Kaikōura – Mangamaunu in May
May is a good month for surfing at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu (best: June–July).
Plan your trip to Kaikōura – MangamaunuEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2.2 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 13°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots
- Air: 16°C by day, 8°C at night
- Weather: 21 sunny days, 10 rainy days
Kaikōura – MangamaunuCanterbury (Kaikōura), New ZealandIntermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BHE 88 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in May
1
AhiparaNew Zealand · 795 km away · water 18°C2.5 m waves2
Raglan – Manu BayNew Zealand · 506 km away · water 18°C2.4 m waves3
PihaNew Zealand · 598 km away · water 17°C2.1 m waves4
New Plymouth – Fitzroy BeachNew Zealand · 364 km away · water 17°C2.3 m waves5
MuriwaiNew Zealand · 611 km away · water 17°C2.1 m waves6
Taranaki – Stent RoadNew Zealand · 342 km away · water 17°C2.3 m wavesWithin 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Where to go surfing in May →Questions
Is May a good time for surfing at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu?
May is a good month for surfing at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu (best: June–July). Waves 2.2 m, water 13°C (5/4 wetsuit and boots), air 16°C.
How warm is the water at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu in May?
About 13°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots.
How big are the waves at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu in May?
About 2.2 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Kaikōura – Mangamaunu in May?
Around 16°C by day and 8°C at night, with about 21 sunny and 10 rainy days.
Where else can I go surfing in May?
Within 1,500 km: Ahipara (2.5 m waves), Raglan – Manu Bay (2.4 m waves) & Piha (2.1 m waves).