Is May a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
May is a fair month for surfing at Wilderness; the best time is January–April, October–December. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 1.1 m, water 17°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 21°C.
Plan your trip to WildernessEvery 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: 17°C, 4/3 wetsuit
- Air: 21°C by day, 12°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 28 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 7; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in May
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Other surfing spots in South Africa in May →Where to go surfing in May →Questions
Is May a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
May is a fair month for surfing at Wilderness; the best time is January–April, October–December. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 1.1 m, water 17°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 21°C.
How warm is the water at Wilderness in May?
About 17°C: 4/3 wetsuit.
How big are the waves at Wilderness in May?
About 1.1 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Wilderness in May?
Around 21°C by day and 12°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 28 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 7; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in May?
Within 1,500 km: Durban (1.8 m waves), Cape St Francis (3.4 m waves) & Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes (3.4 m waves).
Read more
Jeffreys Bay surf guide: Supertubes, the season and what to expect5 min read
Which wetsuit do you need? Water temperature at popular spots, month by month2 min read