Conditions at Cotton Trees in May
May: The Window Opens
May marks a real turning point. Average swell height rises to 4ft (1.2m), the period peaks at 12.2s, and S swell is absolutely dominant at 81.2% - with 62.4% of all readings in the rippable 3-5ft (1-1.5m) class and 3.1% in the 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m) range. SSW adds another 18.1%, including some 5-6.5ft sets. Perhaps more importantly, ideal wind jumps to 30%, as the monsoon is not yet fully established and more E/ESE/SE flow mixes in. Expect punchy, long-period south groundswell, often with cross-shore or light offshore texture. Water temperature warms to 28.5°C, air temps hold near 27.3°C, and rain increases to 4.69mm/day.
Average Spot conditions at Cotton Trees in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Cotton Trees 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 Cotton Trees for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Cotton Trees 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 Cotton Trees.