Surf forecastStatisticsHistorical report

Thunders seasonal overview

Best Surf Season (May - September)

The heart of the dry season brings the Indian Ocean to life. Consistently strong southeast trade winds drive a relentless stream of long-period SSW groundswell that pours into the bay. Average wave heights climb to 1.5-1.7m with periods often exceeding 14 seconds. More importantly, the wind regime flips to a dominant easterly flow – blowing directly offshore from the land. This combination of powerful, directionally aligned swell and clean offshore winds creates the most consistent and high-quality surf of the year. Expect punchy, hollow right-handers off the reef when the swell lines up.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

These transition months serve as the bookends of the prime season. While the monsoon winds are shifting, the Indian Ocean is still energized. Swell heights average around 1.3-1.5m with excellent periods (13-13.5s). The dominant swell direction remains SSW, delivering good waves. However, the wind reliability drops. You will experience more days of variable breezes and occasional onshore flows, but the windows of offshore easterlies still occur frequently enough to score fun, rippable waves. This is a solid shoulder season for uncrowded sessions.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

The northwest monsoon sets in, bringing a shift in both swell and wind patterns. Average swell heights drop to around 1.3m, and wave periods shorten slightly (12-13s). While the dominant swell direction remains favorable (SSW to SW), the quality suffers due to the atmospheric circulation. The wind direction swings predominantly from the northwest and west, blowing directly onshore across this west-southwest-facing beach. Ideal offshore easterlies become scarce, with wind being ideal only 26-32% of the time. Waves are more likely to be choppy, lumpy, and blown out. This season requires patience and luck to find a clean window between the trade winds and the monsoonal slop.

Loading chart...

Conditions at Thunders in May

May: Peak Season Begins

Now we are talking. The southeast trade winds are fully established, blowing from the SE and ESE over 29% of the time. These are perfect offshore directions for Thunders. Ideal wind percentage soars to 54%. The swell statistics show a significant jump: average height 1.5m and period 13.9s. The dominant swell is still SSW (65%), but now many of those waves are in the 1.5-2m range (25.5%) with some 2-2.5m (3%). This is firing territory. Expect consistent, powerful waves with clean conditions day after day. The rights will be hollow and fast. May is a prime month for experienced surfers seeking quality over quantity.

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

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Thunders 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 Thunders.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size