What time should I surf for dawn patrol 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.

Why is dawn patrol the best time to surf?

Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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 28m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:55 AM

First light: 6:25 AM

Sunset

7:23 PM

Last light: 7:53 PM

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

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	6:55 AM	7:23 PM	12h 28m
Tomorrow	6:54 AM	7:24 PM	12h 30m
Wed, Apr 1	6:52 AM	7:24 PM	12h 32m
Thu, Apr 2	6:51 AM	7:25 PM	12h 34m
Fri, Apr 3	6:49 AM	7:26 PM	12h 37m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:55 AM

Sunset

7:23 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

7:24 PM

Day Length

12h 30m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:52 AM

Sunset

7:24 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:51 AM

Sunset

7:25 PM

Day Length

12h 34m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:49 AM

Sunset

7:26 PM

Day Length

12h 37m

Best dawn patrol spots in Morro Bay

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Morro Rock / Sandspit (inside bend)

Intermediate

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

Loading map...

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

Beginner Spots

Gentle waves for learning

Longboard Spots

Mellow waves for logging

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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