Map
Five Islands
Today's Surf Conditions at Five Islands
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Five Islands delivers a reef-break experience that demands respect and rewards ambition. The wave peels predominantly as a right-hander, offering long, racetrack-style walls that grind over a shallow coral reef. This is intermediate territory—not a spot for beginners, but a proving ground for those looking to sharpen their instincts and push their limits. Swell direction is versatile: the setup draws power from both the SouthEast and SouthWest, with SouthEast providing the cleanest, most consistent lines. The wave starts to show its teeth at around 2 feet (0.6 meters) and handles larger pulses without losing shape. On the inside, expect hard, hollow sections that barrel over shallow reef, especially during low to mid tide. Outside, the take-offs are steep and demanding, setting you up for fast, exhilarating drops that lead into open faces. Wind is critical—an offshore from the North is your friend, grooming the surface into smooth, glassy walls. Keep an eye on the tide cycle: mid-tide tends to balance the power and shape, while low tide exposes the reef and adds consequence. Whether you’re hunting for deep barrels or clean, rippable lines, Five Islands offers a solid challenge that will test your timing, commitment, and wave-reading skills.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (April, November, December)
These months strike the perfect balance between favorable offshore winds and a healthy dose of long-period swell from the southern Indian Ocean. April sees the transition between monsoons, with the northeast monsoon weakening and the southwest monsoon building, bringing a mix of light offshore winds from the west and consistent swell trains from the SSW and SW. November and December are the true gems, as the northeast monsoon sets in and the westerly wind belt shifts south, delivering clean, offshore conditions with a high percentage of swell from the optimal W, WSW, SW, and SSW directions. Swell heights average a solid 1.2-1.4m with periods often exceeding 10 seconds, producing powerful, rippable waves at Five Islands.
Fair Surf Season (January, February, March, May, October)
During these months, conditions become more variable. January through March still enjoy excellent offshore wind frequencies (48-58%), but the swell direction shifts to the east and southeast, which are not ideal for this southeast-facing reef. Waves from the E and ESE are often short-period and tend to close out, though occasional west swell pulses can sneak in. May and October are transition months where the monsoon shifts; winds become less reliable (34-38% ideal) and often onshore, but the swell direction improves, with a higher percentage of SSW and SW swell. So you'll have to pick your days carefully—look for windows of clean west wind and a solid SSW swell.
Low Surf Season (June, July, August, September)
The southwest monsoon dominates the summer months, bringing strong, consistent onshore winds from the east and southeast that ruin the wave quality. Although the swell size peaks at 1.6-1.8m and periods are long (10-11 seconds), the swell direction is almost exclusively from the SSE and S, which is side-to-direct onshore for this SE-facing spot. Combined with only 32-40% offshore wind, the surf is often choppy, messy, and blown out. The rare good day comes when a west swell wraps in under a temporary high-pressure ridge, but these are few and far between. Summer is best left for other activities.
Detailed Surf Information for Five Islands
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Five Islands with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
