Conditions at El Muelle in May
May: Fun-Sized Waves and the First Summer Lull
May is a month of decreasing energy. The average swell drops to 1.6m (5.2ft), and the mean period falls to 9.5s, meaning the wave quality shifts from long-period groundswell toward shorter, more wind-sensitive swell. Direction is still favourable - NNW dominates at exactly 50.0%, with N at 21.5% and NW at 13.4% - but the height distribution is concentrated in the 1-2m (3-6ft) range. This can still be super fun at El Muelle, especially on the sets.
The main culprit for summer's arrival is the wind. NNE winds blow 37.0% of the time, N winds 21.6%, and NNW adds 25.5%, leaving the beach constantly under northeast flow. Ideal wind percentages fall to 5%, so clean offshore conditions are rare. Air temperatures are warming to 19.7°C, water temperature is 19.4°C, and precipitation is almost non-existent at 0.08mm/day. Look for days with a SW wind after a passing trough; they are rare but magical in May.
Average Spot conditions at El Muelle in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at El Muelle 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 El Muelle for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at El Muelle 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 El Muelle.