Dawn patrol surfing in Ocean City

Ocean City, New Jersey

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

First light in Ocean City means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 3 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

5:46 AM
First Light: 5:16 AM

Day length: 14h 19m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:46 AM

First light: 5:16 AM

Sunset

8:05 PM

Last light: 8:35 PM

Data from 1st Street Jetty· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:46 AM

Sunset

8:05 PM

Day Length

14h 19m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:45 AM

Sunset

8:06 PM

Day Length

14h 21m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

14h 23m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:43 AM

Sunset

8:08 PM

Day Length

14h 25m

Wed, May 20

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

8:09 PM

Day Length

14h 26m

Thu, May 21

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 28m

Fri, May 22

Sunrise

5:41 AM

Sunset

8:11 PM

Day Length

14h 30m

Best dawn patrol spots in Ocean City

Dawn patrol access guide for Ocean City

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

1st Street Jetty
jetty
intermediate

The 1st Street Jetty at the north end of Ocean City produces consistent rights off the rock structure.

Early access

North end of Ocean City, near the inlet. Walk from 1st Street beach access.

Parking

Street parking along 1st Street area.

7th Street Beach
beach
intermediate

7th Street Beach is Ocean City's most iconic surf spot, home to surfing since 1967.

Early access

Beach access at 7th Street. Designated surf beach with lifeguard hours.

Parking

Street parking and municipal lots nearby. Arrive early in summer.

Waverly Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate

Waverly Beach is the quietest of Ocean City's three designated surfing beaches, offering all-skill-level waves.

Early access

Beach access at Waverly Avenue. Designated surf area.

Parking

Street parking near Waverly Avenue.

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 Ocean City

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Ocean City

Dawn patrol in Ocean City 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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