Dawn patrol surfing in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida

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

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

Sunrise

7:17 AM
First Light: 6:47 AM

Day length: 12h 22m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:17 AM

First light: 6:47 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Last light: 8:09 PM

Data from Cocoa Beach Pier · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:17 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 22m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:16 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 24m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:14 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 26m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

7:12 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Best dawn patrol spots in Cocoa Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Cocoa Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Cocoa Beach Pier
pier
beginner

The Cocoa Beach Pier is Florida's most famous surf landmark and home to legends like Kelly Slater. The pier breaks on almost every type of swell, with chest‑ to head‑high north swells producing the best waves. It's a mellow wave well suited to beginners and longboarders but can offer punchier sections when hurricane swells wrap in.

Early access

Walk down the pier or along the beach to your preferred takeoff zone. Surfers must stay clear of the fishing area on the pier.

Parking

Parking at the pier costs around $10; pay at the kiosk. Additional metered parking can be found along Meade Avenue.

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 Cocoa Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Cocoa Beach

Dawn patrol in Cocoa Beach 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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