Conditions at Five Islands in May
May: More Swell, Fickler Winds
May is where the seasonal trade-off begins. The southwest monsoon strengthens, and average swell height jumps to 5ft (1.5m) with a 10.8s period, producing real power in the water. SSE and S swells are the engines-36% and 35% respectively-and the height distribution is meaty: nearly half the waves are 1.5-2m, with 7% pushing into the 2-2.5m range. But wind quality drops sharply: ideal offshore conditions fall to 34%, and the strengthening WSW/SW/S flow brings more uneven, bumpy surface to the SE-facing reefs. Rainfall climbs to 6.02mm/day, air temperature is 28.4°C and water temperature is 29.9°C. The swell is there and sometimes firing, but you have to pick your windows carefully.
Average Spot conditions at Five Islands in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Five Islands 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 Five Islands for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Five Islands 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 Five Islands.