Dawn patrol surfing in Scarborough

Scarborough, Maine

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

First light in Scarborough means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:29 AM
First Light: 5:59 AM

Day length: 12h 35m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:29 AM

First light: 5:59 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Last light: 7:34 PM

Data from Higgins Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:29 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:27 AM

Sunset

7:05 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:25 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Day Length

12h 41m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:24 AM

Sunset

7:08 PM

Day Length

12h 44m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:22 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

12h 47m

Best dawn patrol spots in Scarborough

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Featured Beaches(2)

Higgins Beach

Intermediate

Higgins Beach is a southeast‑facing stretch that picks up tropical storm and nor'easter swells. It features both beach‑break peaks and a rocky point; the bottom is sand and rock, and local surfers are protective but welcoming to respectful visitors.

Scarborough Beach

Beginner friendly

Scarborough Beach State Park offers a long sandy surf break just south of Higgins. It is managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and produces fun lefts and rights on southeast or south swells with west or northwest winds. Rip currents occur daily, so swim and surf in the designated areas.

Dawn patrol access guide for Scarborough

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Higgins Beach
beach
lower-intermediate

Higgins Beach is a southeast‑facing stretch that picks up tropical storm and nor'easter swells. It features both beach‑break peaks and a rocky point; the bottom is sand and rock, and local surfers are protective but welcoming to respectful visitors.

Early access

Walk down the path to the beach; wear booties if surfing the point and watch for the shipwreck and submerged rocks at low tide.

Parking

There is a small 75‑vehicle parking lot purchased by the town; it fills quickly, and residents limit non‑resident access in summer.

Scarborough Beach
beach
beginner

Scarborough Beach State Park offers a long sandy surf break just south of Higgins. It is managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and produces fun lefts and rights on southeast or south swells with west or northwest winds. Rip currents occur daily, so swim and surf in the designated areas.

Early access

Walk a short path from the lot to the beach; follow signs and stay within park boundaries.

Parking

Parking is limited to 285 on-site spots plus 125 off-site spaces; the lot often fills by noon on summer weekends.

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 Scarborough

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 Scarborough

Dawn patrol in Scarborough 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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