4WD because of being on the tail end of the wet season
One of the girls we are traveling with is a more "advanced beginner" - was a bit worried the waves would maybe be too heavy for her in Nov in that area what do you think?
I don't think she'd be comfortable in anything more than head high

Good under head high can be great fun, so a decision do you all go as a party to share what you can all enjoy , nothing better than going and hooting each other

I agree! a lot more fun that way - its just my first time in this area of Costa Rica and wanted to make sure it wouldn't be too crazy heavy that she wouldn't be able to enjoy it at all you know

Just adding to dalegotro's comprehensive answer: one of the best months there! Waves are 3-4 feet (sometimes more), wind is usually steady offshore. Lineup isn't crowded (especially Negra) and loved both by locals and guests. Absolutely friendly people and stoking atmosphere! Have a nice one bro! Ask away what you want to know in particular.
Good for beginners in terms of size and consistency of the swell, and definitely a paradise for advanced beginners!
About 4WD - not always a must-have, but nice-to-have, in the beginning of November. After say 20th day - pretty dry road (the last 5-6 kms are unpaved/gravel).

I haven't surfed in Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra during November, but I've heard it's a sick time to be there. Apparently, the waves are pretty consistent and good for all levels. Just make sure to stay safe and pay attention to the conditions. But for real, you're gonna have a blast surfing there in November.

chowmt wrote:Traveling to Costa Rica in November and will be staying near Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra
Has anyone traveled here beginning of November and how was the surf / consistency?

Thanks in advance!

November is a sweet time to go. The surf is consistent, and the water temps are warm - perfect for catching some gnarly waves. The best spots to surf are Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra, and they're well-known for their awesome waves. Just remember that November is the start of the rainy season, so expect some rain and maybe even some thunderstorms. Make sure to check out the surf reports and weather before you head out to the beach.

I visited Costa Rica around the same time last year, and the surf at Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra was pretty solid. November is a good time; you'll likely catch some decent waves. Consistency can vary, but generally, it's a great period for surfing. Make sure to check local forecasts for more accurate info.<edit>

I hit up Costa Rica around November, stayed close to Avellanas and Negra. Surf was pretty solid for me, but you know how it goes with waves – they can be a bit unpredictable.

On an average year for weather is it better to visit in the later half of November as opposed to the first half for weather and road conditions? Is it also true that La Nina usually extends the wet season while El Nino can bring an early end to the wet season?

Sounds like March - April are both the busiest (depending on Easter) and hottest months... also how about February? I've only been to the Nicoya once and it was the end of April. I ended up with a lot of overcast days and a lot of onshore winds picking up early in the day nearly every day.

Is the Nicoya at the average break better with an NW swell or an SW swell?

Thank you!