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.

September at Refsnes offers moderate surfing conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a decent period of 8.0s, suggesting mostly manageable waves with occasional power. The predominant swell directions come from the WNW, NW, SW, and SSW, contributing to the majority of waves in the 0.5–2.5m range. Expect the best consistency in the 1–1.5m range (peaking at 3.93% from SSW) with occasional larger sets reaching 2.5m+, though rare (highest probability at 0.14% from WSW and W). Wind conditions are less ideal, with only 12% of the time being favorable for surfing. Offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the E-NE sector) are infrequent, while stronger onshore winds (especially from the S-SE and W-WNW) dominate, often blowing in the 10–30kph range. Swell quality is best when winds align from the E-ENE, but these occurrences are limited. Overall, September provides rideable waves, but wind interference and inconsistent swell sizes mean patience is required for clean sessions. The spot works best on incoming WNW-NW swells with light easterly winds, but such setups are not the norm.