in 15h 21m
Pale clear glow
Exactly at sunrise: Fair
Photo locations · Malibu · United States
El Matador State Beach Sea Caves: sunrise photography forecast
El Matador has more shape than most Malibu beaches: sea stacks, arches and pocket coves that catch warm light from the west. The tide decides how much beach you have, so the location can feel completely different from one evening to the next.
Will tomorrow's sunrise be worth it?
Simplified forecast from the open model run. The full forecast — a second model, your exact viewpoint, the hourly cloud timeline — is in the app.
Global model, about 13 km: less certain than in Europe.
Sky colors
Golden hour
Sunrise
Light corridor: open
Why: The sun's path is clear at the height its low light travels, so the light can reach the clouds at sunrise.
- Light path: clear (0% blocking cloud at the ray's height)
- Sun: clearly visible. The sun's path to the horizon reads open; the disc should be visible.
Terrain is drawn for illustration only — it is not used to calculate underlight or obstruction.
cloud-cover fieldinterpolation uncertaintysun directionnear-ground humiditycloud at unresolved heightmodelled underlightunderlight · height uncertainunderlight · lit on one readinglit but hidden behind nearer cloud
Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunrise.
Will Tuesday's sunrise be worth it?
Simplified forecast from the open model run. The full forecast — a second model, your exact viewpoint, the hourly cloud timeline — is in the app.
Global model, about 13 km: less certain than in Europe.
Sky colors
Golden hour
Sunrise
Light corridor: open
Why: The sun's path is clear at the height its low light travels, so the light can reach the clouds at sunrise.
- Light path: clear (5% blocking cloud at the ray's height)
- Sun: clearly visible. The sun's path to the horizon reads open; the disc should be visible.
Terrain is drawn for illustration only — it is not used to calculate underlight or obstruction.
cloud-cover fieldinterpolation uncertaintysun directionnear-ground humiditycloud at unresolved heightmodelled underlightunderlight · height uncertainunderlight · lit on one readinglit but hidden behind nearer cloud
Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunrise.
Will Wednesday's sunrise be worth it?
The sunrise forecast for El Matador State Beach Sea Caves on this day is being prepared. Create a free account to check it on demand.
Know the light
before it happens
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For photographers: shooting El Matador State Beach Sea Caves
Best months
Autumn through spring for lower sun angles and dramatic surf; summer for easier access and warmer conditions, though crowds are heavier.
Suggested focal lengths
16–35 mm inside the coves; 50–135 mm for layered stacks and backlit spray.
Composition
Use the rock openings as frames only when the tide leaves a safe exit. A mid-telephoto from open sand often produces a cleaner picture than squeezing into the caves.
Recommended arrival
Arrive 75 minutes before sunset to assess tide, surf and which coves remain connected.
Access planning
Check tide and swell forecasts. Cliffs can shed rock and waves can cut off the small coves; never put the camera between you and your exit.
Parking: Small paid state beach lot on Pacific Coast Highway; legal roadside spaces are limited.
Approach: Ten to fifteen minutes down a steep trail and staircase; the return is uphill in low light.
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