Surf Forecasts:
Playa Samara surf forecast from 27 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 28 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 18s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 28 Jul, 3PM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 17s period, SW swell with 1,663 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 28 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 18s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Playa Samara this week:
The surf forecast for Playa Samara over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 18s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Playa Samara in the next 16 days are 1.7m 17s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 3PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (CST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 18s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 18s |
| Most Powerful | 3PM (Tue 28th Jul) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Playa Samara over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into the outlook for the next couple of weeks at Playa Samara.
The start of the period is kicking off with a solid pulse of long-period groundswell from the SW, and the water is sitting a touch warmer than normal for this time of year at 86°. The waves are good, but the size and power mean it’s best suited for experienced surfers. The combined swell energy is really pumping (1414) on Monday morning, with a clean cross-off breeze from the NE. That’s a fine start.
Monday morning (27 July) is the standout here. We’ve got a clean 4ft SW swell with a 19-second period, light NE cross-off wind, and water temps running a touch warmer than usual. The wave energy is thumping (1414), and that combo of length and offshore flow makes for some proper, well-shaped rides. It’s a good one for anyone with some time in the water.
Tuesday morning (28 July) is another strong call. The swell picks up a touch to 5ft from the SW, still with a long 18-second period, and the wind goes glassy with a NNE breeze. That’s perfect conditions for clean, lined-up sets. The energy is even higher (1529), so you’ll feel the push.
Wednesday morning (29 July) keeps it going: 5ft SW swell, 16-second period, and glassy conditions with a light E breeze. The energy is still strong (1252), and the surf is clean and punchy. Thursday morning (30 July) drops a little in size (4ft) and period (14 seconds), but the NE cross-off breeze keeps things tidy, with moderate energy (553). Friday morning (31 July) is glassy again with a 3ft SW swell, but the energy is easing off (391).
After that, there’s a bit of a lull. From Saturday (1 August) through to Tuesday (5 August) the swell drops to 2ft or less, combined with onshore winds and stormy afternoons. The surf is small and messy, with energy readings under 300. Not worth the paddle.
Things start to look more promising again by Friday 7 August morning. Clean 2ft SW swell with an 18-second period and NE cross-off wind, with energy up to 403. Saturday 8 August morning is similar: 3ft SW swell, 16-second period, NE cross-off, and energy of 511. That’s a nice, clean run of smaller but still fun waves for the weekend.
The second week is quieter overall. Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August mornings both offer clean 2ft to 3ft swell from the S or SSW, with decent energy (438 to 560) and cross-off winds. It’s not the size of the opening week, but it’s surfable and clean.
If you’re pushing for the best of the best, lock in the morning sessions on Monday 27 July or Tuesday 28 July. The combination of clean offshore/glassy wind, strong SW groundswell, and that long period makes for quality waves. Crowds are possible at Playa Samara, so get in early.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Wed afternoon. Warm (max 30°C on Mon morning, min 25°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryHeavy rain (total 36mm), heaviest during Sat night. Warm (max 30°C on Thu morning, min 24°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 27 | Tuesday 28 | Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 800 | 715 | 1465 | 1213 | 1663 | 1225 | 1194 | 964 | 767 | 529 | 514 | 492 | 352 | 342 | 241 | 238 | 193 | 124 | 137 | 171 | 167 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | on | glassy | glassy | on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | off | cross-off | on | cross-off | glassy | on | off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | off | cross | glassy |
High Tide | 1:14PM2.18m | 1:55AM2.01m | 2:00PM2.26m | 2:37AM2.13m | 2:42PM2.33m | 3:16AM2.24m | 3:21PM2.38m | 3:52AM2.34m | 3:58PM2.40m | 4:27AM2.42m | 4:35PM2.40m | 5:02AM2.47m | 5:11PM2.36m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 7:43PM0.52m | 7:49AM0.69m | 8:24PM0.43m | 8:33AM0.61m | 9:03PM0.36m | 9:14AM0.54m | 9:38PM0.31m | 9:53AM0.49m | 10:12PM0.28m | 10:31AM0.45m | 10:45PM0.29m | 11:09AM0.43m | 11:19PM0.31m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | |  |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | |
 | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — |
 | — | 6:06 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:04 | — | — | 6:04 | — |
mm | — | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 19 | — | 3 | 1 |
Temp °C | 30 | 30 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
Feels °C | 33 | 33 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 33 | 34 | 31 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | S 7 | S 7 | S 7 | SSW 7 |
| kJ | 546 | 525 | 1465 | 1213 | 1663 | 1225 | 1194 | 964 | 767 | 529 | 514 | 492 | 352 | 342 | 241 | 238 | 193 | 64 | 79 | 83 | 72 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 19 | SW 19 | S 9 | SW 13 | S 9 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | S 7 | S 7 | SSW 6 | S 6 | S 6 | S 7 | S 8 | S 8 | S 8 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 15 | SW 14 |
| kJ | 800 | 715 | 41 | 253 | 25 | 61 | 58 | 54 | 22 | 22 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 27 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 116 | 112 | 171 | 167 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | S 10 | SSW 12 | S 11 | SSW 11 | — | — | S 10 | S 10 | W 10 | S 10 | WNW 11 | WNW 12 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SSW 11 | SW 12 |
| kJ | 68 | 67 | 28 | 63 | 25 | — | — | 8 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 66 | 124 | 137 | 85 | 118 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 9 | 51 | 9 | 9 | 52 | 9 | 9 | 45 | 9 | 9 | 43 | 9 | 9 | 52 | 9 | 16 | 52 | 19 | 9 | 45 | 9 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Golfo de Nicoya | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Costa Rica | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Playa Samara Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Playa Samara provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Playa Samara can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Playa Samara surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Playa Samara) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Playa Samara may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Playa Samara is 31 km (19 miles) from Nicoya. If you plan a holiday in Golfo de Nicoya, look for hotels and other accommodation in Nicoya. Nicoya has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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