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

6:02 AM
First Light: 5:32 AM

Day length: 13h 58m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:02 AM

First light: 5:32 AM

Sunset

8:00 PM

Last light: 8:30 PM

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

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:02 AM

Sunset

8:00 PM

Day Length

13h 58m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:01 AM

Sunset

8:01 PM

Day Length

14h 0m

Sat, May 16

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Sunset

8:01 PM

Day Length

14h 2m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

8:02 PM

Day Length

14h 3m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:03 PM

Day Length

14h 5m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:04 PM

Day Length

14h 6m

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

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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