Dawn patrol surfing in Kure Beach

Kure Beach, North Carolina

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

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

Sunrise

7:01 AM
First Light: 6:31 AM

Day length: 12h 8m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:01 AM

First light: 6:31 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Last light: 7:39 PM

Data from Kure Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:01 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

12h 8m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:02 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Day Length

12h 5m

Sat, Sep 26

Sunrise

7:02 AM

Sunset

7:06 PM

Day Length

12h 3m

Sun, Sep 27

Sunrise

7:03 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Day Length

12h 1m

Mon, Sep 28

Sunrise

7:04 AM

Sunset

7:03 PM

Day Length

11h 59m

Tue, Sep 29

Sunrise

7:05 AM

Sunset

7:02 PM

Day Length

11h 57m

Wed, Sep 30

Sunrise

7:05 AM

Sunset

7:00 PM

Day Length

11h 55m

Best dawn patrol spots in Kure Beach

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Featured Beaches(1)

Kure Beach

Beginner friendly

Kure Beach gives beginners a quieter, less hectic version of the same soft summer surf that makes southern North Carolina so usable for first sessions.

Dawn patrol access guide for Kure Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Kure Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate

Kure Beach gives beginners a quieter, less hectic version of the same soft summer surf that makes southern North Carolina so usable for first sessions.

Early access

Short beach accesses make carrying a foam board easy. Use a peak away from the pier when the main lineup is active.

Parking

Public lots near the oceanfront park and pier area are the easiest starts. Parking is simpler than Carolina Beach if you go early.

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 Kure 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
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Kure Beach

Dawn patrol in Kure 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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