Conditions at La Selva in May
May: Trade Wind Grovel
May is the classic late-spring trade-wind month. The average swell height eases to around 4ft (1.2m) and the average period drops to 7.4s, signalling a shift away from North Atlantic groundswell. ENE and E swells combine for over 70% of the spectrum, while the optimal N/NNE/NE/NNW directions shrink to about 23%. Most waves fall in the 1-1.5m category, making it a small, fun-sized, groveling type of surf.
Ideal wind percentages peak at 51%, the highest of the year, which means many smaller days are clean and glassy. But the lack of period and north-direction swell leaves La Selva without much power. Rain becomes more frequent with 4.43mm per day, and water temperatures climb to 27.8°C. For a log or a groveler, May can still offer fun little waves, but serious surfers will be waiting for the next winter pulse.
Average Spot conditions at La Selva in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at La Selva 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 La Selva for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at La Selva 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 La Selva.