Sunset times shape your day, influencing photography plans, commutes, and outdoor activities. Understanding what times is sunset on any given date helps you coordinate travel, events, and safety routines.
These times are not random; they follow predictable astronomical patterns modified by your exact location and the time of year. Tracking them allows you to make the most of evening light and darkness.
| Date | Sunset Time | Daylight Duration | Twilight End |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20 | 6:45 PM | 12 hours 8 minutes | 7:18 PM |
| June 21 | 8:30 PM | 14 hours 56 minutes | 9:10 PM |
| September 22 | 7:15 PM | 12 hours 7 minutes | 7:48 PM |
| December 21 | 4:45 PM | 9 hours 18 minutes | 5:18 PM |
Seasonal Shifts in Sunset Timing
The progression of seasons directly alters what times is sunset, creating longer evenings in summer and earlier nightfall in winter. This shift occurs because of Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun.
In early summer, the Sun follows a higher path, delaying darkness. By late winter, the opposite effect produces earlier sunsets and longer nights.
Geographic Influence on Sunset Times
Your longitude and latitude determine how local sunset times compare with other regions. Locations farther west within a time zone see sunset later in the clock, while eastern areas experience it sooner.
Elevation and nearby geography, such as mountains or coastlines, can also affect the visible moment of sunset, slightly changing the perceived time.
How Atmospheric Conditions Affect Sunset
Weather and air quality can shift the visual appearance of sunset without changing the actual calculated time. Clouds, haze, and pollution may add dramatic colors but do not alter the precise moment the Sun crosses the horizon.
Clear skies often provide sharper transitions between daylight and twilight, while heavy cloud layers can spread colors over a longer period.
Using Sunset Data for Planning
Knowing what times is sunset supports better decisions around outdoor workouts, event scheduling, and energy use. Many people align their routines with available daylight to enhance productivity and mood.
Apps, websites, and local weather reports provide accurate tables tailored to city or neighborhood level, making it easy to integrate this information into daily life.
Practical Steps for Tracking Sunset
- Check a reliable app or website each morning for the current date’s sunset time.
- Note your local horizon obstructions to adjust expectations for when the Sun disappears.
- Plan key activities 30 to 60 minutes before sunset to capture optimal natural light.
- Account for daylight saving transitions by verifying the time zone setting on your device.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does sunset time change so much between June and December?
The variation stems from Earth’s tilted axis and its orbit, which shift the Sun’s apparent path across the sky, creating longer summer evenings and shorter winter afternoons.
Can weather change the official sunset time I see on my phone?
No, weather may alter how the Sun looks, but the calculated astronomical time remains the same; only atmospheric conditions affect visibility and color.
Is my city’s sunset always listed for the horizon at sea level?
Standard tables assume an unobstructed horizon at sea level; hills, buildings, or valleys may delay or obscure the Sun for your specific viewpoint.
Do daylight saving time changes affect sunset times in my local clock?
Yes, shifting clocks forward or backward changes the clock time of sunset by an hour, even though the actual astronomical event occurs at the same solar moment.