Dawn patrol surfing in Morro Bay

Morro Bay, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:55 AM
First Light: 6:25 AM

Day length: 12h 1m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:55 AM

First light: 6:25 AM

Sunset

6:56 PM

Last light: 7:26 PM

Data from Morro Rock / Sandspit (inside bend) · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:55 AM

Sunset

6:56 PM

Day Length

12h 1m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:56 AM

Sunset

6:54 PM

Day Length

11h 59m

Tue, Sep 29

Sunrise

6:57 AM

Sunset

6:53 PM

Day Length

11h 56m

Wed, Sep 30

Sunrise

6:57 AM

Sunset

6:52 PM

Day Length

11h 54m

Thu, Oct 1

Sunrise

6:58 AM

Sunset

6:50 PM

Day Length

11h 52m

Fri, Oct 2

Sunrise

6:59 AM

Sunset

6:49 PM

Day Length

11h 50m

Best dawn patrol spots in Morro Bay

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Featured Beaches(1)

Morro Rock / Sandspit (inside bend)

Intermediate

Inside Sandspit bend with wrapping peaks and easier channels than the outer bars.

Dawn patrol access guide for Morro Bay

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Morro Rock / Sandspit (inside bend)
beach
lower-intermediate

Inside Sandspit bend with wrapping peaks and easier channels than the outer bars.

Early access

Use signed paths; avoid climbing rip-rap.

Parking

Park by Coleman Park lot near the rock; short walk to inside bend.

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 Morro Bay

Conditions

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

Style

Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Morro Bay

Dawn patrol in Morro Bay 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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