What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Seal Beach?

Dawn patrol in Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach

Seal Beach, California

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

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

Sunrise

5:52 AM

First Light: 5:22 AM

Day length: 13h 55m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:52 AM

First light: 5:22 AM

Sunset

7:47 PM

Last light: 8:17 PM

Data from Seal Beach Pier· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	5:52 AM	7:47 PM	13h 55m
Tomorrow	5:52 AM	7:48 PM	13h 56m
Mon, May 18	5:51 AM	7:48 PM	13h 57m
Tue, May 19	5:50 AM	7:49 PM	13h 59m
Wed, May 20	5:50 AM	7:50 PM	14h 0m
Thu, May 21	5:49 AM	7:51 PM	14h 1m
Fri, May 22	5:49 AM	7:51 PM	14h 3m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:52 AM

Sunset

7:47 PM

Day Length

13h 55m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:52 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

13h 56m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:51 AM

Sunset

7:48 PM

Day Length

13h 57m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:50 AM

Sunset

7:49 PM

Day Length

13h 59m

Wed, May 20

Sunrise

5:50 AM

Sunset

7:50 PM

Day Length

14h 0m

Thu, May 21

Sunrise

5:49 AM

Sunset

7:51 PM

Day Length

14h 1m

Fri, May 22

Sunrise

5:49 AM

Sunset

7:51 PM

Day Length

14h 3m

Best dawn patrol spots in Seal Beach

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Seal Beach Pier

Intermediate

Seal Beach Pier is a classic pier break at the northern edge of Orange County.

Loading map...

Featured Beaches(1)

Seal Beach Pier

Intermediate

Seal Beach Pier is a classic pier break at the northern edge of Orange County.

Dawn patrol access guide for Seal Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Seal Beach Pier

beach

intermediate

Seal Beach Pier is a classic pier break at the northern edge of Orange County.

Early access

Walk from Main Street through the quaint downtown area to the pier.

Parking

Paid lots near Main Street or metered street parking. Arrive early on 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 Seal Beach

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 Seal Beach

: Dawn patrol in Seal Beach 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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