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

5:54 AM

First Light: 5:24 AM

Day length: 13h 54m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:54 AM

First light: 5:24 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Last light: 8:18 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)	5:54 AM	7:48 PM	13h 54m
Tomorrow	5:53 AM	7:49 PM	13h 55m
Sun, May 17	5:53 AM	7:49 PM	13h 57m
Mon, May 18	5:52 AM	7:50 PM	13h 58m
Tue, May 19	5:51 AM	7:51 PM	14h 0m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

13h 54m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:53 AM

Sunset

7:49 PM

Day Length

13h 55m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:53 AM

Sunset

7:49 PM

Day Length

13h 57m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:52 AM

Sunset

7:50 PM

Day Length

13h 58m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:51 AM

Sunset

7:51 PM

Day Length

14h 0m

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

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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