Sunset Reef • Statistics for May

May: Cape Winter Starts to Hit Its Stride

May is a turning point for Sunset Reef. The average swell height jumps to 2.6m (8.5ft), period holds at a strong 12.4s, and ideal wind conditions peak at 20%. The Southern Ocean is now firing on all cylinders, and while SSW/SW still dominate, the WSW contribution grows to 11.9%, giving the west-northwest-facing reef a more direct angle of attack. Many of the waves fall in the 2-2.5m (6.5-8ft) range, with a notable percentage exceeding 2.5m (8ft). The wind picture becomes more complex: SE and SSE remain important offshore flows at 27.5%, but NNW and NW winds take up nearly 30% of the observations. That means the best days come in the clear, post-frontal south-east offshore flow, often with crisp winter air and well-groomed swell lines. Water temperature drops to 16.6°C, average air temperature is 16.5°C, and rainfall climbs to 1.57mm per day; winter wetsuits are becoming the norm.