Conditions at Zurriola in May
May: Sizing Down as the Wind Shifts North
May brings a definitive downward step in the surf calendar. Average swell drops to 1.2m (4ft) and the period compresses to 9.9s, making conditions noticeably less powerful. Directionally, it remains rooted in the northwest with NW at a massive 50.9 percent, WNW at 28.0 and NNW at 13.2 - so when waves do arrive, they are still coming from Zurriola's good side. The real challenge is the wind. Ideal conditions fall to 29 percent while the thermal onshore flow takes hold: NNW jumps to 13.5, WNW to 13.1 and NW to 12.4, a combined 39 percent of the wind blowing straight into the beach. The classic summer sea breeze pattern is becoming established. Air temps average 15.1°C and the water has climbed to 16.1°C, making it feel pleasant on land, but the ocean is starting to take on that summery, small and chop-affected character. If you are chasing clean waves, dawn patrol is the only reliable move before the thermal north wind switches on.
Average Spot conditions at Zurriola in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Zurriola 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 Zurriola for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Zurriola 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 Zurriola.