Where to Surf in May ?

Best Surf Destinations for Sunshine, Swell & Good Vibes

May is a dreamy month for surf travel. Swells start pumping across the globe, crowds are mellow, and off-season perks are everywhere. Whether you want a tropical wave-filled escape or a raw, wild European surf adventure, here are the top surf destinations for May, complete with where to stay, average swell size, water temperature, what to pack, and even a little local travel wisdom

🇮🇩 Bali, Indonesia

it's definitely one of thoses places where you want to surf in may

🔥 Vibe: Temple waves, coconut smoothies, spicy food, and vibrant barrels🏏 Swell size: 4–8 ft (solid and consistent)🌡 Water temp: 27–29°C (boardshorts and bikinis)☀️ Weather: Dry season begins! Sunny, glassy mornings🎒 Crowd: Backpackers, digital nomads, surf pilgrims🛅 Flight from Europe: ~16–18 hrs

🛌 Where to stay:

• Canggu: Kos One Hostel (fun & social)

• Uluwatu: Dreamsea Bali (cliffside views, steps from the surf)

💸 Budget for 10 days: €650–€950 (including stay, surf rentals, meals & some extras)

🎭 Tips: Bring reef booties. Respect local customs. Get your motorbike license before arriving if you want to explore.

⚠️ Dangers: Reef cuts, strong currents, scooter accidents. Be cautious in the water and on the road.

🏁 Quiver: 1 performance shortboard + 1 step-up for bigger days (reef breaks get heavy).

🇪🇸 Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

🔥 Vibe: Desert island, Euro surf culture, volcanic energy🏏 Swell size: 2–5 ft (clean & mellow)🌡 Water temp: 19–21°C (spring suit or 3/2 mm)☀️ Weather: Sunny & warm (24–27°C)🎒 Crowd: Digital nomads, beginners, small surf crews🛅 Flight from Europe: 4–5 hrs

🛌 Where to stay:

• Lajares: Laola Surf Camp 🏄‍♂️🧘‍♀️ (surf, yoga, skate, and a chill villa vibe)

• Corralejo: Surfers Retreat (social, budget-friendly)

💸 Budget for 10 days: €800–€1,100 (includes camp package and extras)

🎭 Tips: Rent a car to explore remote spots. Visit El Cotillo for empty beaches and sunsets.

⚠️ Dangers: Sharp reefs, sunburn. Bring sunscreen and surf booties.

🏁 Quiver: Funboard or fish for small summer surf + longboard for mellow days.

🇪🇸 Galicia, Spain

🔥 Vibe: Wild nature, green cliffs, uncrowded lineups🏏 Swell size: 2–6 ft🌡 Water temp: 14–16°C (bring your 4/3 mm)☀️ Weather: Fresh but pleasant (16–22°C)🎒 Crowd: Nature lovers, beginner surfers, local families🛅 Flight from Europe: 2–3 hrs

🛌 Where to stay:

• Razo Beach: ArtSurfCamp (on the beach, great vibes)

• Ferrol area: Laola Surf Camp Galicia – perfect for beginners, nature, and a peaceful surf trip

💸 Budget for 10 days: €750–€950 (includes surf camp, food, transport)

🎭 Tips: Bring rain gear and a hoodie. Visit small fishing towns and try local seafood.

⚠️ Dangers: Cold water, jellyfish, hidden rocks. Check the tide charts.

🏁 Quiver: All-round shortboard or minimal + something floaty for smaller days.

🇰🇷 Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)

🔥 Vibe: Jungle life, chill towns, endless beach breaks🏏 Swell size: 3–7 ft🌡 Water temp: 28–30°C (no wetsuit needed)☀️ Weather: End of dry season, still sunny with tropical evenings🎒 Crowd: Longboarders, backpackers, surf families🛅 Flight from US: 6–8 hrs

🛌 Where to stay:

• Nosara: Selina Surf Club (jungle chic + good crowd)

• Tamarindo: Witch’s Rock Surf Camp (waves out front, easy logistics)

💸 Budget for 10 days: €1,000–€1,300 (mid-range stay, meals, surf package)

🎭 Tips: Learn a bit of Spanish. Eat gallo pinto. Carry cash in smaller towns.

⚠️ Dangers: Rip currents, jellyfish, mosquitos. Avoid swimming at night.

🏁 Quiver: Longboard or fish + performance board for beach break punch.

🇸🇻 El Salvador

🔥 Vibe: Powerful pointbreaks, friendly locals, pupusas and cervezas🏏 Swell size: 4–8 ft🌡 Water temp: 28–30°C (boardshorts forever)☀️ Weather: Start of green season — lush, humid, occasional showers🎒 Crowd: Intermediate surfers, surf nomads, Central American explorers🛅 Flight from US: 5–7 hrs

🛌 Where to stay:

• El Zonte: Laola Surf Camp 🏄‍♂️🏖☀️ (small group, pro coaching, yoga, home-cooked food)

• El Tunco: Tunco Lodge (budget & social)

💸 Budget for 10 days: €900–€1,200 (surf camp, transport, and food included)

🎭 Tips: Don’t skip sunrise sessions. Explore waterfalls inland. Pupusas are a must.

⚠️ Dangers: Strong currents, sea urchins, sunburn. Use rashguard and reef booties.

🏁 Quiver: One solid shortboard for the pointbreaks + a step-up if you like it big.

✈️ Final Travel Tips

• Always check swell forecasts before booking flights.

• Travel insurance is a must, especially with boards.

• Bring wax for warm/cold water depending on your spot.

• Use soft board covers and extra bubble wrap.

• If you're flying, check board bag fees they vary wildly.

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🧠 Pro Packing List

• 2 surfboards (your go-to + a backup or specialty board)

• Reef booties (for Bali, Fuerteventura, El Salvador)

• Wetsuit (3/2 for Galicia, spring suit for Fuerte)

• Sunscreen (reef-safe!) + zinc

• Reusable water bottle + dry bag

• Small first aid kit (reef cuts, blisters, aloe)

Wherever you go this May, let the waves guide your journey and remember: the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.

📸 Tag us in your surf adventures @yourhandle and let us know where you're heading next!