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.

December at Refsnes delivers solid but challenging conditions for surfers. The average swell height is 2.0m with a decent period of 9.2s, indicating well-formed waves with good energy. The dominant swell directions are SW, WSW, and WNW, with WSW producing the largest waves (2-2.5m+ range). However, WNW swells are the most frequent but tend to be smaller (0.5-2m). Wind conditions are often less than ideal, with only 14% of days offering clean offshore or light cross-shore winds. Strong onshore winds (SSE to SSW) are common, creating choppy or blown-out conditions, especially when paired with larger swells. The best windows for surfing likely occur when WNW/NW swells coincide with lighter winds from the N-NE quadrant. Experienced surfers can score powerful, lined-up waves during clean conditions, but patience and timing are key due to the wind variability. Winter wetsuits and cold-water preparedness are essential.