Dawn patrol surfing in Orleans

Orleans, Massachusetts

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

First light in Orleans means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:29 AM
First Light: 5:59 AM

Day length: 12h 33m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:29 AM

First light: 5:59 AM

Sunset

7:02 PM

Last light: 7:32 PM

Data from Nauset Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:29 AM

Sunset

7:02 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:27 AM

Sunset

7:03 PM

Day Length

12h 36m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:25 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Day Length

12h 39m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:23 AM

Sunset

7:05 PM

Day Length

12h 42m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:22 AM

Sunset

7:06 PM

Day Length

12h 45m

Best dawn patrol spots in Orleans

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Featured Beaches(1)

Nauset Beach

Intermediate

Nauset Beach is an exposed beach break on outer Cape Cod known for its consistency and power. It works best on southeast swells with offshore west winds and offers both left and right peaks; strong rip currents and occasional great white shark sightings add to the drama.

Dawn patrol access guide for Orleans

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Nauset Beach
beach
intermediate

Nauset Beach is an exposed beach break on outer Cape Cod known for its consistency and power. It works best on southeast swells with offshore west winds and offers both left and right peaks; strong rip currents and occasional great white shark sightings add to the drama.

Early access

From the parking lot, follow the boardwalk over the dunes; the beach is long so walk to find a sandbar away from crowds.

Parking

Parking requires a seasonal permit or day pass; spaces near the beach fill quickly in summer, and an overflow lot serves off‑road vehicle users.

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 Orleans

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 Orleans

Dawn patrol in Orleans 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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