Is May a good time for surfing at Montauk?
May is a fair month for surfing at Montauk; the best time is September–November. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 1.2 m, water 12°C (5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves), air 14°C.
Plan your trip to MontaukEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.2 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves
- Air: 14°C by day, 11°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 25 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 10; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in May
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height; when equal, warmer water first.
Other surfing spots in the USA in May →Where to go surfing in May →Schools and camps near Montauk
- Ocean Surf Resort 2.5 km
- The Surf Lodge 2.8 km
Camps and schools are from OpenStreetMap; check with them directly before you book.
Questions
Is May a good time for surfing at Montauk?
May is a fair month for surfing at Montauk; the best time is September–November. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 1.2 m, water 12°C (5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves), air 14°C.
How warm is the water at Montauk in May?
About 12°C: 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves.
How big are the waves at Montauk in May?
About 1.2 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Montauk in May?
Around 14°C by day and 11°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 25 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 10; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in May?
Within 1,500 km: Outer Banks – Waves (1.2 m waves), Wrightsville Beach (1.1 m waves), Folly Beach – The Washout (1 m waves) & Rockaway Beach – New York (1 m waves).
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