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

6:58 AM

First Light: 6:28 AM

Day length: 12h 29m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:58 AM

First light: 6:28 AM

Sunset

7:27 PM

Last light: 7:57 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)	6:58 AM	7:27 PM	12h 29m
Tomorrow	6:57 AM	7:28 PM	12h 31m
Wed, Apr 1	6:56 AM	7:29 PM	12h 33m
Thu, Apr 2	6:54 AM	7:30 PM	12h 35m
Fri, Apr 3	6:53 AM	7:30 PM	12h 38m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:58 AM

Sunset

7:27 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:57 AM

Sunset

7:28 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:56 AM

Sunset

7:29 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:53 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

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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