Refsnes - surf spot statistics

Refsnes, Norway, offers a mix of conditions throughout the year, with the best surf typically occurring during the winter months. The most consistent and powerful swells arrive between December and February, when ground swell makes up 25-29% of the swell mix, combining with a dominant wind swell (66-72%). Mean swell sizes peak around 2.0-2.2m during these months, providing solid waves for experienced surfers. However, wind conditions are generally unfavorable (85-87% bad wind days), meaning clean surf sessions are relatively rare. The transition months of September to November show improving ground swell presence (14-20%) and slightly better mean swell sizes (1.4-1.9m), but wind quality remains poor (87-88% bad winds). From April to August, conditions deteriorate significantly, with very low ground swell influence (4-22%) and small mean swell sizes (1.0-1.2m). Summer months (June-August) are particularly weak, with high wind swell dominance (75-79%) and increased no-swell days (15-20%). Wind conditions remain consistently poor year-round, rarely dropping below 83% bad wind days. For surfers willing to brave the cold, late autumn through early winter (November-February) offers the best chance for rideable waves, though finding clean conditions will require patience and good timing.

August at Refsnes offers relatively small but surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent 7.0s period, suggesting somewhat weak but occasionally rideable waves. The dominant swell directions come from the W-NW sector, with WSW, SW, and WNW contributing the most consistent energy, often producing waves in the 0.5-1.5m range. Larger swells (1.5-2.5m) are less frequent but occur, mainly from SW and W directions. Wind conditions are mixed—only 11% of the time are they ideal (likely light offshore or sideshore), while stronger onshore winds from the S-SE and NW-NNW sectors can spoil the waves, especially when exceeding 20kph. Expect a mix of small, clean sessions when winds cooperate and choppier days when winds blow onshore. Advanced surfers may find the occasional head-high day, but most waves will be waist-high or smaller. Wind management is key here—monitor forecasts closely for those rarer clean windows.