Uliss - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The deep winter months bring the most consistent and powerful swell to Uliss, driven by intense low-pressure systems tracking across the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. During this period, the dominant wind regime shifts to strong northerly and north-northwesterly flows, which blow directly offshore for this south-southeast-facing beach. The average wave height hovers around 0.7-0.8m, but pulses of longer-period energy (>8s) from the NNW quadrant can push waves into the fun, rippable 1-1.5m range. Though the wind is ideal only 4-5% of the time, when a high-pressure ridge builds over Scandinavia and a low sits in the Barents Sea, the result is glassy, lined-up surf. The best windows are often short-lived, but these are the months to watch.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)

Spring and early autumn are transitional seasons. April sees a mix of lingering northerly swells and building southerly windswell as the polar jet begins to weaken. The average period climbs to 5.6s, but southerly components dominate the swell direction – often accompanied by onshore S/SSE winds that degrade the surface. Still, occasional NNW swells with offshore N winds can deliver small, fun-sized waves (0.5-1m). May is dominated by a strong southerly swell signal (42.6% from S), but the prevailing winds from SSE and S make for choppy conditions. September offers the first hints of winter: the swell direction becomes more mixed and N/NNE winds increase. However, average heights remain at 0.5m and the period is still short (4.8s), so it's a month of marginal, groveling waves with the occasional promising front.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The summer months are the low point for surf at Uliss. The North Atlantic storm track retreats far to the north, and the local swell is dominated by weak, short-period windswell generated by persistent southerly and southeasterly breezes. Over 80% of the waves come from the S and SSE quadrants, almost always with onshore or cross-onshore winds from the same directions. Average wave height drops to just 0.5m, and periods hover around 5s – producing choppy, messy conditions ill-suited for a quality surf. The percentage of ideal (offshore) wind drops to 3-6%, and even when the rare N or NW breeze sets in, the swell lacks the size and power to stand up. This is a season for longboard cruising at best, or simply enjoying the beach.

May: The Onshore Onslaught Begins

May marks the firm establishment of the summer pattern. Swell is overwhelmingly from the S (42.6%) and SSE (17.5%), with heights mostly under 1m. The average period remains at 5.6s, but the energy is almost entirely windswell generated by persistent southerly winds. The wind itself is dominated by SSE (22.0%) and S (16.2%), both onshore and often exceeding 20kph, creating choppy, messy conditions. Offshore winds from N (6.8%) and NNW (5.8%) are rare, and when they occur, the swell is minimal. The ideal wind percentage drops to 8%. Surf quality is poor, with waves barely reaching 0.5m on average. Only the faintest hints of longer-period S swell (0.1% over 1.5m) provide any hope. May is a month for the patient longboarder or the beachgoer.