Surfing in South Africa in May
In May the best surfing in South Africa is at Victoria Bay, Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes & Cape St Francis.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2.7 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 14–24°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16–18°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 19°C; shorty at 24°C
- Air: 21°C by day, 12°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 27 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 6; a day can have both
- For beginners: Muizenberg & Durban.
When are you planning to go?
1
MayPEAK SEASON
Victoria Bay
South Africa
2.9 m waves17° water21° air
Intermediate and up · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ GRJ 16 km
2
MayGOOD
Supertubes
Jeffreys Bay · South Africa
3.4 m waves18° water22° air
Advanced only · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PLZ 63 km
3
MayGOOD
Cape St Francis
South Africa
3.4 m waves19° water21° air
Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ PLZ 76 km
4
MayGOOD
Muizenberg
South Africa
3 m waves16° water19° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ CPT 19 km
5
MayGOOD
Bloubergstrand
South Africa
3 m waves15° water20° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CPT 23 km
6
MayGOOD
Durban
South Africa
1.8 m waves24° water24° air
Beginner-friendly · shorty · ✈ DUR 28 km
7
MayGOOD
Elands Bay
South Africa
1.7 m waves14° water20° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CPT 186 km
Averages of the 7 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in South Africa in May?
Victoria Bay: 2.9 m waves; Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes: 3.4 m waves; Cape St Francis: 3.4 m waves.
How warm is the water in South Africa in May?
14–24°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16–18°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 19°C; shorty at 24°C.
Where can beginners go surfing in May?
Good spots for beginners this month: Muizenberg & Durban.
Which airport is closest?
George Airport (GRJ), 16 km from Victoria Bay; Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), 63 km from Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes; Cape Town International Airport (CPT), 19 km from Muizenberg.
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