Carmel River State Beach
river-mouth
lower-intermediate
South-facing cove with shifting bars at the Carmel River mouth.
Early access
Short walk from lot; respect protected areas.
Parking
Lot at end of Carmelo St.
Dawn patrol surfing in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Carmel-by-the-Sea means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:59 AMFirst Light: 6:29 AM
Day length: 12h 29m
+3 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:59 AM
First light: 6:29 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Last light: 7:58 PM
Data from Carmel River State Beach · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:59 AM | 7:28 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 36m |
| Fri, Apr 3 | 6:53 AM | 7:31 PM | 12h 38m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:59 AM
Sunset
7:28 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 36m
Fri, Apr 3
Sunrise
6:53 AM
Sunset
7:31 PM
Day Length
12h 38m
Best dawn patrol spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Featured Beaches
2 spots
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Featured Beaches(2)
Dawn patrol access guide for Carmel-by-the-Sea
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Garrapata State Beach (southern coves)
beach
intermediate
Series of coves offering angle variety on open-coast Big Sur.
Early access
Use signed trails; some steep stairs.
Parking
Highway 1 turnouts; obey signage.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Dawn patrol in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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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