Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns with gaps. A method that may be performed by a network entity (e.g., a BS) generally includes determining a synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern that identifies SSB positions for sweeping a set of SSB beams over multiple SSB bursts with gaps between at least some of the SSB positions, wherein the SSB pattern identifies a subset of the set of SSB beams to use per SSB burst. The method generally includes transmitting SSBs over the multiple SSB bursts in accordance with the pattern.