Dawn patrol surfing in Playa Del Rey

Playa Del Rey, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:46 AM
First Light: 6:16 AM

Day length: 11h 59m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

6:45 PM

Last light: 7:15 PM

Data from Dockweiler State Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

6:45 PM

Day Length

11h 59m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

6:44 PM

Day Length

11h 57m

Wed, Sep 30

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

6:50 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

11h 48m

Best dawn patrol spots in Playa Del Rey

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Featured Beaches(1)

Dockweiler State Beach

Beginner friendly

Dockweiler State Beach is a hidden gem for LA surfers looking to escape crowds.

Dawn patrol access guide for Playa Del Rey

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Dockweiler State Beach
beach
beginner

Dockweiler State Beach is a hidden gem for LA surfers looking to escape crowds.

Early access

Use official access points and avoid fire-pit or crowd-heavy sections when carrying boards.

Parking

Use LA County beach lots and check posted parking rules before peak hours.

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 Playa Del Rey

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

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Playa Del Rey

Dawn patrol in Playa Del Rey 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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