Surf forecastSpot statisticsHistorical report

Parking Lots seasonal overview

Parking Lots in the United States offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for consistent waves and favorable winds are typically from late fall through early spring. The prime window is between November and March, when ground swell and wind swell frequencies peak. During these months, ground swell averages 27-31%, wind swell hovers around 55-58%, and mean swell height stays at a respectable 0.9m. However, wind conditions are less ideal, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) dominating 74-77% of the time—requiring patience for clean sessions. October stands out slightly with marginally better wind stats (32% good winds), though swell size drops to 0.7m. Summer months (May-August) see a steep decline in surf quality, with no-swell days exceeding 70%, minimal swell heights (0.4-0.5m), and poor wind conditions (79-93% unfavorable). September and April serve as transitional periods—swell activity improves over summer but remains inconsistent. For committed surfers, the winter months deliver the most reliable waves, despite challenging winds, while summer is largely flat. Timing sessions around wind shifts or early mornings is key for maximizing conditions outside the peak season.

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Conditions at Parking Lots in May

In May, the surf conditions at this spot are generally small and inconsistent, with an average swell height of 0.6m and a decent period of 8.8s, suggesting some potential for rideable waves despite the modest size. The swell direction is predominantly from the NNE (45.33% of waves under 1.5m) and NNW (18.73% under 1.5m), which aligns reasonably well with the beach orientation, though larger swells (>1.5m) are rare. Wind conditions are often less than ideal, with only 21% favorable for surfing. Easterly winds (E, ENE) dominate at moderate speeds (10-30kph), creating choppy or onshore conditions, particularly in the 10-20kph range (18.71% from E, 8.42% from ENE). Stronger winds (>20kph) are frequent from the E and ENE, further degrading wave quality. While smaller, cleaner days are possible—especially with NNW/NNE swells and lighter winds—expect mostly marginal conditions suited for beginners or longboarders. Advanced surfers will need patience for the occasional clean, waist-high session.

Average Spot conditions at Parking Lots 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 Parking Lots 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 Parking Lots for your next trip in May.

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Parking Lots 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 Parking Lots.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size