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

6:36 AM
First Light: 6:06 AM

Day length: 12h 41m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:36 AM

First light: 6:06 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Last light: 7:47 PM

Data from 1st Street Jetty · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:36 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Day Length

12h 41m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:37 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

Sun, Sep 13

Sunrise

6:38 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 36m

Mon, Sep 14

Sunrise

6:38 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Tue, Sep 15

Sunrise

6:39 AM

Sunset

7:10 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Wed, Sep 16

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Thu, Sep 17

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Day Length

12h 26m

Best dawn patrol spots in Ocean City

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Featured Beaches(3)

1st Street Jetty

Intermediate

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

7th Street Beach

Intermediate

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

Waverly Beach

Beginner friendly

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

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

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 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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