Sunset sessions in San Francisco

San Francisco, California

Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.

After-work glass-offs in San Francisco can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 4 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.

Sunset

7:30 PM
Golden Hour: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Day length: 12h 30m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:00 AM

First light: 6:30 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Last light: 8:00 PM

Data from Fort Point (San Francisco) · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:00 AM

Sunset

7:30 PM

Day Length

12h 30m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:59 AM

Sunset

7:31 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:57 AM

Sunset

7:32 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:56 AM

Sunset

7:33 PM

Day Length

12h 37m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

7:34 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Best sunset surf spots in San Francisco

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Sunset session picks in San Francisco

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

Fort Point (San Francisco)
reef
upper-intermediate

A novelty right-hand reef that breaks directly under the Golden Gate Bridge. When a big west swell refracts around Land's End, Fort Point offers long peeling rights with a spectacular backdrop. It's fickle and often crowded with locals.

Beach facing
NW-facing (295°)Golden hour
Evening access

Scramble down the rocks and jump off the seawall at low tide; be careful of slippery algae.

The middle section of Ocean Beach offers shifting sandbars that produce hollow barrels on a strong NW swell. Peaks are less defined but can provide long rides when the banks are good. Expect powerful waves and strong currents.

Beach facing
W-facing (280°)Golden hour
Evening access

Walk over the dunes and paddle out through a rip; choose a central channel for easier access.

The north end of Ocean Beach near the Cliff House can handle large winter swells, producing heavy A-frame peaks and long walls. Strong rips and cold water make it suitable only for experienced surfers.

Beach facing
W-facing (280°)Golden hour
Evening access

Walk down the sand dunes and time your paddle-out through a rip; prepare for long paddles.

The south end of Ocean Beach around Sloat Boulevard often has the most defined sandbars, producing punchy peaks and occasional tubes. Currents are still strong and the water is frigid, so only confident surfers should paddle out.

Beach facing
W-facing (280°)Golden hour
Evening access

Use the rip currents as channels to paddle out; time your entry to avoid being caught inside.

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 San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in San Francisco

The best sunset sessions in San Francisco are at Fort Point (San Francisco), Ocean Beach SF – Middle, Ocean Beach SF – North. 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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