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Conditions at Playa Matapalo in May
May: The Swell Engine Turns On
May marks the real beginning of the best surf season. The average height jumps to 3.6ft (1.1m), and for the first time close to half of the swell (49.3 percent) is in the 3-5ft (1-1.5m) category, with another 3.7 percent at 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m). The period is still a hefty 14.1s, and the direction is SSW with only a trace of SW. The wind pattern is excellent: ideal 71 percent of the time, with WNW leading the pack at 16.3 percent and W at 11.9 percent. Rain increases to 8.46mm/day as the ITCZ strengthens, but it just means more tropical juice in the system. Water is 29.1°C. This is the first month where the swell starts to feel properly solid, with real push and a legitimate drop.
Average Spot conditions at Playa Matapalo in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Playa Matapalo 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 Playa Matapalo for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Playa Matapalo 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 Playa Matapalo.