What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Big Sur?

Dawn patrol in Big Sur typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.

Why is dawn patrol the best time to surf?

Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

Dawn patrol surfing in Big Sur

Big Sur, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:03 AM

First Light: 5:33 AM

Day length: 14h 4m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:03 AM

First light: 5:33 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Last light: 8:37 PM

Data from Andrew Molera State Beach (river mouth)· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	6:03 AM	8:07 PM	14h 4m
Tomorrow	6:02 AM	8:07 PM	14h 6m
Sun, May 17	6:01 AM	8:08 PM	14h 7m
Mon, May 18	6:00 AM	8:09 PM	14h 9m
Tue, May 19	6:00 AM	8:10 PM	14h 10m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:03 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

14h 4m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:02 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

14h 6m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

6:01 AM

Sunset

8:08 PM

Day Length

14h 7m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Sunset

8:09 PM

Day Length

14h 9m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 10m

Best dawn patrol spots in Big Sur

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Andrew Molera State Beach (river mouth)

Intermediate

Open-coast Big Sur beach with shifting rivermouth bars and big scenery.

Loading map...

Featured Beaches(1)

Andrew Molera State Beach (river mouth)

Intermediate

Open-coast Big Sur beach with shifting rivermouth bars and big scenery.

Dawn patrol access guide for Big Sur

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Andrew Molera State Beach (river mouth)

river-mouth

intermediate

Open-coast Big Sur beach with shifting rivermouth bars and big scenery.

Early access

Be prepared for river crossing depending on flow.

Parking

State park lot; walk across the fields and river trail.

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 Big Sur

Conditions

Dawn Patrol

You're here

Sunset Sessions

Evening golden hour spots

Tide Windows

Optimal tidal conditions

Water Temperature

Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots

Gentle waves for learning

Longboard Spots

Mellow waves for logging

Less Crowded

Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Big Sur

: Dawn patrol in Big Sur 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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