El Porto (Manhattan)
4.3(6)beach
beginner-intermediate
**El Porto** (Manhattan Beach) functions as South Bay's northwest swell magnet rated 7/10 for consistency despite variable quality.
Dawn patrol surfing in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Manhattan Beach means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
5:54 AMFirst 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 El Porto (Manhattan)· Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 5:54 AM | 7:48 PM | 13h 54m |
| Tomorrow | 5:53 AM | 7:49 PM | 13h 55m |
| Sun, May 17 | 5:53 AM | 7:49 PM | 13h 57m |
| 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
7:49 PM
Day Length
13h 55m
Sun, May 17
Sunrise
5:53 AM
Sunset
7:49 PM
Day Length
13h 57m
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 Manhattan Beach
Featured Beaches
2 spots
El Porto (Manhattan)
Beginner friendlyEl Porto (Manhattan Beach) functions as South Bay's northwest swell magnet rated 7/10 for consistency despite variable quality.
Manhattan Beach Pier
IntermediateThe sandbars north and south of Manhattan Beach Pier provide consistent beach-break peaks with both lefts and rights. Summer southwest swells and offshore east winds create the best conditions. The waves can be fun for intermediates but rips are common and the lineup is often crowded.
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Featured Beaches(2)
Dawn patrol access guide for Manhattan Beach
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Manhattan Beach Pier
beach
intermediate
The sandbars north and south of Manhattan Beach Pier provide consistent beach-break peaks with both lefts and rights. Summer southwest swells and offshore east winds create the best conditions. The waves can be fun for intermediates but rips are common and the lineup is often crowded.
Early access
Walk down the pier or beach paths to the sand; choose a sandbar north or south of the pier depending on the crowd.
Parking
Use the pier parking lots or street parking along Manhattan Beach Boulevard; pay attention to time limits.
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 Manhattan Beach
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Manhattan Beach
- Dawn patrol in Manhattan 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.
See today's conditions at your beach
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