May’s an interesting month in the surfing world. The northern hemisphere’s starting to fall asleep into summery swell lulls, but still the odd rogue swell around. Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere is in full autumnal swing, with winter creeping around the corner.
This month also marks the beginning of the wet season in places like Mexico, leading into June when rainfall is up. But May’s also a special time of year for Central America, south swells are filling in and the area’s a bit less crowded with surf tourists, who tend to save travel from June to October during the hurricane season. For now, here are the best bets for where to score in the month of May.
1. Indonesia – Bali
Always a solid bet for a May getaway. It’s right before the season begins, but you can still get the odd swell line up for the area, and fewer of the traveling contingent are in the area. Take the west side of Bali, for example—the wind is generally favorable, more so than any other month of the year, with surf heights on average in the six-foot range. You’re also as likely to score fun-sized waves as you are proper pumping Padang Padang barrels on the Bukit. A fine choice for a perfect combination of weather and waves.
2. New Zealand – North Island
It’s fall in New Zealand through May, with summer wrapping up towards the end of March. That means it’s getting colder in the land of the long white cloud. As the seasons shift, so too does the ocean. On the northeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island is Raglan, one of surfing’s most famous left-hand point breaks, reeling across Manu Bay for hundreds of meters. May’s right in the season this iconic break comes alive. But there are other spots across New Zealand’s 18,000-kilometer coastline. Just be prepared for it to be on the chillier side, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 59°F.
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3. Fiji – Away From Cloudbreak
May’s one of the prime months for surfing’s gloriously heavy waves Cloudbreak to wake up. In fact, it was May 26th when Ramon Navarro surfed one of the biggest, widest barrels ever seen there back in 2018. Fiji has more surf zones, though, across the Coral Coast, Mamanucas and Taveuni. Cloudbreak’s located off the island of Tavarua, in the Mamanuca Island chain. Consider Frigates in the Coral Coast, another left-hander, but with fewer crowds and a lot more opportunity to find uncrowded waves. May is right in the middle of the season here, with plenty of options for reef breaks across the island nation.
4. El Salvador – Surf City
Over the years, El Salvador’s tourism board has been working in overdrive to re-market this beautiful surf zone as a safe destination, following years of upheaval. Enter Surf City, aka El Tunco, on El Salvador’s Pacific coastline. It’s a quaint little town with places to eat, bars and a bustle about the place. It’s right out front you want to pay attention to, though.
The town’s four surf breaks stretch from south to north, La Bocana, La Bocanita, Sunzalito and El Sunzal—which is about a 15-minute walk further north. May’s a great month to visit El Salvador, with the air temperature around 85°F and the water temperature pushing 70°F. May’s also when those south swells start to filter out of the Pacific. Worth keeping an eye on the charts for a no-hassle strike mission.
5. Mexico – Oaxaca
Perhaps better known for its big, scary wave at Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca is more than just a surf zone for the committed heavy wave surfer. May’s right in the heart of that south swell season, and it’s probably the last month you’re likely to get favorable light wind for the points of Salina Cruz. Consider setting up base at Huatulco, there’s more going on here and good access to spots further south.
If it’s a left you’re looking for, consider La Punta, on the south side of Playa Zicatela. When that place is pumping, you can find shelter here while watching the big wave cats take a swing at the XXL swells that fire through. Head to La Bamba if you want a right with a bit more spice to it; it’s 30 or so minutes north of Salina Cruz and consistent in May.
6. Costa Rica – Pavones
Why not take a tour of El Salvador, Mexico and Costa Rica? Perhaps one of the country’s greatest waves, Pavones is located on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, on the southern tip of Pavon Bay. It’s a tough place to get to, but on the right swell, it can rival Chicama for length of left-hand ride. The wave is fast and divided into a couple of different sections, with the outer section being way more critical than the inner section’s more gentle approach. Watch out for rocks and crowds.
If you want somewhere a little less busy, head further north. May’s a brilliant month for surfing in Costa Rica; much like Mexico and El Salvador above, it’s right in the path of those glorious south swells out of the Pacific, and this month’s when things start to get very interesting for the region.
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