Dawn patrol surfing in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

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

First light in Wrightsville 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

7:03 AM
First Light: 6:33 AM

Day length: 12h 27m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:03 AM

First light: 6:33 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Last light: 8:00 PM

Data from Wrightsville Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:03 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:02 AM

Sunset

7:31 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:01 AM

Sunset

7:31 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:59 AM

Sunset

7:32 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:58 AM

Sunset

7:33 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Sat, Apr 4

Sunrise

6:56 AM

Sunset

7:34 PM

Day Length

12h 37m

Sun, Apr 5

Sunrise

6:55 AM

Sunset

7:34 PM

Day Length

12h 39m

Best dawn patrol spots in Wrightsville Beach

Dawn patrol access guide for Wrightsville Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Wrightsville Beach
pier
intermediate

Wrightsville Beach is a classic North Carolina surf town with a supportive surf community and multiple breaks. Crystal Pier offers reliable peaks for beginners, the South End catches larger swells and long rides, and Johnny Mercer's Pier dishes out stronger waves for advanced surfers. Water stays warm much of the year, and surf schools abound.

Early access

Use beach access points to reach the sand. The pier entrances are clearly marked; avoid restricted fishing zones when paddling out.

Parking

Paid parking is available along the beach and near the piers; bring a credit card for meters. Arrive before sunrise for free street spots.

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 Wrightsville Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Wrightsville Beach

Dawn patrol in Wrightsville 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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