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Conditions at Sunset Beach in May
May: Last Gasp of Winter Swell
May still catches some North Pacific energy, but the trade-wind swell machine is taking over. Average height falls to about 6ft (1.8m) and period drops to 9.2 seconds - average, punchy rather than powerful. The swell rose is led by ENE (32.9%) and E (20.3%), while N (4.2%) and NNW (6.1%) leave the door open for a late-season groundswell. E/ENE winds dominate at 39.0% and 34.9%, yet ideal offshore wind windows improve to 21% because lighter east and southeast flow often lines up. Water temperature warms to 24.9°C, air averages 24.3°C, and rain is low at 1.23 mm/day. May is fun, rippable, and all on a shortboard - but the heavy days are fading.
Average Spot conditions at Sunset Beach in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach.