Conditions at Refsnes in May
May: Spring Fade
May is where the winter swell machine switches off. The average wave height slips to 3-4ft (1.1m) and the average period drops to 7.2s - rideable, but much closer to windswell than organized groundswell. The W/WSW/SW/SSW swell window remains present at roughly 26 percent, but the northwestern quadrant completely dominates the rose: NW, WNW and NNW combine for more than half of all swell observations. Since Refsnes is most exposed to WSW, those northwesterly swells arrive as side-shore lines and only become really surfable when a W/SW component mixes in.
Ideal offshore wind falls to 16 percent, and the wind rose becomes strongly NNW. E/NE offshore flow is limited, so good days require a lingering Scandinavian high or a local thermal wind. Air temperatures average 8.9°C and water warms to 9.0°C, making it more pleasant on land, but the ocean has lost its winter urgency. Expect groveling, small surf, with the occasional fun session when a late spring low brushes the coast and delivers a clean 3-4ft (0.9-1.2m) W/SW swell.
Average Spot conditions at Refsnes in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Refsnes during May. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Refsnes for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Refsnes for May. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Refsnes.