The 5 best countries to surf in May
01 · At its best
Indonesia
Four zones are at their best in May, including Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In Bali (May-Jun): pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised.
In Lombok (May-Sep): dry season: everything works, Deserts possible, trades offshore in the bays. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Canggu-Batu Bolong, Kuta Beach and Medewi. The water is warm all year, so boardshorts or a bikini and a rash vest against the reef and the sun are enough.
02 · At its best
Costa Rica
Golfo de Nicoya and Central Puntarenas are at their best in May, and Guanacaste and Golfo Dulce are also good. In Golfo de Nicoya (May-Jul): green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings.
In Central Puntarenas (May-Jul): green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Playa Coyote, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen (Mal País). No wetsuit needed: the water is warm, and a rash vest or a thin top protects you from the sun.
03 · At its best
Panama
Southwest Panama is at its best in May, and West Panamá Province is also good. In Southwest Panama (Apr-Jun): s-SW swell arriving, offshore mornings, Santa Catalina firing almost daily.
In West Panamá Province (Apr-Jun): s-SW swell building; the narrow window means it's smaller than Santa Catalina. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Sandbar, Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii) and Panamá La Vieja. The water is warm on both coasts, so leave the wetsuit at home.
04 · Good
Spain
Six zones are good in May, including Basque Country, Fuerteventura and Asturias, though not at their peak. In Basque Country (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds.
In Fuerteventura (Apr-Jun, Sep): smaller swell, still warm and windy. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Arena, Sopelana and Plentzia. Take a 3/2 wetsuit, or a 4/3 early and late in the season.
05 · Good
France
Four zones are good in May, including Landes (Hossegor), Côte Basque and Finistère (Brittany), though not at their peak. In Landes (Hossegor) (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds.
If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Sud, Notre-Dame and Le Prévent. A 3/2 wetsuit is enough most days, a 4/3 on colder ones.
The rest
Portugal still has some surf in May, mainly in Azores, but the five above are a better bet. Morocco still has some surf in May, mainly in Aglou & Sidi Ifni, but the five above are a better bet.