Dawn patrol surfing in Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach, Florida

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

First light in Melbourne 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

7:16 AM
First Light: 6:46 AM

Day length: 12h 22m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:16 AM

First light: 6:46 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Last light: 8:08 PM

Data from Sebastian Inlet · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:16 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Day Length

12h 22m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:15 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 24m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:14 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 25m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

7:12 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Best dawn patrol spots in Melbourne Beach

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Featured Beaches(2)

Sebastian Inlet

Intermediate

Florida's most consistent and high‑performance wave, Sebastian Inlet fires when groundswell wraps around the jetty. First Peak delivers fast, hollow rights over a shallow rock‑sand bottom, while Monster Hole (a shoal 1/3 mile offshore) holds bigger, more powerful surf. Intermediate surfers can score world‑class rides when they respect the lineup.

Spanish House

Intermediate

Spanish House is the first parking area north of Sebastian Inlet and is named after a long‑demolished Spanish‑style home. A shallow coquina reef and sandbar give the wave extra push, producing punchy top‑to‑bottom barrels on strong swell. It's a challenging wave suited to upper‑intermediate surfers.

Dawn patrol access guide for Melbourne Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Sebastian Inlet
inlet
intermediate

Florida's most consistent and high‑performance wave, Sebastian Inlet fires when groundswell wraps around the jetty. First Peak delivers fast, hollow rights over a shallow rock‑sand bottom, while Monster Hole (a shoal 1/3 mile offshore) holds bigger, more powerful surf. Intermediate surfers can score world‑class rides when they respect the lineup.

Early access

Walk north along the rock jetty to reach First Peak; use caution on slippery rocks. Paddling to Monster Hole requires a long paddle across the inlet.

Parking

Pay the state park entrance fee ($8) and park on the north side for First Peak. The lot fills early on good swells—arrive before sunrise.

Spanish House
reef
upper-intermediate

Spanish House is the first parking area north of Sebastian Inlet and is named after a long‑demolished Spanish‑style home. A shallow coquina reef and sandbar give the wave extra push, producing punchy top‑to‑bottom barrels on strong swell. It's a challenging wave suited to upper‑intermediate surfers.

Early access

Cross Highway A1A carefully and follow the sandy trail through the vegetation to the beach. Beware of heavy mosquito population after rains.

Parking

Look for a dirt lot with a bulletin board north of Bonsteel Park; parking is free but limited. Arrive early as spaces fill quickly on good swell.

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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne Beach

Dawn patrol in Melbourne 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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