Lake Arenal – Tilarán
Tilarán, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Sports: Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling, Windsurfing, Parawing
Best time to go: January–February
Lake Arenal is a long reservoir in northern Costa Rica, at about 540 metres above sea level between the Arenal volcano and the Tilarán hills. From November to April the north-east trade wind crosses the continental divide and is funnelled along the lake, reaching its strongest at the western end near Tilarán. The wind is often strong, at times well above 25 knots, and gusty because of the hills, so small wing sizes are needed.
The water is fresh and warm, with steep wind chop and short swells that build along the length of the lake. The shore is mostly rocky or muddy rather than sandy, so launch at an established centre and wear foot protection. Parawing riders can use the lake's length for downwind runs towards the western end, but there are few landing points, so arrange a boat or car pick-up and tell someone your plan. The spot suits intermediate and advanced riders. The rest of the year has lighter and less reliable wind, and the rainy season brings frequent showers.
Month by month at Lake Arenal – Tilarán
- January: 28 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 19 knots, air 25°C (nights 20°C), 27 sunny days, 20 rainy days
- February: 26 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 20 knots, air 25°C (nights 20°C), 25 sunny days, 16 rainy days
- March: 23 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 16 knots, air 28°C (nights 21°C), 31 sunny days, 10 rainy days
- April: 21 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 16 knots, air 28°C (nights 21°C), 29 sunny days, 15 rainy days
- May: 16 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, air 29°C (nights 22°C), 27 sunny days, 25 rainy days
- June: 7 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, air 27°C (nights 21°C), 21 sunny days, 28 rainy days
- July: 19 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 13 knots, air 26°C (nights 21°C), 20 sunny days, 29 rainy days
- August: 15 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, air 27°C (nights 21°C), 23 sunny days, 29 rainy days
- September: 7 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, air 27°C (nights 21°C), 24 sunny days, 28 rainy days
- October: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 5 knots, air 26°C (nights 21°C), 22 sunny days, 30 rainy days
- November: 7 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, air 25°C (nights 21°C), 16 sunny days, 28 rainy days
- December: 21 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 15 knots, air 25°C (nights 20°C), 22 sunny days, 24 rainy days
When is the best time to go kitesurfing, wingfoiling, windsurfing & parawing at Lake Arenal – Tilarán?
January–February, when it is windy most often.
How windy is Lake Arenal – Tilarán?
About 192 days a year with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots in the daytime, most in January.
Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Spots near Lake Arenal – Tilarán
- Bahía Salinas (98 km)
- Santa Teresa (101 km)
- Popoyo (164 km)
More: All spots in Costa Rica · Kitesurfing in Costa Rica · Wingfoiling in Costa Rica · Windsurfing in Costa Rica · Parawing in Costa Rica