Dawn patrol surfing in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, Washington

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

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

Sunrise

5:44 AM
First Light: 5:14 AM

Day length: 15h 0m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:44 AM

First light: 5:14 AM

Sunset

8:44 PM

Last light: 9:14 PM

Data from Seabrook (Pacific Beach area)· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:44 PM

Day Length

15h 0m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:43 AM

Sunset

8:45 PM

Day Length

15h 2m

Sat, May 16

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

8:47 PM

Day Length

15h 5m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:40 AM

Sunset

8:48 PM

Day Length

15h 7m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:39 AM

Sunset

8:49 PM

Day Length

15h 10m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:38 AM

Sunset

8:50 PM

Day Length

15h 12m

Best dawn patrol spots in Pacific Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Pacific Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Seabrook (Pacific Beach area)
beach
beginner-intermediate
3.7(3)

Popular beachbreak near Crystal Pier with consistent waves year-round. Best for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of peaks to spread out. The crowd can be heavy with surf schools and rentals, especially on weekends. Parking is challenging but the easy access and amenities make it a go-to spot for many San Diego surfers.

Parking

Street parking tight; aim a few blocks inland after 7am

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 Pacific Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Pacific Beach

Dawn patrol in Pacific 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.

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