Is May a good time for surfing at Rapahoe?
May is a fair month for surfing at Rapahoe; the best time is June–August. Waves 1.1 m, water 15°C (5/4 wetsuit and boots), air 15°C.
Plan your trip to RapahoeEvery 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: 1.1 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 15°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots
- Air: 15°C by day, 8°C at night
- Weather: 18 sunny days, 17 rainy days
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in May
1
MayPEAK SEASON
Ahipara
New Zealand
2.5 m waves18° water18° air
818 km away · Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ KAT 16 km
2
MayGOOD
Manu Bay
Raglan · New Zealand
2.4 m waves18° water17° air
590 km away · Intermediate and up · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ HLZ 46 km
3
MayGOOD
Piha
New Zealand
2.1 m waves17° water18° air
663 km away · Intermediate and up · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ AKL 29 km
4
MayGOOD
Fitzroy Beach
New Plymouth · New Zealand
2.3 m waves17° water16° air
442 km away · Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 8 km
5
MayGOOD
Muriwai
New Zealand
2.1 m waves17° water17° air
674 km away · Intermediate and up · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ AKL 38 km
6
MayGOOD
Stent Road
Taranaki · New Zealand
2.3 m waves17° water16° air
409 km away · Advanced only · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 43 km
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Other surfing spots in New Zealand in May →Where to go surfing in May →Questions
Is May a good time for surfing at Rapahoe?
May is a fair month for surfing at Rapahoe; the best time is June–August. Waves 1.1 m, water 15°C (5/4 wetsuit and boots), air 15°C.
How warm is the water at Rapahoe in May?
About 15°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots.
How big are the waves at Rapahoe in May?
About 1.1 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Rapahoe in May?
Around 15°C by day and 8°C at night, with about 18 sunny and 17 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).
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