Dawn patrol surfing in McKinleyville

McKinleyville, California

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

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

Sunrise

7:33 AM
First Light: 7:03 AM

Day length: 10h 58m

-3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:33 AM

First light: 7:03 AM

Sunset

6:31 PM

Last light: 7:01 PM

Data from Clam Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:33 AM

Sunset

6:31 PM

Day Length

10h 58m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:34 AM

Sunset

6:30 PM

Day Length

10h 56m

Wed, Oct 21

Sunrise

7:35 AM

Sunset

6:28 PM

Day Length

10h 53m

Thu, Oct 22

Sunrise

7:36 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Day Length

10h 50m

Fri, Oct 23

Sunrise

7:37 AM

Sunset

6:25 PM

Day Length

10h 48m

Sat, Oct 24

Sunrise

7:39 AM

Sunset

6:24 PM

Day Length

10h 45m

Best dawn patrol spots in McKinleyville

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Featured Beaches(1)

Clam Beach

Intermediate

Clam Beach is a broad, exposed public sand beach north of the Little River. County access and facilities are verified, but reliable spot-level surf, tide, and skill guidance is too limited to promote it as a recommendation.

Dawn patrol access guide for McKinleyville

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Clam Beach
beach
intermediate

Clam Beach is a broad, exposed public sand beach north of the Little River. County access and facilities are verified, but reliable spot-level surf, tide, and skill guidance is too limited to promote it as a recommendation.

Early access

Use signed public access and protect the dunes. The map pin marks a representative surf zone, not a stable sandbar.

Parking

Use the county north or south lots or legal roadside parking. Observe campground and day-use signs.

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 McKinleyville

Conditions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in McKinleyville

Dawn patrol in McKinleyville 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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