Sunset sessions in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, California

Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.

After-work glass-offs in Half Moon Bay can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 1 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.

Sunset

8:11 PM
Golden Hour: 7:11 PM – 8:11 PM

Day length: 14h 8m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:03 AM

First light: 5:33 AM

Sunset

8:11 PM

Last light: 8:41 PM

Data from Mavericks· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:03 AM

Sunset

8:11 PM

Day Length

14h 8m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:03 AM

Sunset

8:12 PM

Day Length

14h 9m

Sat, May 16

Sunrise

6:02 AM

Sunset

8:13 PM

Day Length

14h 11m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

6:01 AM

Sunset

8:14 PM

Day Length

14h 13m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Sunset

8:15 PM

Day Length

14h 14m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

8:15 PM

Day Length

14h 16m

Best sunset surf spots in Half Moon Bay

Sunset session picks in Half Moon Bay

West-facing beaches with golden hour potential and evening access.

Mavericks
reef
advanced

One of the most famous big-wave spots on Earth, Mavericks breaks a half-mile offshore over a shallow reef, producing giant right and left walls when long-period NW swells march in. Only expert big-wave surfers with safety teams should attempt it.

Beach facing
NW-facing (305°)Golden hour
Evening access

Most surfers reach the lineup by Jet Ski; if paddling, expect a 30-minute paddle around the reef and huge walls of whitewater.

Sunset session tips

  • West-facing beaches for stunning sunset views
  • Often cleaner afternoon conditions
  • Golden hour photography opportunities
  • After-work session favorites

Surf Guides for Half Moon Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Half Moon Bay

The best sunset sessions in Half Moon Bay are at Mavericks. These spots offer stunning golden hour views while you ride.
Yes! Afternoon often brings cleaner conditions as morning onshore winds die down. Plus, the golden hour light and fewer crowds make for magical sessions.

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