What time should I surf for dawn patrol 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.

Why is dawn patrol the best time to surf?

Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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: 12h 27m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Last light: 7:43 PM

Data from Dockweiler State Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	6:46 AM	7:13 PM	12h 27m
Tomorrow	6:45 AM	7:13 PM	12h 29m
Wed, Apr 1	6:43 AM	7:14 PM	12h 31m
Thu, Apr 2	6:42 AM	7:15 PM	12h 33m
Fri, Apr 3	6:40 AM	7:15 PM	12h 35m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:43 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in Playa del Rey

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Dockweiler State Beach

Beginner friendly

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

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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

Walk from the parking lot to the beach. Pick a peak and paddle out.

Parking

Large free parking lot with easy access. Rarely fills up.

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

Less Crowded

Quieter lineups & backups

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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