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Conditions at Hickory Bay in May
May: The Magic Window
May is the first true peak of the season at Hickory Bay. Average swell height is 1.9m (6.2ft), average period hits 11.3s - one of the longest of the year - and the ideal wind percentage climbs to 48%. The wind pattern shifts dramatically: NNW is the top direction at 13.9%, with W/WNW/NW/NNW together making up more than 30% of all wind, while the harmful E/ESE/SE/SSE wind drops to only 8.6%. Swells from S and SSW still dominate the size spectrum, but the E/ESE/SE/SSE window provides over 32% of energy, and with that offshore NW flow overnight and into the morning, the bay often cleans right up. This is the month to score long-period, powerful groundswell in the 6ft (1.8m) class, with occasional bigger days. Water temps cool to 12.6°C and air temps average 11.1°C - proper autumn/winter conditions.
Average Spot conditions at Hickory Bay in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Hickory Bay 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 Hickory Bay for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Hickory Bay 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 Hickory Bay.