Sunset Forecast for San Diego

For the most colorful sunsets, look for days with scattered mid-level clouds, which catch and reflect warm light. Head to a location with a clear view of the western horizon such as a beach, hilltop, or open field. Arrive during golden hour, about an hour before sunset, for the best light. Use Alpenglow's quality forecast to find the days when conditions favor vivid colors. In San Diego today, the sun sets toward the WNW (286°) at 8:11 PM — find a viewpoint facing that way and arrive 20–30 minutes early to watch the color build.

Today's sunset in San Diego is at 8:11 PM, with full darkness arriving at 9:35 PM (America/Chicago). The period between sunset and full darkness is twilight, when the sky gradually transitions from light to dark.

Twilight in San Diego lasts approximately 84 minutes from sunset to full darkness (astronomical dusk). This includes civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.

The latest sunset in San Diego in 2026 is at 8:32 PM on June 22 (America/Chicago). This occurs shortly after the summer solstice.

After sunset at 8:11 PM in San Diego, civil twilight ends at 8:36 PM — about 25 minutes later. Full darkness (astronomical dusk) arrives at 9:35 PM (America/Chicago).