Conditions at Martinhal in May
May: First Summer Lull Arrives
May marks the transition toward the summer flat spell as the average wave height drops to around 5ft (1.6m) and the period falls to 9.8s. The ocean is still active from the NW: NW at 39.7%, NNW at 23.9% and WNW at 16.7%, but those waves are increasingly shorter-period windswell rather than true groundswell. NNW winds are the engine at 41.6%, with NW another 14.2%, so many days remain offshore in direction; however, wind speeds of 20-40kph are common and can create a lumpy, bumpy surface. Air and water are warming, with air at 17.6°C, water at 17.0°C, and rain easing to 1.20mm/day. Conditions are best early morning before the summer sea breeze kicks up, and a grovel board is handy for the softer 1-1.5m (3-5ft) waves.
Average Spot conditions at Martinhal in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Martinhal 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 Martinhal for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Martinhal 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 Martinhal.