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

5:44 AM

First Light: 5:14 AM

Day length: 14h 19m

Same as yesterday

Sunrise

5:44 AM

First light: 5:14 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Last light: 8:32 PM

Data from Del Mar· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	5:44 AM	8:02 PM	14h 19m
Tomorrow	5:44 AM	8:02 PM	14h 18m
Wed, Jul 1	5:44 AM	8:02 PM	14h 18m
Thu, Jul 2	5:45 AM	8:02 PM	14h 17m
Fri, Jul 3	5:45 AM	8:02 PM	14h 17m
Sat, Jul 4	5:46 AM	8:02 PM	14h 16m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 19m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 18m

Wed, Jul 1

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 18m

Thu, Jul 2

Sunrise

5:45 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 17m

Fri, Jul 3

Sunrise

5:45 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 17m

Sat, Jul 4

Sunrise

5:46 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 16m

Best dawn patrol spots in Del Mar

Featured Beaches

2 spots

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.

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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

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)

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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