Thorli - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October – March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with average swell heights consistently above 2.4m and long periods averaging 9.8 to 11.7 seconds. Dominant swell directions from the SW, SSW, and S quadrants pound the Icelandic coast, and when a southwest wind sets in – the golden offshore here – Thorli transforms into a powerful, long-period playground. The climatological ramping up of extratropical cyclones across the North Atlantic drives this surge, bringing pumping head-high to double-overhead sets. Still, the window of perfect conditions is narrow: ideal wind only blows 11–14% of the time, so patience and a keen eye on synoptic charts are crucial to score the best days. When the low-pressure systems align with a stable high to the west, expect epic, heavy waves in the 1.5–2.5m range with periods over 10s.

Fair Surf Season (April – June & September)

As the North Atlantic storm track begins to weaken in spring, Thorli sees a gradual drop in average swell height, from 2.4m in April down to 1.5m by June. Wave periods also shorten, falling from 9.7s to 8.8s – still rideable, but lacking the raw power of winter. However, the percentage of ideal offshore wind rises to 19–38%, offering more frequent clean sessions. Swell directions remain dominated by the SW through SSE quadrants, with a notable increase in SE and SSE swell, which can wrap in nicely. The wave heights during this period are mostly in the fun-sized 0.5–1.5m range, perfect for groveling and turning tricks. September marks a transition month, with average swell climbing back to 2.1m and periods to 9.4s, while ideal wind drops to 22% – a taste of the coming winter.

Low Surf Season (July – August)

July and August represent the true summer lull for Thorli. Average swell heights bottom out at 1.4–1.5m, and wave periods stagnate around 8.2–8.5s – marginal for any real power. The swell is dominated by shorter-period windswell from the SW through SSE quadrant, mostly under 1m. On the bright side, offshore winds blow a generous 34–39% of the time, making for cleaner but smaller conditions. Expect micro to small, fun-sized waves (<0.5–1m) on most days. Occasionally a remnant groundswell from a distant storm can push in, but those are rare. This is the season for longboard cruises and fin-tuning your flow, not for charging.

November: Full Winter Mode – Power and Potential

November unleashes true winter fury on Thorli. Average swell height climbs to 2.9m and period to 10.4s – solid groundswell territory. Swell directions are dominated by SW (8.3%), SSW (7.1%), and S (5.2%), with a notable increase in SE (4.7%) and SSE (4.8%) components. Ideal wind sits at a low 12%, but the sheer volume of swell means there are often waves worth chasing even in imperfect wind. The wind rose shows strong NE (11.7%) and NNE (12.6%) winds that create choppy conditions, but every now and then a strong cold front passage flips the wind to the NW. When that happens, Thorli fires with powerful, hollow waves in the 2–2.5m range. November is a month for the hardcore: expect cold, onshore days but also the potential for the best sessions of the year.