Sunset sessions in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.

After-work glass-offs in Santa Monica can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 3 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.

Sunset

8:10 PM
Golden Hour: 7:10 PM – 8:10 PM

Day length: 14h 24m

Same as yesterday

Sunrise

5:46 AM

First light: 5:16 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Last light: 8:40 PM

Data from Bay Street· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:46 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 24m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:46 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 24m

Wed, Jul 1

Sunrise

5:47 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 23m

Thu, Jul 2

Sunrise

5:47 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 23m

Fri, Jul 3

Sunrise

5:47 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 22m

Sat, Jul 4

Sunrise

5:48 AM

Sunset

8:10 PM

Day Length

14h 22m

Best sunset surf spots in Santa Monica

Sunset session picks in Santa Monica

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

Bay Street
beach
intermediate

Bay Street is the more powerful section of Santa Monica Beach.

Beach facing
W-facing (260°)Golden hour
Evening access

Walk down Bay Street to the beach. Enter near the breakwater for the best peaks.

Santa Monica Beach
beach
beginner

Santa Monica Beach near the iconic pier offers a wide, forgiving beach break.

Beach facing
W-facing (250°)Golden hour
Evening access

Use marked beach access and stay clear of crowded pier-adjacent lanes.

Will Rogers State Beach offers a gentle, forgiving beach break.

Beach facing
W-facing (250°)Golden hour
Evening access

Use official beach access and watch posted lifeguard guidance.

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 Santa Monica

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Santa Monica

The best sunset sessions in Santa Monica are at Bay Street, Santa Monica Beach, Will Rogers State Beach. 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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