Dawn patrol surfing in El Segundo

El Segundo, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:46 AM
First Light: 6:16 AM

Day length: 12h 27m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Last light: 7:42 PM

Data from El Segundo Beach Jetty · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:43 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in El Segundo

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Featured Beaches(1)

El Segundo Beach Jetty

Intermediate

The El Segundo Jetty is a reliable breakwater break just south of LAX. It picks up southwest swells and offers lefts and rights. Summer brings the most consistent surf, and the best conditions occur when a southwest swell meets a northeast offshore wind. The surf is rarely crowded but pollution and man-made obstacles can be issues.

Dawn patrol access guide for El Segundo

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

El Segundo Beach Jetty
breakwater
intermediate

The El Segundo Jetty is a reliable breakwater break just south of LAX. It picks up southwest swells and offers lefts and rights. Summer brings the most consistent surf, and the best conditions occur when a southwest swell meets a northeast offshore wind. The surf is rarely crowded but pollution and man-made obstacles can be issues.

Early access

Walk down the beach path to the jetty; avoid the restricted areas near the industrial facilities.

Parking

Parking along Grand Avenue or in nearby beach lots. Be mindful of parking restrictions near the Chevron facility.

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 El Segundo

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 El Segundo

Dawn patrol in El Segundo 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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