Offshore StaysWhere to surf in May
19 surf towns in their main surf season in May, compared by sea temperature, average wave size and skill level. Warmest water: Arugam Bay, around 30°C.
| Surf town | Sea temp | Air temp | Avg waves (offshore) | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugam Bay in MaySri Lanka | 30°C | 29°C | 1.3 m | all levels |
| Nosara in MayCosta Rica | 30°C | 28°C | 1.5 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Puerto Escondido in MayMexico | 30°C | 25°C | 1.6 m | all levels |
| Santa Teresa in MayCosta Rica | 30°C | 28°C | 1.4 m | all levels |
| Tamarindo in MayCosta Rica | 29°C | 29°C | 1.4 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Popoyo in MayNicaragua | 29°C | 29°C | 1.2 m | all levels |
| San Juan del Sur in MayNicaragua | 29°C | 29°C | 1.2 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Canggu in MayIndonesia | 28°C | 25°C | 1.9 m | all levels |
| Uluwatu in MayIndonesia | 28°C | 28°C | 1.9 m | intermediate and advanced surfers |
| Sayulita in MayMexico | 27°C | 26°C | 1.1 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Byron Bay in MayAustralia | 24°C | 21°C | 1.7 m | all levels |
| Florianópolis in MayBrazil | 22°C | 19°C | 1.4 m | all levels |
| Essaouira in MayMorocco | 17°C | 19°C | 1.8 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Sagres in MayPortugal | 17°C | 18°C | 1.6 m | all levels |
| Aljezur in MayPortugal | 16°C | 18°C | 1.6 m | all levels |
| Biarritz in MayFrance | 16°C | 15°C | 1.0 m | all levels |
| Zarautz in MaySpain | 16°C | 15°C | 1.2 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Peniche in MayPortugal | 16°C | 16°C | 1.7 m | all levels |
| Ericeira in MayPortugal | 16°C | 17°C | 1.6 m | all levels |
Wave heights are open-ocean monthly averages, not a beach forecast. Sources and dates are on each town's month page.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I surf in May?
- 19 of the surf towns we cover are in their main surf season in May: Arugam Bay (Sri Lanka), Nosara (Costa Rica), Puerto Escondido (Mexico), Santa Teresa (Costa Rica), Tamarindo (Costa Rica), Popoyo (Nicaragua), San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Canggu (Indonesia), Uluwatu (Indonesia), Sayulita (Mexico), Byron Bay (Australia), Florianópolis (Brazil), Essaouira (Morocco), Sagres (Portugal), Aljezur (Portugal), Biarritz (France), Zarautz (Spain), Peniche (Portugal), Ericeira (Portugal).
- Where is the water warmest for surfing in May?
- Arugam Bay (around 30°C), Nosara (around 30°C), Puerto Escondido (around 30°C). At the cold end, Ericeira sits around 16°C, which calls for a 4/3mm full wetsuit.
- Where can beginners surf in May?
- Arugam Bay, Nosara, Puerto Escondido, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Popoyo, San Juan del Sur, Canggu, Sayulita, Byron Bay, Florianópolis, Essaouira, Sagres, Aljezur, Biarritz, Zarautz, Peniche, Ericeira are in season in May and have breaks that suit beginners.