Ohama seasonal overview
Ohama Beach in Japan is primarily windswell-driven, with ground swells playing a minor role throughout most of the year. The best surfing conditions typically occur from July to November when ground swell contribution increases slightly, peaking in August at 29%. However, even during these months, windswell remains dominant. Swell size averages a modest 1.1m to 1.4m year-round, with the largest waves seen from December to March (1.4m–1.5m). Unfortunately, wind conditions are generally poor, with bad winds (onshore/cross-shore) prevailing 75–83% of the time across all months. The least unfavorable winds occur from June to August, particularly in July and August when good wind probability peaks at 23–25%. Early winter (December-January) offers slightly larger swells but suffers from consistently bad winds (80%). Late summer (August) presents the best compromise—marginally higher ground swell influence and slightly better wind odds, despite the small average wave size. Surfers should prioritize July–September for relatively cleaner conditions, though expectations should be tempered given the spot’s reliance on windswell and frequent onshore flow. Overall, Ohama is a low-consistency break with no truly elite months, requiring patience and flexibility to score decent sessions.
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Conditions at Ohama in May
In May, Omaha, Japan offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 7.7s, suggesting moderately clean and manageable waves. Most swells come from the E to SW directions, with a notable frequency in the 0.5-1.5m range (peaking in ENE, E, and ESE directions). SW swells dominate larger waves (1.5-2.5m), providing occasional punchier sets. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 20% ideal for surfing—lighter winds from SE to E are preferable, while stronger WSW and SW winds (over 20kph) often create chop. Expect smaller, softer waves early in the month and occasional overhead days late May if SW swells align with lighter winds. Overall, it's inconsistent but rideable, best for intermediate surfers who can adapt to varying conditions.
Average Spot conditions at Ohama in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Ohama 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 Ohama for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Ohama 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 Ohama.
