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Weather in Jacó
Surf town and Pacific beach party
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About Jacó
Jacó is Costa Rica's surf capital—a beach town of boardwalks, surf shops, and perpetual party atmosphere. The town's dark sand beach offers consistent waves and warm water. Beyond the beach vibe, Jacó serves as a gateway to nearby national parks, waterfalls, and zip-lining. The town caters to tourists and adventure seekers, with prices and services to match.
Best months to visit
February
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Jacó
Surfing lessons and board rentals
Beach lounging and swimming
Nearby waterfall hiking excursions
Zip-lining through jungle canopy
Wildlife spotting tours
Nightlife: bars, clubs, and restaurant hopping
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
February
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
March
30C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
April
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
August
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
November
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
December
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Jacó is Costa Rica's most accessible beach town from San José, a long stretch of dark volcanic sand backed by a lively strip of surf shops, restaurants and nightlife that draws everyone from weekend surfers to package tourists. It's less polished than some of the country's resort areas, but consistent waves and proximity to the capital keep it busy.
Best areas to stay in Jacó
Jacó Beach / Main Strip
The central beachfront area with surf shops, restaurants, bars and most hotels.
Playa Hermosa (south)
A quieter, more serious surf beach a short drive south, known for consistent beach break.
Herradura
A calmer bay just north with a marina, popular for sportfishing and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Los Sueños
An upscale marina and resort area near Herradura with golf and fishing charters.
Getting to Jacó
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Flights
Closest international airport is San José (SJO), about 1.5-2 hours by car; a small domestic airstrip also serves the area.
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From London
~1.5-2 hours by road from San José.
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Getting around
Jacó's main strip is walkable; taxis and rental cars cover nearby beaches like Playa Hermosa and Herradura.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Jacó?
December to April is the dry season; surf conditions are generally good year-round, with bigger swells during the rainy season.
Is Jacó good for beginner surfers?
Yes — the consistent beach break and numerous surf schools make it one of Costa Rica's most popular spots to learn.
Is the beach good for swimming?
Strong currents can occur, so it's worth checking conditions and swimming near lifeguarded areas when possible.
How far is Jacó from San José?
About 1.5-2 hours by car, making it a popular weekend getaway from the capital.
What's the nightlife like?
Jacó has one of Costa Rica's livelier nightlife scenes for a beach town, with bars and clubs along the main strip.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Took a surf lesson on day one and was catching small waves by the end — Jacó is a great spot to start.
Connor B. · November 2023
★★★☆☆
The main beach has decent waves but the strip felt a bit touristy; a short drive to Playa Hermosa for sunset was much quieter.
Paola V. · April 2024
★★★★☆
Easy weekend trip from San José — good food, lively at night, and convenient for combining with Manuel Antonio further south.
Mitchell S. · February 2024
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