Dawn patrol surfing in Montauk

Montauk, New York

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

First light in Montauk means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:37 AM
First Light: 6:07 AM

Day length: 12h 33m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:37 AM

First light: 6:07 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Last light: 7:39 PM

Data from Ditch Plains · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:37 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:35 AM

Sunset

7:10 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:33 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:32 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 41m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:30 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 43m

Best dawn patrol spots in Montauk

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Featured Beaches(2)

Ditch Plains

Intermediate

Ditch Plains is Montauk's famed reef break: a rocky bottom produces long peeling A‑frame waves that break both left and right. It's suitable for longboards and funboards and works best on south‑to‑southeast swells with mid to high tides; summer and fall see friendly crowds but locals still hold priority.

Turtle Cove

Advanced

Turtle Cove, tucked in Camp Hero below the Montauk Point Lighthouse, is a rocky cove that only fires on large southeast swells. The wave breaks over boulders, producing powerful slabs and rip currents; only experienced surfers should attempt this spot.

Dawn patrol access guide for Montauk

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Ditch Plains
reef
lower-intermediate

Ditch Plains is Montauk's famed reef break: a rocky bottom produces long peeling A‑frame waves that break both left and right. It's suitable for longboards and funboards and works best on south‑to‑southeast swells with mid to high tides; summer and fall see friendly crowds but locals still hold priority.

Early access

Enter between the rock groins; watch your footing on the cobblestones and paddle wide to avoid the rocks.

Parking

Parking at Ditch Plains requires a Town of East Hampton permit; visitors must park at lots outside town and bike or walk in during summer.

Turtle Cove
reef
advanced

Turtle Cove, tucked in Camp Hero below the Montauk Point Lighthouse, is a rocky cove that only fires on large southeast swells. The wave breaks over boulders, producing powerful slabs and rip currents; only experienced surfers should attempt this spot.

Early access

A steep trail leads to the rocky shoreline—wear booties and carefully pick your way over boulders before paddling out.

Parking

Park at Camp Hero State Park (fee) and walk down the trail toward the cove; parking spots are limited and enforced.

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 Montauk

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 Montauk

Dawn patrol in Montauk 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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