Uluwatu seasonal overview
Uluwatu, Bali, is a world-class reef break with consistent year-round swell, predominantly powered by ground swells (90%+ of the time). The best months for surfing here combine solid swell size with favorable wind conditions. From April to October, the swell is most reliable, peaking in June, July, and August with mean swell heights of 2.0–2.2m, ideal for advanced surfers. However, wind conditions vary significantly—April, September, October, and November offer the best balance, with good offshore winds occurring 51–76% of the time. October stands out as the prime month, with 74% good wind conditions and a solid 1.8m average swell. The dry season (May–September) brings bigger waves but often suffers from less ideal winds (only 21–31% favorable in peak swell months). Conversely, November and March provide decent swells (1.5m) and better wind setups, making them good alternatives. December to February sees slightly smaller swells (1.5–1.6m) and the worst wind conditions (78–79% onshore), though ground swells remain dominant. For the best all-around experience, target April, September, October, or November—when swell consistency, size, and wind align most favorably.
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Conditions at Uluwatu in May
In May, Uluwatu offers solid surf conditions with a consistent swell averaging 1.9m and a strong period of 14.7s, indicating powerful, well-formed waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the SSW and SW, making up the majority of waves in the 1.5–2.5m range, which is ideal for advanced surfers seeking quality overhead surf. The wind is favorable 43% of the time, predominantly from the ESE to SE, but can occasionally be strong (20-40kph), potentially creating choppy conditions. While there are clean offshore wind opportunities, the dominant easterly/southeasterly winds may lead to some cross-shore or onshore effects. Overall, May delivers reliable, powerful waves, best suited for experienced surfers who can handle larger conditions and variable winds.
Average Spot conditions at Uluwatu in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Uluwatu 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 Uluwatu for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Uluwatu 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 Uluwatu.
