Dawn patrol surfing in Matagorda

Matagorda, Texas

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

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

Sunrise

7:18 AM
First Light: 6:48 AM

Day length: 12h 23m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:18 AM

First light: 6:48 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Last light: 8:11 PM

Data from Matagorda · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:18 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 23m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:17 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 24m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:16 AM

Sunset

7:42 PM

Day Length

12h 26m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

7:15 AM

Sunset

7:42 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

7:43 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Best dawn patrol spots in Matagorda

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Featured Beaches(1)

Matagorda

Advanced

Matagorda is Texas's premier surf destination where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Deep offshore waters meet shallow sandbars to produce powerful waves and a long left point break near the river mouth. Fast, explosive beach breaks at the jetties can pound over shallow areas and are best suited to advanced surfers.

Dawn patrol access guide for Matagorda

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Matagorda
jetty
advanced

Matagorda is Texas's premier surf destination where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Deep offshore waters meet shallow sandbars to produce powerful waves and a long left point break near the river mouth. Fast, explosive beach breaks at the jetties can pound over shallow areas and are best suited to advanced surfers.

Early access

Walk along the beach to the jetties or river mouth. Beware of algae‑covered rocks and heed no‑swim zones due to dangerous currents.

Parking

Drive south on FM 2031 to Jetty Park, which dead‑ends at the Colorado River mouth. Free paved parking and beach parking are available; camping is allowed.

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 Matagorda

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 Matagorda

Dawn patrol in Matagorda 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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