Dawn patrol surfing in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach, California

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

First light in Pismo 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

6:54 AM
First Light: 6:24 AM

Day length: 12h 28m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:54 AM

First light: 6:24 AM

Sunset

7:22 PM

Last light: 7:52 PM

Data from Pismo Pier · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

7:22 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:53 AM

Sunset

7:23 PM

Day Length

12h 30m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:51 AM

Sunset

7:23 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:50 AM

Sunset

7:24 PM

Day Length

12h 34m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:49 AM

Sunset

7:25 PM

Day Length

12h 36m

Best dawn patrol spots in Pismo Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Pismo Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Pismo Pier
beach
lower-intermediate

A long pier divides this consistent Central Coast beach break. The north side offers peaky lefts and rights with more punch, while the south side is mellower and better for learners. It catches most W and NW swells and can be rippable on a mid tide.

Early access

Walk onto the sand near the pier and choose north or south; watch out for pilings and fishermen.

Parking

Ample parking in downtown Pismo Beach lots and along the promenade; pay stations operate during peak season.

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 Pismo Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Pismo Beach

Dawn patrol in Pismo 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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