What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Venice?

Dawn patrol in Venice 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 Venice

Venice, California

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

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

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First Light: 6:16 AM

Day length: 12h 27m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:46 AM

First light: 6:16 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Last light: 7:43 PM

Data from Venice 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	7:13 PM	12h 27m
Tomorrow	6:45 AM	7:13 PM	12h 29m
Wed, Apr 1	6:43 AM	7:14 PM	12h 31m
Thu, Apr 2	6:42 AM	7:15 PM	12h 33m
Fri, Apr 3	6:41 AM	7:16 PM	12h 35m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:13 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:45 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

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:16 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in Venice

Featured Beaches

2 spots

Venice Beach

Beginner friendly

Venice Beach is an iconic LA surf spot with a classic beach break setup.

Venice Breakwater

Intermediate

The Venice Breakwater is a hollow and powerful sandbar/jetty break that produces lefts and rights over a sandy bottom. It needs a solid west or northwest swell and offshore northeast wind to break cleanly. Strong currents around the jetty and a competitive local scene make it better for intermediate surfers.

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Featured Beaches(2)

Venice Beach

Beginner friendly

Venice Beach is an iconic LA surf spot with a classic beach break setup.

Venice Breakwater

Intermediate

Dawn patrol access guide for Venice

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Venice Beach

beach

beginner

Venice Beach is an iconic LA surf spot with a classic beach break setup.

Early access

Walk through the boardwalk area to the beach. Multiple access points.

Parking

Paid lots near the boardwalk ($10-20) or metered street parking.

Venice Breakwater

breakwater

intermediate

Early access

Walk along the boardwalk and enter the water near the jetty; watch for slippery rocks around the breakwater.

Parking

Park at the public lots off Venice Boulevard or use metered street parking; expect fees and crowds.

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 Venice

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 Venice

: Dawn patrol in Venice 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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