Dawn patrol surfing in Carpinteria

Carpinteria, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:44 AM
First Light: 6:14 AM

Day length: 12h 18m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:44 AM

First light: 6:14 AM

Sunset

7:02 PM

Last light: 7:32 PM

Data from Rincon · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:02 PM

Day Length

12h 18m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:00 PM

Day Length

12h 16m

Mon, Sep 21

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

6:59 PM

Day Length

12h 14m

Tue, Sep 22

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

6:58 PM

Day Length

12h 12m

Wed, Sep 23

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

6:56 PM

Day Length

12h 9m

Best dawn patrol spots in Carpinteria

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Featured Beaches(1)

Rincon

Advanced

Known as the "Queen of the Coast," Rincon is one of California's most iconic surf spots. Located at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line, this world-class right point break produces long, well-formed waves during winter swells. The break is divided into three sections: the Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator, each offering unique surfing experiences. Best surfed at low tide with west to northwest swells.

Dawn patrol access guide for Carpinteria

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Rincon
point
intermediate-advanced

Known as the "Queen of the Coast," Rincon is one of California's most iconic surf spots. Located at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line, this world-class right point break produces long, well-formed waves during winter swells. The break is divided into three sections: the Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator, each offering unique surfing experiences. Best surfed at low tide with west to northwest swells.

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 Carpinteria

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Carpinteria

Dawn patrol in Carpinteria 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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