Conditions at Gokarna in May
May: Bigger SW Groundswell But the Onshore Wind Takes Control
May brings a significant increase in surf size, with the average swell height rising to 3.6ft (1.1m) on a 10.6s period. The swell is very well directed: WSW supplies 37.4% of all wave energy, SW 25.0%, W 21.5% and SSW 7.6%. There is now plenty of 3.3-4.9ft (1-1.5m) surf, and a healthy share of 4.9-6.6ft (1.5-2m) sets from WSW and SW, making this the best pure swell month so far. However, wind quality collapses. Ideal offshore wind is only 5%, while WNW 31.5%, NW 23.7% and W 15.9% dominate the wind rose, all directly onshore or cross-shore at Gokarna. Those winds dynamite the surface, leaving heavy, choppy conditions despite the attractive swell underneath. Rain increases to 3.38mm/day, air temps sit at 28.4 degrees C and water temps peak at 30.3 degrees C. May is for the committed only; catch it in a brief lull or watch it stay crossed-up.
Average Spot conditions at Gokarna in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Gokarna during May. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Gokarna for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Gokarna for May. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Gokarna.