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Conditions at Penascal in May
May: Southern Ocean Pulse, Persistent South Wind
May continues the progression toward winter. The average swell height reaches 1.8m (5.9ft), the period holds at a strong 13.6s, and the SSW component still dominates at 84.4%. Swell energy is heavier, with 23.3% of waves reaching 2-2.5m (6.5-8ft) and over 50% in the 1.5-2m range. However, the wind climate turns uglier. S (45.6%) and SSW (45.6%) are tied for dominance, and almost all of those readings fall in the 10-20kph band, producing bumpy, wind-affected surf. Ideal wind is 0%. The ocean temperature drops to 17.0°C and air temps cool to 18.6°C, so a solid wetsuit is needed. The swell is definitely firing, but the odds of finding a groomed surface at Penascal are low.
Average Spot conditions at Penascal in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Penascal 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 Penascal for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Penascal 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 Penascal.