Dawn patrol surfing in Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:47 AM
First Light: 6:17 AM

Day length: 11h 57m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:47 AM

First light: 6:17 AM

Sunset

6:43 PM

Last light: 7:13 PM

Data from Palos Verdes Cove · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

6:43 PM

Day Length

11h 57m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

6:42 PM

Day Length

11h 55m

Thu, Oct 1

Sunrise

6:48 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Day Length

11h 53m

Fri, Oct 2

Sunrise

6:49 AM

Sunset

6:39 PM

Day Length

11h 51m

Sat, Oct 3

Sunrise

6:49 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

11h 49m

Best dawn patrol spots in Palos Verdes

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Featured Beaches(1)

Palos Verdes Cove

Intermediate

Palos Verdes Cove encompasses several reef breaks along the PV coastline.

Dawn patrol access guide for Palos Verdes

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Palos Verdes Cove
reef
upper-intermediate

Palos Verdes Cove encompasses several reef breaks along the PV coastline.

Early access

Multiple access points via trails. Research your specific break before going.

Parking

Limited street parking along Paseo del Mar. Respect private property.

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 Palos Verdes

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Palos Verdes

Dawn patrol in Palos Verdes 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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