Dawn patrol surfing in Del Mar

Del Mar, California

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

First light in Del Mar means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:37 AM
First Light: 6:07 AM

Day length: 12h 13m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:37 AM

First light: 6:07 AM

Sunset

6:50 PM

Last light: 7:20 PM

Data from Del Mar · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:37 AM

Sunset

6:50 PM

Day Length

12h 13m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:37 AM

Sunset

6:49 PM

Day Length

12h 11m

Wed, Sep 23

Sunrise

6:38 AM

Sunset

6:47 PM

Day Length

12h 9m

Thu, Sep 24

Sunrise

6:39 AM

Sunset

6:46 PM

Day Length

12h 7m

Fri, Sep 25

Sunrise

6:39 AM

Sunset

6:44 PM

Day Length

12h 5m

Best dawn patrol spots in Del Mar

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Featured Beaches(2)

Del Mar

Beginner friendly

Del Mar (15th Street) represents rare reef amid miles of beachbreak, rated 7/10. Left-hand reef break (dominant) with shorter right receives swells 200-320° (center 250°).

Del Mar Rivermouth

Advanced

Beachbreak near 15th Street and the river mouth with peaks that work best on SSW/WNW combo swells. Mid tide provides the best shape. When the river is flowing, peaks can get rippy. The river mouth creates a strong rip that can be turbo on big tide swings. Parking via meters and neighborhood streets.

Dawn patrol access guide for Del Mar

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Del Mar
beach/reef break
beginner-intermediate
3.7(17)

**Del Mar** (15th Street) represents rare reef amid miles of beachbreak, rated 7/10. Left-hand reef break (dominant) with shorter right receives swells 200-320° (center 250°).

Parking

15th St meters + neighborhood shuffle

Del Mar Rivermouth
beach
intermediate-advanced
4.0(17)

Beachbreak near 15th Street and the river mouth with peaks that work best on SSW/WNW combo swells. Mid tide provides the best shape. When the river is flowing, peaks can get rippy. The river mouth creates a strong rip that can be turbo on big tide swings. Parking via meters and neighborhood streets.

Parking

15th St meters + neighborhood shuffle

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 Del Mar

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 Del Mar

Dawn patrol in Del Mar 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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