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 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
6:28 AMFirst Light: 5:58 AM
Day length: 10h 29m
-2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:28 AM
First light: 5:58 AM
Sunset
4:57 PM
Last light: 5:27 PM
Data from Rincon · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:28 AM | 4:57 PM | 10h 29m |
| Tomorrow | 6:29 AM | 4:57 PM | 10h 28m |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 6:30 AM | 4:56 PM | 10h 26m |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 6:31 AM | 4:55 PM | 10h 24m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
4:57 PM
Day Length
10h 29m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:29 AM
Sunset
4:57 PM
Day Length
10h 28m
Fri, Nov 13
Sunrise
6:30 AM
Sunset
4:56 PM
Day Length
10h 26m
Sat, Nov 14
Sunrise
6:31 AM
Sunset
4:55 PM
Day Length
10h 24m
Best dawn patrol spots in Carpinteria
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Featured Beaches(1)
Dawn patrol access guide for Carpinteria
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Rincon
point
intermediate-advanced
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
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.