What Time Does the Sun Set Today? Sunset Times Explained

Understanding Sunset Times

The time that the Sun sets each day varies depending on a number of factors. Knowing exactly what time sunset occurs can be useful for planning evening activities or just satisfying curiosity about daylight patterns.

How Sunset Times Are Calculated

The time that the Sun sets is determined by the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun. As the Earth rotates on its axis, any given location will at some point rotate to a position where the Sun appears to drop below the western horizon. This is the time of sunset.

The exact sunset time is calculated based on the longitude and latitude of the location. This geographic position determines where the Sun appears from that location at any given time of day.

Variation By Location and Time of Year

Sunset times vary across different locations and throughout the year. Locations at lower latitudes tend to have earlier sunsets in the winter months and later sunsets in the summer months. Higher latitude locations experience the opposite - later winter sunsets and earlier summer sunsets.

For example, Miami, Florida at a low latitude experiences winter sunset times around 5:30 pm and summer sunsets after 8 pm. Compare that to Anchorage, Alaska which sees winter sunsets around 4 pm but summer sunsets that can occur as late as 11 pm when days are much longer.

Finding Exact Sunset Times

To determine the exact sunset time for any given date and location, you can utilize online sunset calculators and calendars. These tools help provide quick answers to "what time is sunset today?" and other questions.

Online Sunset Calculators

Online sunset calculators allow you to simply input your location and desired date to discover the precise sunset time. Results often include not just the sunset time but also the sunrise time for comparison and daylight length. This provides extra context around daylight patterns.

For example, inputting a location such as Miami, Florida and a date of March 5 would indicate a sunset time of 6:16 pm, a sunrise of 6:29 am, and total daylight hours of 11 hours and 47 minutes.

Sunset Calendars

Another handy online resource are sunset calendars. These provide sunset times for an entire month or even a full year in calendar format. Rather than inputting a single date, you can view an overview of sunset patterns over time.

A Miami sunset calendar shows how sunset times range from around 5:30 pm in December up to 8 pm in late June. Meanwhile, an Anchorage sunset calendar indicates a variation from ~4 pm in winter up to ~11:30 pm in summer.

Planning Your Sunset Viewing

Armed with the exact sunset time for your location, you can better plan sunset viewing activities. Be sure to arrive early to prep and enjoy the full transition into dusk.

Finding a Good Viewing Spot

Identify some ideal local spots for watching the sunset based on unobstructed views and natural backgrounds like landscapes or water. Arrive early to secure a good seat and relax as the sunset colors start to develop.

Sunset Photography

For capturing photos, have your camera ready and set up prior to sunset. As the colors emerge, take plenty of shots to maximize great sunset images.

Time lapse photography can also make for great results when showcasing the full sunset sequence over several minutes.

So next time you wonder "what time is sunset today?", use online tools to get the exact sunset time for your area. Then utilize this to make plans for ideal sunset viewing!

FAQs

Why do sunset times change over the course of a year?

Sunset times get earlier in the winter and later in the summer due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun. As the northern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun in winter, the Sun takes longer to rise and shorter to set. The opposite happens in summer.

How can I find the exact sunset time for my location?

You can use online sunset calculators and calendars by entering your location to find an exact sunset time for a given date. These provide daily and monthly data on sunset, sunrise and daylight length.

Where are the best spots to view sunsets?

Ideal sunset viewing spots have unobstructed sight lines to the western horizon and an inspiring natural backdrop like the ocean or other landscape. Arrive early to choose a good vantage point.

What photography tips help capture sunsets?

Use time-lapse photo modes over several minutes and bracket exposures for varied brightness. Frame sunset photos to include foreground elements that add depth. Experiment with filters to enhance dramatic colors.