Introduction
what time.is the sun setting why the sun sets at different times throughout the year, or why it sets later in some places than others? The time of sunset is not a random event; it’s shaped by a fascinating mix of astronomical and geographical factors. In this article, we explore what determines sunset times, why they vary, and how you can find out when the sun will set in your location.
Sunset occurs when the upper edge of the Sun disappears below the horizon, marking the transition from day to night. This moment is not only a stunning natural spectacle but also holds practical significance for activities like photography, religious observances, or planning outdoor events. Knowing when the sun sets can enhance your daily life, whether you’re capturing the perfect golden hour or timing a ritual.
Sunset times vary based on your location and the time of year. Factors like latitude, longitude, altitude, and local terrain all play a role. Additionally, Earth’s axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the Sun cause seasonal shifts in sunset times. In the sections below, we dive into these factors, explain how sunset times are calculated, and share tools to help you find when the sun will set in your area.
Factors Affecting Sunset Time
Several elements influence when the sun sets. Let’s break them down.
Latitude
what time.is the sun setting impacts sunset times. Near the equator, sunset times remain fairly consistent, typically around 6:30 PM local time year-round. However, as you move toward the poles, the variation grows. In the Northern Hemisphere, higher latitudes experience later sunsets in summer and earlier ones in winter. For instance, in June, Fairbanks, Alaska, may see sunsets as late as 12:30 AM, while in December, the sun could set by 3:30 PM. This is due to Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt, which causes the Northern Hemisphere to tilt toward the Sun in summer, extending daylight, and away in winter, shortening it.
Time of Year
The time of year drives significant changes in sunset times, primarily due to Earth’s axial tilt and its elliptical orbit. In the Northern Hemisphere, sunsets are latest around the summer solstice (June 20–21) and earliest around the winter solstice (December 21–22). Interestingly, the latest sunset often occurs a few days after the summer solstice, and the earliest sunset a few days before the winter solstice, due to the equation of time—a phenomenon accounting for Earth’s non-circular orbit. For example, in New York City, the latest sunset in 2025 is on June 28 at 8:31 PM, while the earliest is on December 8 at 4:26 PM.
Altitude
what time.is the sun setting times by altering your view of the horizon. At higher elevations, the sun rises earlier and sets later because you can see further over the Earth’s curvature. For example, at 12,000 meters (a typical airplane altitude), sunset can occur about 8 minutes later than at sea level at the equator. This effect is more pronounced at higher latitudes, where the sun’s path is shallower. If you’re on a mountain or in a high-rise building, you might notice the sun lingering longer than for someone at sea level in the same location.
Atmospheric Conditions
Atmospheric refraction also influences sunset times. When the sun is near the horizon, its light bends as it passes through the atmosphere, making the sun appear higher than it actually is. This delays sunset by about 2–3 minutes. The extent of refraction depends on temperature, pressure, and humidity, with warmer, more humid conditions increasing the effect. For instance, in humid summer months, refraction can be stronger, slightly pushing back the time the sun sets compared to cooler, drier winter months.
Local Terrain
Local terrain can alter the perceived sunset time. Mountains, buildings, or other obstructions may block the sun, making it seem to set earlier than it would on a flat horizon. For example, in a city with tall skyscrapers, the sun might disappear behind a building before it reaches the true horizon. Similarly, in mountainous areas, the sun could be obscured by peaks, shortening the visible daylight for observers in valleys. This effect is location-specific and not accounted for in standard sunset calculations.
How Sunset Times Are Calculated
Calculating when the sun sets involves complex astronomical formulas that consider the Sun’s position relative to Earth, the observer’s location, and atmospheric effects. The goal is to pinpoint when the Sun’s upper edge crosses the horizon. This requires data on latitude, longitude, altitude, and time zone, as well as adjustments for atmospheric refraction. Tools like the Sunrise and Sunset Calculator on timeanddate.com perform these calculations automatically, providing precise sunset times for any location and date. These tools use spherical geometry and account for Earth’s tilt and orbit to deliver accurate results.
Finding Sunset Times for Your Location
Finding when the sun sets in your area is straightforward with modern tools. Here are some reliable options:
- Online Calculators: Websites like timeanddate.com, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and NOAA’s Sunrise/Sunset Calculator let you input your city, ZIP code, or coordinates to get exact sunset times. These tools also account for daylight saving time.
- Mobile Apps: Apps like Sun Surveyor, PhotoPills, or Sunrise Sunset are ideal for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. They provide detailed sunset times, including twilight and solar angles, tailored to your location.
- Weather Apps: Popular apps like The Weather Channel or AccuWeather include sunset times in their forecasts, making it easy to check daily.
- Astronomical Almanacs: Printed resources like The Old Farmer’s Almanac offer tables of sunset times for various locations, useful for offline reference.
When using these tools, ensure you select the correct time zone and check for daylight saving time adjustments. For example, on June 3, 2025, entering “New York City” into a calculator might show a sunset around 8:20 PM EDT, but this varies by location.
Interesting Facts About Sunset Times
Sunset times hold fascinating quirks and cultural significance. Here are some highlights:
- Earliest and Latest Sunsets: In the Northern Hemisphere, the latest sunset occurs a few days after the summer solstice, and the earliest a few days before the winter solstice, due to the equation of time.
- Uneven Changes: Sunset and sunrise times don’t shift uniformly. For instance, in January, sunset times may change more than sunrise times, as seen in Tucson, Arizona, where sunsets shifted 27 minutes later over a month, while sunrises moved only 6 minutes earlier.
- Polar Regions: Near the poles, the sun may not set for months (midnight sun) or rise for months (polar night), creating unique day-night cycles.
- Cultural Importance: Sunset times guide religious practices, like breaking the fast during Ramadan in Islam or lighting Shabbat candles in Judaism, tying human traditions to celestial rhythms.
FAQs
Why does the sunset time change throughout the year?
Sunset times shift due to Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the Sun. These cause seasonal variations, with later sunsets in summer and earlier ones in winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the reverse in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why is the latest sunset not on the summer solstice?
The latest sunset occurs a few days after the summer solstice due to the equation of time, which accounts for Earth’s elliptical orbit and axial tilt, causing a slight delay in the Sun’s apparent position.
How does altitude affect sunset times?
Higher altitudes allow you to see further over the horizon, making the sun appear to set later. For example, at 12,000 meters, sunset can be delayed by about 8 minutes compared to sea level.
Does weather affect sunset times?
Weather doesn’t change the actual sunset time but can affect visibility. Atmospheric refraction, influenced by temperature and humidity, may delay the apparent sunset by a few minutes.
How can I find sunset times for my location?
Use online tools like timeanddate.com, apps like Sun Surveyor, or weather apps to find precise sunset times by entering your location and date.
Conclusion
what time.is the sun setting reveals the intricate interplay between Earth’s movements and our place on the planet. Latitude, time of year, altitude, atmospheric conditions, and local terrain all shape this daily event. Whether you’re planning a sunset hike, a photography session, or a religious observance, knowing the exact time the sun sets can enrich your experience. Use tools like timeanddate.com or NOAA’s calculator to find sunset times for your location. Next time you watch the sun dip below the horizon, marvel at the science behind this timeless spectacle and plan your evening accordingly.
