Dawn patrol surfing in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

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

First light in Santa Monica means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 3 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:46 AM
First Light: 6:16 AM

Day length: 12h 1m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

6:47 PM

Last light: 7:17 PM

Data from Bay Street · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

6:47 PM

Day Length

12h 1m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

6:45 PM

Day Length

11h 59m

Tue, Sep 29

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

6:44 PM

Day Length

11h 57m

Wed, Sep 30

Sunrise

6:48 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

6:40 PM

Day Length

11h 50m

Sat, Oct 3

Sunrise

6:50 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

11h 48m

Best dawn patrol spots in Santa Monica

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Featured Beaches(1)

Bay Street

Intermediate

Bay Street is the more powerful section of Santa Monica Beach.

Dawn patrol access guide for Santa Monica

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Bay Street
beach
intermediate

Bay Street is the more powerful section of Santa Monica Beach.

Early access

Walk down Bay Street to the beach. Enter near the breakwater for the best peaks.

Parking

Street parking along Bay Street and Ocean Avenue. Metered spots - bring quarters.

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 Santa Monica

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 Santa Monica

Dawn patrol in Santa Monica 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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