The countries with the most good surf in May, from three years of wave and wind model data at 1622 spots. Countries are judged on the best third of their spots for each level, good days count more than merely rideable ones, and monsoon months are left out.
Colombia: good season, about 16 rideable days and 7 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 29 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Costa Rica: good season, about 17 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.1 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Guanacaste, Puntarenas.
Indonesia: good season, about 15 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.3 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: West Java, East Java.
Australia: good season, about 15 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.3 m, water 20 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Queensland, New South Wales.
Nicaragua: good season, about 21 rideable days and 0 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
El Salvador: good season, about 15 rideable days and 2 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 31 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
New Zealand: good season, about 13 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.3 m, water 16 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit). Best areas: North Island, Waikato.
Brazil: good season, about 12 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.2 m, water 25 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro.
Intermediate surfers
Indonesia: prime season, about 25 rideable days and 14 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Bali, West Java.
Chile: prime season, about 26 rideable days and 15 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 14 °C (5/4 mm hooded). Best areas: Coquimbo, O'Higgins.
Nicaragua: prime season, about 26 rideable days and 15 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
New Zealand: prime season, about 21 rideable days and 12 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 16 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit). Best areas: North Island, South Island.
Peru: prime season, about 25 rideable days and 11 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 20 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Lima, La Libertad.
Costa Rica: prime season, about 22 rideable days and 11 good days, waves around 1.1 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Puntarenas, Limon.
El Salvador: prime season, about 28 rideable days and 9 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 31 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
South Africa: prime season, about 22 rideable days and 8 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 18 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape.
Advanced surfers
Peru: prime season, about 24 rideable days and 14 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 20 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Lima, La Libertad.
Chile: prime season, about 23 rideable days and 13 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 14 °C (5/4 mm hooded). Best areas: Coquimbo, O'Higgins.
Indonesia: prime season, about 23 rideable days and 11 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 30 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Bali, West Java.
South Africa: prime season, about 20 rideable days and 10 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 18 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Eastern Cape, Western Cape.
Réunion: prime season, about 22 rideable days and 17 good days, waves around 1.7 m, water 27 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
New Zealand: prime season, about 18 rideable days and 8 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 16 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit). Best areas: North Island, South Island.
Australia: good season, about 18 rideable days and 7 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 20 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Western Australia, South Australia.
Mexico: prime season, about 21 rideable days and 6 good days, waves around 1.2 m, water 26 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Oaxaca, Guerrero.