Florence - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific flexes its muscle during these months, delivering a relentless onslaught of powerful, long-period swell generated by deep low-pressure systems rolling off the Aleutians. Average wave heights consistently surpass 2.5m, often pushing into the 3m+ range, with periods frequently topping 12 seconds. This is when Florence’s west-facing sandbars really light up, offering a mix of pumping beach-break barrels and rippable faces. The wildcard? Wind. While ideal offshore conditions (light easterlies) only clock in around 40-44% of the time during this window, the payoff is huge when a cold front clears the coast and sets up glassy mornings with XL NW groundswell.

Fair Surf Season (April - June)

As winter storms slowly wind down, the Pacific settles into a more transitional pattern. Swell heights drop to a still-solid 1.8-2.3m average, and periods shrink to the 10-11 second range. The dominant W to WNW swell train remains consistent, but the energy is less charged. Offshore wind percentages fall to 20-27%, meaning you'll have to pick your windows carefully. This is the season of fun-sized mornings and afternoon onshore chop – a great time for groveling on a groveler or logging when the tide drops.

Low Surf Season (July - September)

Summertime in Florence is a test of patience. The average wave height bottoms out around 1.5m, periods dip into the average 9-10 second range, and the swell direction shifts more northerly (NNW to NW). While the consistency is still there, the power and size are diminished. The wind picture is tricky: offshore flow is scarce (20-36%), and strong thermal gradients drive morning N winds that often turn NW and ruin the shape. Still, long-period south swells can sneak in, and when a summer tropical system spins up, those epic windows can emerge – but they're the exception, not the rule.

May: Shoulder Season Squeeze

May sees average swell height drop to 1.8m and period to 10.8s – solidly rideable but lacking winter’s punch. The swell direction is heavily weighted to WNW (26.7%) and W (22.7%), with a notable increase in NW (18.5%) and NNW (5.8%). This northerly component brings smaller, shorter-period swell. Wave heights mostly sit in the 1-1.5m range, with occasional 1.5-2.5m days. Ideal wind plummets to 23% as strong N winds (25.3% of all observations) create a persistent onshore trend. Offshore windows are rare but happen when high pressure builds inland, producing light E flow. Expect groveling conditions with the occasional fun morning session.