Conditions at Baltrum in May
May: Longboard Season Begins, But Consistency Remains
The ocean still ticks over with a semi-regular pulse. The average swell height holds at 1.0m (3.3ft), but the period sinks to 5.8s - the turning point where 'punchy' becomes 'mushy'. The swell direction is still dominated by the NNW, which pumps in at a massive 26% of all waves, alongside a solid 13.1% from the NW. This is a gift for the spot's exposure, as it ensures waves are constantly wrapping onto the beach. The wind is a mix of offshore (NE/E at 6.9% and 8.0% respectively) and onshore tendencies. The 'ideal' wind frequency is 11%, but those offshore days are becoming cleaner, more consistent, and less stormy. Air temps average 12.1°C with the first real warmth of the year, and the sea surface has rebounded to 11.6°C. It's the first month where you can genuinely enjoy a 2-3 hour session without violent shivering. The waves are generally small and short-period, so bring a longboard or a fish. When the wind swings to the SSW/SW and the NW swell is rolling, the lines are clean and playful - not heavy, but perfectly fun-sized.
Average Spot conditions at Baltrum in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Baltrum 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 Baltrum for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Baltrum 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 Baltrum.