Jaco Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got some small but clean surf to start the week. Sunday morning at Jaco Beach is looking like a classic dawn patrol – a tiny 2 ft SW groundswell rolling in with a long 15-second period, and the wind is dead glassy from the north. The water is sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so it’s a pleasant dip. The combined energy is weak (236) but the conditions are spotless. For a beginner-friendly spot that’s very consistent, this is a nice, gentle intro.

Monday morning keeps the same vibe: another 2 ft SW swell, glassy conditions, and light air. The energy is still low (259), but the quality is there for a clean, small-wave session. Afternoons get a bit sketchy with cross-onshore winds and the risk of thunderstorms, so the mornings are definitely the window.

Tuesday morning steps it up a touch – 3 ft of SSW swell, still glassy, and the period drops to 9 seconds. The energy is still moderate (299), but it’s clean and fun. By Wednesday, the swell dips and the wind turns cross-onshore, so the quality drops right off.

Thursday morning brings back that glassy goodness with a 3 ft S swell, though the period is short at 7 seconds. It’s clean, but the waves will be a bit weak and crumbly.

Now, there’s a bit of a lull in the afternoons through the first week – nothing worth recommending for the rest of the day.

The standout window starts on Friday, August 7th. The morning shows a 2 ft SW swell, but look at that period – 18 seconds! That’s very long-period groundswell, and with a light cross-offshore breeze, the waves will be clean and lined up. The energy is moderate (354), but that long period makes the most of what’s there. This is a classic reef/point setup kind of swell, so expect proper lines.

The next big one to circle is Thursday, August 13th. The morning brings a 4 ft S swell with an 11-second period, and it’s dead calm – glassy. The energy jumps to strong (530). This is the best quality swell of the run so far, and the conditions are perfect. The surf will be clean, punchy, and well-shaped. This is a genuine morning to be excited about.

Then, Friday, August 14th is the absolute peak of the forecast. The morning is again dead calm, with a 4 ft S swell at 12 seconds. The combined energy is very strong (976). That’s a lot of power for a beach break, but with the period being moderate, it won’t be too straight. This is a big, clean, powerful swell. For experienced surfers, this is the day. For beginners, 4 ft is right on the edge, so be careful.

The weekend of August 15th and 16th keeps the consistency going – 4 ft SW swells with long 15-16 second periods, and glassy mornings. The energy is strong (822-625). The quality is excellent, but the afternoons get messy with cross-shore winds.

Tuesday, August 17th wraps it up with a 3 ft SW swell, glassy morning, and strong energy (514). Another solid morning session.

So, to sum it up: the first few days are small and clean, but the real magic happens from August 13th through the 17th. The mornings are the ticket every time. If you can only pick one, make it Friday, August 14th – that morning is the best on offer.

Rusty

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