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

7:02 AM
First Light: 6:32 AM

Day length: 12h 40m

+4 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:02 AM

First light: 6:32 AM

Sunset

7:42 PM

Last light: 8:12 PM

Data from Seabrook (Pacific Beach area) · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:02 AM

Sunset

7:42 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:00 AM

Sunset

7:43 PM

Day Length

12h 43m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:58 AM

Sunset

7:45 PM

Day Length

12h 47m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:56 AM

Sunset

7:46 PM

Day Length

12h 50m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

12h 53m

Best dawn patrol spots in Pacific Beach

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Featured Beaches(1)

Seabrook (Pacific Beach area)

Beginner friendly

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.

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

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 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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