Conditions at Kuta in May
May: Groundswell Pulse and Trade-Wind Chop
May starts to feel like a different ocean. Swell averages 5-6ft (1.7m) with a 14.1s period, the longest so far, and the direction rotates slightly south. SSW still leads at 56%, but south swell contributes 29%, and the 5-6ft (1.5-2m) band is dominant at 51%, with another 19% in the 6-8ft (2-2.5m) range. This is proper, powerful groundswell.
The trade-off is wind. ESE winds explode to 58% and SE adds 21%, producing a strong cross-onshore component for Kuta's SSW-facing beach. Yet ideal wind still holds at 47%, mainly during early-morning and lighter-wind windows. With water temperature cooling to 28.9°C, air temps at 27.1°C and just 2.27 mm/day of rain, the dry season is taking over. May rewards surfers who get up early.
Average Spot conditions at Kuta in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Kuta 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 Kuta for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Kuta 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 Kuta.