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.

November: Consistent Muscle

November delivers another strong month, with average swell height of 2.8m and period 12.0s. The dominant swell directions are WNW (17.5%) and W (14.3%), with notable contributions from NW (5.5%) and SW (3.2%). Wave heights are widespread from 1.5m to over 2.5m, making for charging sessions. Ideal wind sits at 40%, similar to October. The wind rose shows a split: S and SSW winds (28.6% combined) bring occasional onshore blows, while N-NNE winds (11.4%) provide good offshore conditions. The synoptic pattern is active, with systems rolling through every few days, followed by post-frontal clearing. When it clears and the wind goes offshore, November produces some of the most epic waves of the year.