Florence - surf spot statistics

Florence, Oregon, offers a mix of conditions throughout the year, with the best surfing typically found during the winter months when ground swells dominate. The prime time for consistent, high-quality waves runs from November through February, with December and January standing out as the peak months. During this period, ground swell frequency reaches 57-62%, and mean swell sizes average 1.6m, providing powerful and well-formed waves. However, wind conditions are less favorable, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) occurring 77-80% of the time, so timing sessions around wind shifts is crucial. Spring (March-April) and fall (October-November) offer moderate conditions, with ground swells still present but less dominant (35-47%) and swell heights averaging 1.1-1.4m. Wind quality remains poor, though late fall (October-November) shows slight improvement. Summer (May-August) sees the weakest surf with low ground swell activity (10-21%), smaller waves (0.7-0.9m), and consistently unfavorable winds (86-88% bad). While summer may appeal to beginners due to smaller swells, advanced surfers will find the most reliable and sizable waves in winter, despite the challenging winds. For the best balance of swell size and frequency, late fall (October-November) and early winter (December) are ideal, though patience is required for optimal wind windows.

January in Florence, Oregon offers decent surf conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is 1.6m with a solid period of 12.7s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are from the W and WNW, which align nicely with the beach, providing consistent surf. Larger waves (over 1.5m) occur around 15% of the time, with the strongest swells producing overhead conditions (2m+). Wind is a limiting factor, with only 23% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the E or NE). The rest of the time, winds are often onshore (S to WSW), which can create choppier conditions. Overall, January delivers solid, powerful waves, but wind quality is inconsistent—surfers should time sessions for early mornings or during favorable wind windows.