Dawn patrol surfing in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach, Texas

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

First light in Surfside 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

7:15 AM
First Light: 6:45 AM

Day length: 12h 23m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:15 AM

First light: 6:45 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Last light: 8:08 PM

Data from Surfside Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:15 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Day Length

12h 23m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:14 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 25m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 26m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

7:12 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

7:10 AM

Sunset

7:40 PM

Day Length

12h 30m

Best dawn patrol spots in Surfside Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Surfside Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Surfside Beach
jetty
intermediate

Surfside Beach produces some of the most consistent surf on the upper Texas coast. Deep water close to shore and long jetties allow the wave to hold double‑overhead surf, while small swells remain rideable. The best surf is about half‑mile north of the jetty near Texas Street, where the jetty blocks side‑shore winds and allows swell to wrap cleanly.

Early access

Walk north along the beach from the jetty to reach the main peak. Use caution around slippery rocks and strong currents near the jetty.

Parking

Park along the beach or at small lots near Texas Street. Beach driving permits are required on some sections—check local rules.

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 Surfside Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Surfside Beach

Dawn patrol in Surfside 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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