The best time to shoot photos at the beach depends on the kind of lighting and mood you're aiming for. Generally, these are the two prime times:

1. Golden Hour (Early Morning or Late Afternoon):

   • Time: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.

   • Why: The lighting is soft, warm, and creates a beautiful glow, adding depth and texture to your beach photos. The angle of the sun also casts longer shadows, enhancing the landscape. It’s ideal for capturing serene and dramatic images.

   • Best for: Portraits, landscape shots, and capturing that peaceful, golden glow on the water.

2. Blue Hour (Dusk or Dawn):

   • Time: Just before sunrise or after sunset.

   • Why: During this time, the sky takes on cooler, deeper blues and purples. The light is very diffused, which can give a calm and otherworldly feel to your photos, especially with reflections in the water.

   • Best for: Moody, atmospheric shots, especially if you’re looking to emphasize the sky, water, and dramatic lighting effects.

While midday light is typically harsh and creates strong shadows, you can still capture unique shots if you're willing to play with silhouettes or take advantage of the vibrant beach environment. Just make sure to use a polarizing filter to manage the reflections on the water or sand.

If you're into shooting something specific like surfers or beachgoers, midday can also work, but lighting and shadow control become more important.