Dawn patrol surfing in Folly Beach

Folly Beach, South Carolina

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

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

Sunrise

7:12 AM
First Light: 6:42 AM

Day length: 11h 57m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:12 AM

First light: 6:42 AM

Sunset

7:10 PM

Last light: 7:40 PM

Data from Folly Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:12 AM

Sunset

7:10 PM

Day Length

11h 57m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

11h 55m

Thu, Oct 1

Sunrise

7:14 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Day Length

11h 53m

Fri, Oct 2

Sunrise

7:14 AM

Sunset

7:06 PM

Day Length

11h 51m

Sat, Oct 3

Sunrise

7:15 AM

Sunset

7:05 PM

Day Length

11h 49m

Best dawn patrol spots in Folly Beach

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Featured Beaches(5)

Folly Beach

Intermediate

Folly Beach is a long barrier island south of Charleston with several fun breaks. The Washout—a stretch blown open by Hurricane Hugo—produces punchy peaks on SE‑NE swells, while the Folly Beach Pier offers long lefts on the south side. It's friendly for beginners when small but can handle good size during hurricane season.

Folly Beach Pier Northside

Advanced

Folly Beach Pier Northside is a pier-influenced surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Folly Beach Pier Southside

Advanced

Folly Beach Pier Southside is a pier-influenced surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

The Washout North

Advanced

The Washout North is an Atlantic sandbar surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

The Washout South

Advanced

The Washout South is an Atlantic sandbar surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Dawn patrol access guide for Folly Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Folly Beach
beach
lower-intermediate

Folly Beach is a long barrier island south of Charleston with several fun breaks. The Washout—a stretch blown open by Hurricane Hugo—produces punchy peaks on SE‑NE swells, while the Folly Beach Pier offers long lefts on the south side. It's friendly for beginners when small but can handle good size during hurricane season.

Early access

Beach accesses are plentiful. Walk down the sand to the Washout or around the pier to find your peak.

Parking

Metered parking lines the streets, and a large lot near the pier charges a fee. Watch for towing in residential areas.

Folly Beach Pier Northside
pier
intermediate-advanced

Folly Beach Pier Northside is a pier-influenced surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

Folly Beach Pier Southside
pier
intermediate-advanced

Folly Beach Pier Southside is a pier-influenced surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

The Washout North
beach
intermediate-advanced

The Washout North is an Atlantic sandbar surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

The Washout South
beach
intermediate-advanced

The Washout South is an Atlantic sandbar surf zone at Folly Beach in Charleston Coast. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

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 Folly Beach

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Folly Beach

Dawn patrol in Folly 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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