Last updated on March 14th, 2024 at 09:01 am
If you are looking for a place to surf in May, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of surf destinations offering excellent conditions in May.
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About Surfing in May
There are plenty of surf locations around the globe, but not all of them work well simultaneously. Each one has its own characteristics and its unique surf season. Therefore, when planning a surf trip, it is crucial to know not only where to go but also when to go. If you choose wisely, you will score the waves you dream about.
May is the beginning of summer in the northern half of the globe. At this time of year, the south swells sand waves to some of the best surf destinations in the world. Therefore, it is an excellent time for a surf trip.
So, in detail, these are our top choices for a place to surf in May:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in May
1. The Mentawai Islands, Indonesia:
The Mentawai Islands are situated off the Sumatran Coastline in Indonesia. When it comes to surf conditions, it can’t get any better than the Mentawai’s, as this is an absolute surfing playground. Along these islands, there are countless world-class surf breaks. Due to the reef shelves surrounding the islands, the swells break perfectly. Actually, long rides and hollow barrels are standard here. Forget everything you know about surfing; this is the real deal.
There are two ways to stay in the Mentawais: in a resort or on a boat. Either way, small boats will take you to the different breaks. The most famous ones are Macaroni’s and Kandui, but there are many other epic ones.
For details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
2. Chicama, Peru:
In a cold and dry desert on the West Coast of Peru, lines of water make their way to shore and create the longest wave in the world. This is Chicama, the wet dream of every goofy surfer. Due to the shape of the bay, the waves break at a perfect angle to the left side. Each wave has several sections, but when conditions are right, they connect to 1 long magical ride. How long? Well, how does 2.2 KM sound to you?
If you are looking for a place to surf in May, Chicama is a great option, as this is the peak of the surf season. However, pay close attention to the wave’s forecast, as this spot requires a big swell to work well.
For details about surf camps in Chicama, please click here.
3. Tahiti:
Tahiti is a beautiful Island in the South Pacific. It is famous for its exotic beaches surrounded by mountains and rainforests. Tahiti is also an outstanding surf destination. It is home to Teahupoo, one of the most frightening waves on the planet.
Other than Teahupoo, there are other good surf spots on both the South and North Shores of the island. Most waves in Tahiti break with massive power over shallow reefs and are, therefore, suitable for advanced surfers. However, there are also several spots for beginners, so everyone can get a piece of this surf paradise.
4. Durban, South Africa:
Located on the East Coast of South Africa, Durban is a wonderful destination to surf in May. As its nickname “Surf City” reveals, plenty of surf spots are along its coast. The swells are consistent, especially during winter, and there are breaks for any skill level. As for sharks, yes, as we all know, South Africa is not the safest place you can surf. However, in Durban, there are shark nets on some of the beaches, so you can surf them without worrying.
As all big cities are, Durban also offers a lot outside the water. You will find various hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. The center of town is right on the beach, making it a fun place to stay on a surf trip.
For details about surf camps in South Africa, please click here.
5. Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica:
Playa Hermosa is one of the most consistent surf spots in Costa Rica. Amazingly, even on the smallest days, when other beaches are flat, Hermosa manages to pick up swell and produce good waves. Along this 8-kilometer beach strip, multiple different peaks break close to shore on a sandy bottom.
Keep in mind that the break in Hermosa is powerful and aggressive. Therefore, if you can handle a steep drop and fast barrels, you will get incredible tube rides. In contrast, if you are a beginner or intermediate, and the swell is over 3 feet, you better go to another beach (Jaco, for example).
For details about surf camps in Costa Rica, please click here.
6. Los Cabos, Mexico:
Los Cabos, in South Baja, is a diverse surf destination. It offers a wide variety of surf spots of all kinds and for any skill level. For instance, in the East Cape area, you can ride beautiful right-hand point breaks like Nine Palms and Shipwrecks with only a few people in the lineup. However, you can also stay close to town and surf in Zippers and La Roca. During summertime, the south swells hit the beaches of Los Cabos. Therefore, this is a perfect place to surf in May.
For details about surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
7. The Maldives:
The Maldives offer the ultimate surf experience. With long waves and beautiful barrels breaking in perfect shape, it is an ideal location for a surf trip in May. During summer, the swells are consistent, and there are countless breaks to choose from. From the famous breaks at the North Atolls close to the Airport of Male to the empty and isolated ones in the Southern Atoll, the surf here is precisely what surfers always dream about.
For details about surf camps in the Maldives, please click here.
8. Fiji:
The Fijian Islands are an excellent option for a surf trip in May. Here, the waves are hollow, and the reefs are incredibly sharp. For experienced surfers, it is an absolute paradise and an ideal opportunity to get barreled. However, you must have some good surfing skills to deal with these kinds of waves. If you are a beginner, no worries; there are also a few “user-friendly” beaches.
For details about surf camps in Fiji, please click here.
9. Popoyo, Nicaragua:
The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua receives consistent swells and offshore winds in May. Therefore, beautiful barrels are a common sight in this country. Popoyo, a small village along the coast, is Nicaragua’s most famous surf spot. It offers world-class waves and attracts both locals and foreign surfers. The reef break at Popoyo is massive and scary, but there is a beginner spot just nearby.
For details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.
10. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii:
The famous Waikiki Beach, on the South Shore of Oahu, is an excellent place to surf in May. Along this beach, you can find several surf spots. Canoes and Queens, for instance, offer user-friendly waves, ideal for beginners, longboards, and paddleboards. Publics, on the other hand, is more punchy. Finally, Tree’s, on the other side of the bay, produces lovely barrels.
For details about surf camps in Oahu, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, you can choose from plenty of destinations for a surf trip in May. While some were mentioned in this post, there are many more to explore.
Before you go, remember to check out our top surf destinations for April and for June, and finally, don’t forget to visit our Reef Break Homepage to find more surf destinations around the world.
We hope you liked this guide to the best places to surf in May. Have an outstanding surf trip!
