The short answer: May is one of the best months to learn and improve. South swells start rolling in, the offshore wind eases off, the water is around 82 to 84°F and the crowds have gone home. Expect hot days, glassy mornings and the first short rain showers later in the month.
- Water
- 82 to 84°F (28°C)
- Air
- Highs 88 to 90°F
- Swell
- South swells building
- Wind
- Lighter offshore, cleanest early
- Rain
- Dry early, showers from mid-May
- Daylight
- About 5:20am to 6pm
The waves
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast picks up swell from storms deep in the southern hemisphere, and that season starts in spring. By May the south swells are filling in, so there are more good-sized days than in the winter months, when the waves are smaller and the wind is strong. For anyone who can already stand up, May has more to work with: more consistent peaks and longer rides.
It is still a good month to learn. Beach breaks like Playa Maderas always have whitewater on the inside, and a coach will keep a beginner there until it is time to move out. On bigger days, the timing of the session and the choice of peak matter more, which is exactly what local coaches are for.
The wind
The reason Nicaragua surfs so well is the wind. Trade winds from the Caribbean cross the low land around Lake Nicaragua and blow out to sea on the Pacific side, which holds the waves up and keeps them clean. From December to March that wind can be strong enough to make paddling hard work. By May it has eased to something much gentler, and mornings are usually glassy. That is why surf sessions here start early.
The weather
May is the hinge between the dry season and the green season. The first week or two of May is usually still dry and very hot. The rains tend to arrive around the middle of the month, and in late May they usually come as a short afternoon or evening downpour that clears out, not days of grey. Everything turns green fast.
Daytime highs are usually 88 to 90°F and nights stay warm. Plan to surf early, rest in the shade or the pool at midday, and go back out in the afternoon. That happens to be how our surf camp days are built.
Water temperature
The water in May is around 82 to 84°F, warmer than in January to March, when upwelling can cool it down. No wetsuit needed. A long-sleeve rash guard protects you from the sun and from board rash, and it is the one piece of surf gear worth packing.
Crowds and prices
High season on this coast runs from December to April, and Easter week is the busiest of all. By May the visitors thin out, hotel prices drop and the lineups get roomier. For learning, a quieter lineup is a real advantage: more waves, less traffic.
May compared with other months
| Months | Waves | Wind | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to March | Smaller, clean | Strong offshore, often all day | Dry, sunny, busy high season |
| May | South swells building | Lighter offshore, glassy mornings | Hot, first showers late in the month, quiet |
| June to October | Biggest and most consistent | Light | Green season, regular rain |
What to pack for May
- Two swimsuits or pairs of boardshorts, so one is always dry
- A long-sleeve rash guard
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a zinc stick for your face
- A hat and sunglasses with a strap
- Bug spray for the evenings
- A light rain jacket for late-May showers
- Sandals, trainers for workouts and something for theme night
Boards are part of our camp, so leave yours at home unless you love it.
Our surf camp weeks in May 2027
Nica Surf Camp: six days at Playa Maderas with two coached surf sessions a day and a villa on the cliff above the beach. May 4–9 or May 9–14, 2027, from $1,950.
Weather and water figures are long-term averages for San Juan del Sur, not a forecast. Every season is a little different.
Surfing Nicaragua in May: FAQ
Is May a good time to surf in Nicaragua?
Yes. May is the start of the south swell season, so waves get more size and consistency than in winter. The offshore wind is lighter than December to March, the water is warm and the high-season crowds are gone. Beginners still have plenty of small whitewater on the inside.
Does it rain in Nicaragua in May?
Early May is usually still dry. The rainy season tends to start around the middle of the month, and late-May rain mostly comes as short afternoon or evening showers rather than all-day storms. Mornings, when you surf, are usually clear.
How warm is the water in May?
Around 82 to 84°F (about 28°C). No wetsuit needed. Bring a rash guard for the sun.
How big are the waves in May?
It depends on the swell, but south swells in this season often run waist to head high at Playa Maderas, with bigger days possible. Coaches pick the peak and the tide to match your level, so beginners stay in the whitewater.
How hot is it in May?
Hot. Daytime highs are usually around 88 to 90°F and nights around 73 to 78°F. The villa rooms have A/C.
Is May a busy time in Nicaragua?
No. The main tourist season runs December to April, so May is quieter on the beaches and in the lineup, and San Juan del Sur feels more local.
When are the May 2027 Surf Camp weeks?
Tuesday May 4 to Sunday May 9, 2027, and Sunday May 9 to Friday May 14, 2027, both at Playa Maderas, from $1,950.
