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

6:11 AM
First Light: 5:41 AM

Day length: 13h 55m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:11 AM

First light: 5:41 AM

Sunset

8:06 PM

Last light: 8:36 PM

Data from Wrightsville Beach· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:11 AM

Sunset

8:06 PM

Day Length

13h 55m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:10 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

13h 56m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

6:09 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

13h 58m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

6:09 AM

Sunset

8:08 PM

Day Length

13h 59m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

6:08 AM

Sunset

8:09 PM

Day Length

14h 1m

Best dawn patrol spots in Wrightsville Beach

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Featured Beaches(1)

Wrightsville Beach

Beginner friendly

Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina's easiest places to build beginner surf reps thanks to its reliable summer beachbreak, easy public access, and soft enough shoulders on smaller swells to keep early sessions fun instead of overwhelming.

Dawn patrol access guide for Wrightsville Beach

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Wrightsville Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate

Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina's easiest places to build beginner surf reps thanks to its reliable summer beachbreak, easy public access, and soft enough shoulders on smaller swells to keep early sessions fun instead of overwhelming.

Early access

Most public accesses are a short walk over the dune line. Staying away from the pier keeps the takeoff zone friendlier for learners.

Parking

Use the public access lots or paid street parking and aim for an early arrival. Summer fills fast after mid-morning.

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

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 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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