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Conditions at Westport Breakwater in May
May: First Roar of Winter
May is when the Southern Ocean really opens up. Average swell height jumps to 2.5m (8ft), period remains at 12.4s, and the distribution spreads into the 6.5-8ft (2-2.5m) and 8ft+ (>2.5m) classes. WSW still leads at 37.0 percent, but W, WNW, and the NW/NNW quadrant combine for an additional 17.5 percent. For a north-facing breakwater, this means more of the swell envelope has that north/northwest component than earlier in the year, which makes for better shape and more consistent set waves.
The trade-off is wind. Ideal conditions clock in at 47 percent, with SW winds at 16.0 percent and SSW/S adding another 15.6 percent, but the stronger winter pressure gradient also brings heavier swells and more wind speeds in the 20-40kph range. Onshore N/NNE/NNW/NW winds occupy about 16 percent of the time, so there are still good windows, but they require timing with the passing fronts. Water temps drop to 14.6°C, air temps average 11.6°C, and precipitation is 5.15 mm/day-time to pull out the 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit and enjoy the first of the winter grind.
Average Spot conditions at Westport Breakwater in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Westport Breakwater 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 Westport Breakwater for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Westport Breakwater 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 Westport Breakwater.