Conditions at Machico in May
May: Solid Summer Builds
May is a transition month where the Atlantic swells lose their winter edge but the wind machine stays good. Average swell height sits at 1.7m (5.6ft), with periods shortening to 10.0s. The wave rose is dominated by NNW (34.2%) and NW (16.9%), with NNE (15.9%) growing as the summer trade-wind pattern begins. The optimal E/SE swell window is still quiet, so expect mostly wind-driven northwest swell breaking on the SE-facing beaches. Ideal winds are observed 56% of the time, and the NNE component is a powerful 26.4%-warm, steady, and generally organized enough to keep the surface clean. Water temperature warms to 19.1°C, air averages 18.2°C, and precipitation drops to just 0.64 mm/day. With consistent favorable wind windows and smaller waves, May is a reliable month for loggers, grovelers, and anyone wanting fun, rippable surf rather than winter juice.
Average Spot conditions at Machico in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Machico 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 Machico for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Machico 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 Machico.