What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Hermosa Beach?

Dawn patrol in Hermosa Beach typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.

Why is dawn patrol the best time to surf?

Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

Dawn patrol surfing in Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach, California

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

First light in Hermosa Beach means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 3 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

5:54 AM

First Light: 5:24 AM

Day length: 13h 54m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:54 AM

First light: 5:24 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Last light: 8:18 PM

Data from Hermosa Beach Pier· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	5:54 AM	7:48 PM	13h 54m
Tomorrow	5:53 AM	7:48 PM	13h 55m
Sun, May 17	5:53 AM	7:49 PM	13h 56m
Mon, May 18	5:52 AM	7:50 PM	13h 58m
Tue, May 19	5:51 AM	7:51 PM	13h 59m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

13h 54m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:53 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

13h 55m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:53 AM

Sunset

7:49 PM

Day Length

13h 56m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:52 AM

Sunset

7:50 PM

Day Length

13h 58m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:51 AM

Sunset

7:51 PM

Day Length

13h 59m

Best dawn patrol spots in Hermosa Beach

Featured Beaches

3 spots

Hermosa Beach Pier

Intermediate

Hermosa Beach Pier produces consistent peaks on both sides of the pier.

Hermosa Beach South

Intermediate

South Hermosa offers a mellower beach break experience.

Hermosa Pier

Advanced

Hermosa Pier is a jetty break in Hermosa Beach, CA. It is suited for intermediate-advanced surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, strong currents, pollution.

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Featured Beaches(3)

Dawn patrol access guide for Hermosa Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Hermosa Beach Pier

beach

intermediate

Hermosa Beach Pier produces consistent peaks on both sides of the pier.

Early access

Walk from downtown Hermosa to the pier. Choose north or south side.

Parking

Paid lots near the pier or metered street parking. Bring quarters.

Hermosa Beach South

beach

lower-intermediate

South Hermosa offers a mellower beach break experience.

Early access

Beach access via street ends south of the pier. Short walk to the water.

Parking

Street parking in residential area. Be mindful of permit zones.

Hermosa Pier

jetty

intermediate-advanced

4.0(1)

Hermosa Pier is a jetty break in Hermosa Beach, CA. It is suited for intermediate-advanced surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, strong currents, pollution.

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 Hermosa Beach

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

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Hermosa Beach

: Dawn patrol in Hermosa 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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