Dawn patrol surfing in Avila Beach

Avila Beach, California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Avila Beach means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:01 AM
First Light: 5:31 AM

Day length: 13h 59m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:01 AM

First light: 5:31 AM

Sunset

8:00 PM

Last light: 8:30 PM

Data from Avila Beach· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:01 AM

Sunset

8:00 PM

Day Length

13h 59m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Sunset

8:01 PM

Day Length

14h 1m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

8:01 PM

Day Length

14h 2m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 4m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:03 PM

Day Length

14h 5m

Best dawn patrol spots in Avila Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Avila Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Avila Beach
beach
beginner

Sheltered south-facing beach in San Luis Bay with gentle waves.

Early access

Multiple stairways along the promenade.

Parking

Downtown lots near the beach; pay kiosks.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Avila Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Avila Beach

Dawn patrol in Avila Beach typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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