What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Torrance?

Dawn patrol in Torrance 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 Torrance

Torrance, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First Light: 6:16 AM

Day length: 12h 27m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Last light: 7:42 PM

Data from Torrance Beach (RAT Beach) · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	6:46 AM	7:12 PM	12h 27m
Tomorrow	6:44 AM	7:13 PM	12h 29m
Wed, Apr 1	6:43 AM	7:14 PM	12h 31m
Thu, Apr 2	6:42 AM	7:14 PM	12h 33m
Fri, Apr 3	6:40 AM	7:15 PM	12h 35m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:12 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:43 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:14 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in Torrance

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Torrance Beach (RAT Beach)

Beginner friendly

RAT Beach is a hidden gem at the south end of the Strand bike path.

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Featured Beaches(1)

Torrance Beach (RAT Beach)

Beginner friendly

RAT Beach is a hidden gem at the south end of the Strand bike path.

Dawn patrol access guide for Torrance

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Torrance Beach (RAT Beach)

beach

beginner

RAT Beach is a hidden gem at the south end of the Strand bike path.

Early access

Access via the bike path or from the small parking area.

Parking

Small parking lot at the beach or park along the Strand and bike in.

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 Torrance

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 Torrance

: Dawn patrol in Torrance 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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