Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)

human settlement

Costa Azul is a small Pacific-coast beach and surf spot on the Chiapas coast of southern Mexico, noted locally as the 'Zippers' break. Travellers come for surf, wide beaches and remote coastal scenery.

Costa Azul (San José del Cabo) Tuxtla GutiérrezSan Cristóbal de las CasasTapachula de Cordova y OrdoñezComitánChiapa de Corzo (city)ChamulaSoconuscoPijijiapanCosta Azul (San José del Cabo)

Costa Azul (San José del Cabo) essentials

Address: Costa Azul, Pijijiapan municipality, Chiapas, Mexico

Costa Azul sits on the exposed Pacific shoreline of Chiapas in a stretch of low, tropical coast dominated by sand and rocky points. The spot is best known among surfers as ‘Zippers’ - a named break that draws board riders when conditions line up.

The area is a working coastal landscape: small fishing boats, scattered houses and a modest amount of tourist infrastructure rather than a resort strip. Vegetation and land use reflect the tropical savanna climate, with a pronounced wet season that shapes access and travel.

Visiting Costa Azul feels quiet and local; expect simple amenities, few formal services and plenty of open beach. Waves, tides and currents can vary quickly, and the beach is a place for long walks, watching the light at dusk and connecting with a low-key fishing community.

  • Zippers (surf break): A named local break that brings surfers to Costa Azul when swell and wind conditions are favorable.
  • Open Pacific beach: A wide stretch of sand good for walks, photography and watching remoter stretches of Chiapas coastline.
  • Sunset viewpoints: Low cliffs and the shoreline offer broad westward views ideal for evening light and coastal panoramas.
  • Local fishing activity: Small-scale fishing operations and boats along the shore give insight into everyday coastal life.
  • Bird and shorelife watching: Tidal zones and nearby shoreline habitat are useful for observing shorebirds and coastal wildlife at low tide.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)#

The dry months are best for beachgoing and reliable access; the wet season brings heavy rain, rough roads and fewer visitors.

Dry season (best)
November - February · 20°C - 34°C (68°F - 93°F)
Sunny, drier conditions make beach visits, coastal drives and outdoor activities easiest; road conditions are generally most reliable.
Late dry / shoulder
March - April · 22°C - 35°C (72°F - 95°F)
Warm and still relatively dry before the main rains begin, a good time for surf and fewer crowds, but watch for the first storms toward April.
Rainy season (low season)
May - October · 23°C - 35°C (73°F - 95°F)
Frequent heavy showers and tropical storms dominate this period, making access harder and some dirt roads impassable; expect fewer services and limited daylight windows for travel.

Weather & Climate near Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)#

Climate

Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)'s climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. Heavy rainfall (2007 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 53 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 20° - 34° 28° 2 mm clear 62% 4.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.2h
February Ideal 21° - 34° 28° 4 mm clear 59% 4.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.5h
March Ideal 22° - 34° 30° 9 mm mostly sunny 59% 4.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 23° - 35° 32° 35 mm mostly sunny 64% 3.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
May Good 24° - 35° 34° 199 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.7h
June Acceptable 23° - 34° 33° 370 mm overcast 82% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
July Good 23° - 34° 33° 327 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.8h
August Good 23° - 34° 33° 369 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.5h
September Acceptable 23° - 33° 32° 454 mm overcast 83% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Good 23° - 33° 33° 190 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.7h
November Excellent 22° - 34° 32° 42 mm mostly sunny 76% 4.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
December Ideal 21° - 34° 29° 6 mm clear 69% 4.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)#

The nearest town with basic services is Pijijiapan; larger regional centers include Tapachula and Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Access to Costa Azul is by road from Pijijiapan and the coastal highways; the final stretch may be on minor or unpaved roads, and local taxis, colectivos or a rental car are the usual options - expect journeys to take longer in the rainy season when roads can become soft or flooded.

Tips for Visiting Costa Azul (San José del Cabo)#

  • Visit in the dry season for reliable sun and easier road access; the wet season brings heavy rains and difficult tracks.
  • Bring cash and basic supplies, as services at the beach are limited and shops may be in Pijijiapan.
  • Swim and surf with caution; currents and shore breaks can be strong and there are few formal lifeguards or rescue services.
  • Respect the local fishing community and avoid blocking access to boats and working areas.
  • Pack insect repellent for dawn and dusk, and a rain jacket during the rainy months.