Sunset Forecast for Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria today, the sun sets toward the WNW (284°) at 5:24 PM — find a viewpoint facing that way and arrive 20–30 minutes early to watch the color build.

Today's sunset in Santa Maria is at 5:24 PM, with full darkness arriving at 6:35 PM (America/Fortaleza). The period between sunset and full darkness is twilight, when the sky gradually transitions from light to dark.

Twilight in Santa Maria lasts approximately 71 minutes from sunset to full darkness (astronomical dusk). This includes civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.

The latest sunset in Santa Maria in 2026 is at 5:47 PM on January 30 (America/Fortaleza). This occurs shortly after the summer solstice.

After sunset at 5:24 PM in Santa Maria, civil twilight ends at 5:46 PM — about 21 minutes later. Full darkness (astronomical dusk) arrives at 6:35 PM (America/Fortaleza).