Playa Nosara • Statistics for March

March: The Southern Hemisphere Fires Up

March is a genuine transition month at Playa Nosara. The average period jumps to 13.2 seconds, and the swell direction shifts decisively toward the Southern Hemisphere, with SSW at 39% and SW at 24.5% - a combined 63% from the optimal window. Average heights still sit at 4ft (1.3m), but the waves now have more push and organization. The 1-1.5m band dominates the wave rose, with a healthy secondary peak in the 1.5-2m range.

The NE trade wind starts to lose intensity, blowing only 38% of the time, and light offshore or variable conditions become more common. Ideal winds register at 40%, and when the combination comes together you get clean, long-period SSW/SW groundswell reeling down the beach. The small S and SW wind components are still present, so afternoon onshores remain a recurring threat, especially later in the day.

With water temperatures rising to 28.6°C, air temps near 29°C and almost no rain at 0.14mm/day, March offers warm, inviting conditions. It is an excellent month for surfers looking to step into the longer-period SSW swell without the crazy rains of the green season.