Dawn patrol surfing in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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

First light in North Myrtle 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

7:31 AM
First Light: 7:01 AM

Day length: 10h 56m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:31 AM

First light: 7:01 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Last light: 6:57 PM

Data from Cherry Grove Pier Northside · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:31 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Day Length

10h 56m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:32 AM

Sunset

6:26 PM

Day Length

10h 54m

Fri, Oct 30

Sunrise

7:33 AM

Sunset

6:25 PM

Day Length

10h 53m

Sat, Oct 31

Sunrise

7:34 AM

Sunset

6:24 PM

Day Length

10h 51m

Best dawn patrol spots in North Myrtle Beach

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Featured Beaches(2)

Cherry Grove Pier Northside

Advanced

Cherry Grove Pier Northside is a pier-influenced surf zone at North Myrtle Beach in Grand Strand. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Cherry Grove Pier Southside

Advanced

Cherry Grove Pier Southside is a pier-influenced surf zone at North Myrtle Beach in Grand Strand. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Dawn patrol access guide for North Myrtle Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Cherry Grove Pier Northside
pier
intermediate-advanced

Cherry Grove Pier Northside is a pier-influenced surf zone at North Myrtle Beach in Grand Strand. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

Cherry Grove Pier Southside
pier
intermediate-advanced

Cherry Grove Pier Southside is a pier-influenced surf zone at North Myrtle Beach in Grand Strand. The representative coordinate marks nearshore water, not a fixed takeoff; sandbars, currents, and access conditions can change.

Early access

Use the official public access serving this shoreline and obey closures, dune protections, and seasonal surf-zone rules.

Parking

Use signed public access and legal parking; verify posted restrictions before leaving the vehicle.

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 North Myrtle Beach

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 North Myrtle Beach

Dawn patrol in North Myrtle 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.