Tonight's Sunset Forecast โ Worth Heading Out?
A quick sky check for sunset chasers. Pick your city, read the quality percentage, decide in 60 seconds. Forecasts update through the day and get sharper as sunset approaches.
By Andrew YatesยทBuilding sunrise & sunset forecasts since 2016
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Tonight's Sunset Forecast by City
The 60-Second Decision Guide
No time to read the science โ you need a yes or no. Here's how to read tonight's number:
โ 70%+ โ Go
Strong color is likely. Pack the camera, grab a friend, head west. Aim to be in position 20-30 minutes before sunset and stay for blue hour after.
๐ค 50-70% โ Maybe
Decent sky with moments worth catching. If you've got the time, take the walk โ partial cloud cover often delivers a few brilliant minutes even on average nights.
๐๏ธ Below 40% โ Skip
Likely overcast, fully clear, or washed-out. Save your evening; the forecast tightens as sunset gets closer, so check again in an hour if you're on the fence.
Refresh Late
Same-day forecasts are the most accurate. Re-check 1-2 hours before sunset for the sharpest read โ atmospheric conditions can shift the percentage 10-20 points by then.
Heading Out? Quick Checklist
- West-facing view. Use the Sun Direction Calculator to confirm the exact bearing for your location โ it shifts noticeably between solstice and equinox.
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early. The richest colors often peak just before the sun touches the horizon, not after.
- Stay for blue hour. The 15-30 minutes after sunset can outshine the sunset itself, especially with mid-level clouds overhead.
- Phone, camera, jacket, water. Light layer even in summer โ temperatures drop fast as the sun goes.
Curious about why the forecast says what it says? Today's full breakdown covers the science of cloud cover, humidity, and atmospheric scattering โ better read at lunch than 10 minutes before sunset.
More Forecasts & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I head out for tonight's sunset?โผ
Look at the quality percentage. Above 70% is a strong yes, 50-70% means a decent sky with moments worth catching, below 40% the sky will likely be overcast or washed out. The forecast tightens as sunset approaches, so check again an hour before โ same-day forecasts are the most accurate.
What time is sunset tonight?โผ
Sunset time varies by location and date. Select your city above or open Alpenglow for your exact time, plus golden hour and blue hour windows so you know when to arrive and how long to stay.
How late should I leave to catch the best light?โผ
Aim to be in position 20-30 minutes before sunset. The richest colors usually peak 5-10 minutes before the sun touches the horizon, then again during the 15-30 minutes of blue hour after โ leaving early means missing the second show.
Will Alpenglow tell me when to head out?โผ
Yes. Alpenglow Pro can send a push notification when tonight's forecast crosses your quality threshold (e.g., notify me when above 70%) so you don't have to keep checking. You set the bar; the app keeps watch.
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