Surf forecastSpot statisticsHistorical report

Arpoador seasonal overview

Arpoador, Brazil, offers relatively consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions typically occur from February to August. During these months, ground swell percentages rise significantly, peaking in May (59%) and remaining strong through June and July (59% and 51%, respectively). Ground swells tend to produce cleaner, more organized waves compared to wind swells, which dominate the rest of the year. The mean swell size also increases during this period, averaging 1.1m to 1.3m, providing a good balance of power and rideability. Wind conditions are most favorable from January to June, with the highest likelihood of good winds in February (55%) and a steady decline from July onward. September through November sees the worst wind conditions, with onshore winds becoming more frequent (59-63% bad winds). While summer months (December-January) have smaller swell sizes (0.9m-1.0m) and higher wind swell influence, they still offer surfable waves, particularly when the ground swell component is present. For the most reliable surf with cleaner conditions, mid-year months (May-July) stand out due to the strong ground swell presence and manageable wind probabilities. However, those seeking smaller waves can still find opportunities in the shoulder seasons, though with greater variability in wind quality.

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Conditions at Arpoador in May

Arpoador in May typically offers decent surf conditions with a solid mix of swell and manageable winds. The average swell height is 1.3m with a consistent 11.0s period, providing well-formed waves that are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Swell direction is predominantly from the south and southeast, ensuring clean, rideable waves, with over 50% of the time seeing swell in the 1-2.5m range. Wind conditions are favorable 51% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (mostly under 20kph) from the northeast to east, which helps keep the surface clean. However, stronger onshore winds can occasionally disrupt conditions, particularly from the east-southeast. Overall, May is a reliable month with consistent, fun-sized surf and a good chance of glassy sessions, especially early in the day before winds pick up.

Average Spot conditions at Arpoador in May

Swell history for May

0 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
1 - 1.5
1.5 - 2.0
2.0 - 2.5
> 2.5 m

Wind history for May

0 - 10
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
> 50 km/h

Swell quality

Analyze the groundswell consistency at Arpoador 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 Arpoador for your next trip in May.

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Arpoador 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 Arpoador.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size