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

7:20 AM

First Light: 6:50 AM

Day length: 10h 46m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:20 AM

First light: 6:50 AM

Sunset

6:06 PM

Last light: 6:36 PM

Data from 1st Street Jetty · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	7:20 AM	6:06 PM	10h 46m
Tomorrow	7:21 AM	6:04 PM	10h 43m
Wed, Oct 28	7:22 AM	6:03 PM	10h 41m
Thu, Oct 29	7:23 AM	6:02 PM	10h 39m
Fri, Oct 30	7:24 AM	6:01 PM	10h 36m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:20 AM

Sunset

6:06 PM

Day Length

10h 46m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:21 AM

Sunset

6:04 PM

Day Length

10h 43m

Wed, Oct 28

Sunrise

7:22 AM

Sunset

6:03 PM

Day Length

10h 41m

Thu, Oct 29

Sunrise

7:23 AM

Sunset

6:02 PM

Day Length

10h 39m

Fri, Oct 30

Sunrise

7:24 AM

Sunset

6:01 PM

Day Length

10h 36m

Best dawn patrol spots in Ocean City

Featured Beaches

3 spots

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.

Loading map...

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.