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 October, Refsnes offers surfers decent conditions with an average swell height of 1.8m and a solid period of 8.4s, providing well-formed and rideable waves. The swell is predominantly from the SW to NW quadrants, with the highest consistency and size coming from SSW to WSW directions—expect waves in the 1.5-2.5m range fairly often (around 8-10% combined probability). The wind, however, is less cooperative, with only 12% of conditions being ideal (typically light offshore or cross-offshore from the E to NE). Unfortunately, stronger onshore winds (SSE to SW) are more frequent, which can degrade wave quality. The best windows for surfing will coincide with NW swells and lighter E/NE winds, but there’s also a notable chance of strong S/SE winds creating choppy or blown-out conditions. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—good size and power when the winds align, but patience and timing are key.