Surf forecastStatisticsHistorical report

Somo seasonal overview

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter machine kicks into high gear from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful NW groundswells to Somo's north-facing beach. During these months, average wave heights range from 1.6m to 2.1m with long-period energy (11-13s) that translates into clean, rippable waves when the wind plays ball. The key is a strong Azores High or a passing low pressure system that draws in offshore S/SSW winds. December leads the pack with 55% ideal wind conditions, making it the prime month for scoring pumping, firing waves. However, be ready for bouts of onshore NW wind that can turn things messy – patience and a sharp eye on the forecast are essential.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As spring sets in, the Atlantic storm track begins to shift north, reducing swell frequency and size. April and May see average heights drop to 1.5m and 1.2m respectively, with periods shortening to 10-11s. The wind windows become narrower, with ideal conditions only 31-37% of the time. Still, when a late-season low pressures swings by, we can get fun, rippable surf under sunny skies and light offshore breezes. September marks the transition back to winter, with increasing swell and improving wind odds (38% ideal), offering a taste of what's to come.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest time at Somo. The Atlantic storm belt retreats far north, leaving the Bay of Biscay with small, short-period swell (average 1.0m, 9s) mostly from local NW windswell. Offshore wind conditions are scarce (24-28% ideal), and the prevailing onshore N/NW breezes often ruin what little wave energy exists. While you might find a few clean shoulder-high days if a southerly wind pattern sets up, this is generally a time for flat spells and groveling on the small stuff. Best to save your energy for the winter months.

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Conditions at Somo in May

May: Dwindling Swell, Fading Windows

May is a shoulder month where winter's power is mostly gone. Average swell height is down to 1.2m and period is 10.0s – now we're in short-period territory. NW swell still dominates (53%), but the majority of that is in the 0.5-1m range (18.8%). Ideal wind drops to just 31%, and the prevailing onshore flow from the W and WNW is persistent. You'll need to hunt for the few days when a cut-off low spins up a pulse of longer-period swell and light offshore winds. Those days are rare but can produce fun, rippable waves in the waist-to-shoulder high range. Mostly, it's a month for longboarders and those happy with small, clean conditions.

Average Spot conditions at Somo 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 Somo 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 Somo for your next trip in May.

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Somo 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 Somo.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size