Sunsets are one of the most beautiful moments in our day, a transition where the light fades, colors on the horizon ignite, and the world prepares to rest. Whether you’re planning a beach picnic, an evening walk, or a photography session, knowing when the sun will set can make a difference. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the exact time of sunset and what follows—twilight and the onset of complete darkness. We’ll uncover important nuances about how these moments of the day vary worldwide and answer some common questions surrounding sunsets.
What Time is Sunset Today?
Sunset times are not universal—they vary by location. The exact sunset moment depends on your geographic position, the date, and the Earth’s tilt. For example, sunset in New York City might occur at 5:00 PM during December’s shorter days but around 8:30 PM in June.
To find the specific time of sunset today at your location:
- Use a reliable weather app or website, like AccuWeather or Weather.com.
- Search for “sunset time [your city]” on Google.
- Use online tools like timeanddate.com for details about sunset, twilight, and other solar phenomena.
You’ll want to arrive a little earlier—especially if you aim to enjoy the vibrant glow in the moments leading up to sunset.
How Long After Sunset is Sundown?
Here’s where it gets a bit technical. While many people use “sunset” and “sundown” interchangeably, they differ. Sunset marks the moment the sun completely dips below the horizon. However, sundown refers to the gradual fading of light afterward, leading into twilight.
Twilight goes through three phases:
- Civil Twilight begins right after sunset and lasts until the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon. During this phase, there’s still enough natural light for many activities.
- Nautical Twilight – Occurs when the sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon. Sailors historically used this time to determine their position with visible stars and a faint horizon.
- Astronomical Twilight – This ends when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon, ushering in the complete darkness of night.
The duration of these phases depends on your location. Near the equator, twilight phases are shorter (often lasting 20-30 minutes), while in polar regions during summer, twilight can stretch for hours.
How Long Does it Take to Get Dark After Sunset?
On average, it takes about 70 to 100 minutes for complete darkness to settle after sunset in the contiguous United States. Factors influencing how quickly darkness sets in include:
- Latitude: Northern locations take longer to reach total darkness after sunset.
- Season: Twilight phases tend to last longer in summer due to the Earth’s tilt.
- Weather Conditions: Cloud cover or pollution might reduce visible light quickly.
For instance:
- Florida experiences darkness sooner after sunset compared to higher latitudes like Alaska.
- Expect longer nighttime hours during the winter solstice, meaning sunset gives way to darkness faster.
What Time Will It Get Dark Near Me?
If you’re trying to figure out when it will be fully dark, remember to add 70 to 100 minutes after sunset for true nightfall. Tools like timeanddate.com or apps like Stellarium and SkySafari can provide exact details for your specific location.
Key tips:
- Use apps to calculate your local area’s exact sunset and twilight phases.
- Adjust timing based on how far north or south you are geographically.
Special Moments Around Sunset
Sunsets are magical not only because of their visual beauty but also because of their association with the “Golden Hour” and “Blue Hour.”
The Golden Hour
The Golden Hour is the hour before sunset (and after sunrise), when soft, diffused light bathes the scene. This is a favorite time for photographers, as the light is warm and shadows are long, creating perfect conditions for dramatic and flattering photos.
The Blue Hour
After sunset, the Blue Hour occurs before complete darkness. During this time, the sky is a deep, rich blue, lending a serene, atmospheric quality that’s equally stunning for photoshoots or quiet moments of reflection.
Recap of How Long Darkness Takes After Sunset
To summarize, here’s what you need to know about darkness following sunset:
- The time it takes for complete darkness varies between 70 to 100 minutes, depending on your location.
- Twilight comes in three phases, with Astronomical Twilight marking the end of all sunlight.
- Be sure to enjoy the Golden Hour and Blue Hour for their unique lighting opportunities.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo, timing an evening stroll, or simply enjoying the serenity of sunset, understanding these transitions can make every moment even more enchanting.
FAQ Section About What Time is Sunset Today?
Is Sunset the Same as Darkness?
No, sunset is the moment when the sun completely disappears below the horizon, marking the start of twilight. Darkness, or “night,” occurs after the end of astronomical twilight.
Why is it Called Nautical Twilight?
Sailors historically relied on Nautical Twilight to navigate, as they could see both stars and the faint horizon, allowing for accurate positioning at sea.
What is the Darkest Hour of the Night?
The darkest hour is typically around midnight, when the sun is farthest below the horizon. However, this can vary slightly depending on your geographic location.
When is the Darkest Day of the Year?
The darkest day is the Winter Solstice, which occurs around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. This day marks the shortest daylight hours and the longest night.