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.

In May, Refsnes offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a decent period of 7.7s, providing reasonably clean and rideable waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW, NW, and SW, with WNW contributing the most sizable waves (12.34% in the 0.5-1m range and 4.45% in the 1-1.5m range). Larger swells (1.5m+) occur less frequently but are most likely from NW and SW directions. Wind conditions are only ideal for surfing 14% of the time, with lighter winds (<20kph) coming from the N to NW sectors. However, stronger winds (20-50kph) from the NNW and NW can create choppy conditions, reducing wave quality. Overall, May delivers a mix of smaller, manageable waves with occasional bigger days, though wind interference limits consistency. Surfers should prioritize sessions when offshore or light winds align with WNW/NW swell.