Five Islands - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (April, November, December)

These months strike the perfect balance between favorable offshore winds and a healthy dose of long-period swell from the southern Indian Ocean. April sees the transition between monsoons, with the northeast monsoon weakening and the southwest monsoon building, bringing a mix of light offshore winds from the west and consistent swell trains from the SSW and SW. November and December are the true gems, as the northeast monsoon sets in and the westerly wind belt shifts south, delivering clean, offshore conditions with a high percentage of swell from the optimal W, WSW, SW, and SSW directions. Swell heights average a solid 1.2-1.4m with periods often exceeding 10 seconds, producing powerful, rippable waves at Five Islands.

Fair Surf Season (January, February, March, May, October)

During these months, conditions become more variable. January through March still enjoy excellent offshore wind frequencies (48-58%), but the swell direction shifts to the east and southeast, which are not ideal for this southeast-facing reef. Waves from the E and ESE are often short-period and tend to close out, though occasional west swell pulses can sneak in. May and October are transition months where the monsoon shifts; winds become less reliable (34-38% ideal) and often onshore, but the swell direction improves, with a higher percentage of SSW and SW swell. So you'll have to pick your days carefully—look for windows of clean west wind and a solid SSW swell.

Low Surf Season (June, July, August, September)

The southwest monsoon dominates the summer months, bringing strong, consistent onshore winds from the east and southeast that ruin the wave quality. Although the swell size peaks at 1.6-1.8m and periods are long (10-11 seconds), the swell direction is almost exclusively from the SSE and S, which is side-to-direct onshore for this SE-facing spot. Combined with only 32-40% offshore wind, the surf is often choppy, messy, and blown out. The rare good day comes when a west swell wraps in under a temporary high-pressure ridge, but these are few and far between. Summer is best left for other activities.

May: Building Swell, Fading Wind Consistency

May sees average swell heights climb to 1.5m with a period of 10.8 seconds, thanks to intensifying storm activity in the southern Indian Ocean. Swell directions are favorable, with SSE (36.0%) and S (35.3%) still dominant, but SSW (14.0%) and SW (7.3%) providing a solid dose of optimal angle swell. Unfortunately, ideal offshore wind frequency drops to 34%, as the monsoon begins its shift—onshore easterlies become more common. The surf can still be excellent when the wind plays along, especially early mornings when land breezes dominate. Expect powerful, long-period waves in the 1.5-2m range during pulses, but be prepared to fight the wind on many days.