Today's Sunset Forecast — Plan Your Evening
For sunset photographers, planners, and anyone deciding whether to clear the evening for tonight's sky. Today's forecast plus the science of what makes a sunset spectacular.
By Andrew Yates·Building sunrise & sunset forecasts since 2016
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Today's Sunset Forecast by City
What Makes a Good Sunset?
Not all sunsets are created equal. The quality of a sunset depends on several atmospheric factors that our forecast algorithm analyzes to predict how spectacular tonight's display will be.
☁️ Cloud Cover
Clouds are essential for colorful sunsets. Mid-level and high clouds (like altocumulus and cirrus) act as a canvas, reflecting the warm colors of the setting sun. 20-70% cloud cover often produces the best results.
💧 Humidity
Moderate humidity levels help scatter light and create vibrant colors. Very dry air can result in pale sunsets, while too much humidity may create hazy conditions.
🌡️ Air Quality
Clean air with some particles (like dust or aerosols) can enhance sunset colors. Heavy pollution or smoke typically creates muddy, less vibrant sunsets.
🏔️ Cloud Height
Higher clouds can catch sunlight for longer after the sun dips below the horizon, extending the colorful display. Cirrus clouds at 20,000+ feet create the longest-lasting colors.
Planning a Sunset Shoot Today
When the forecast looks promising, a little prep separates a good sunset from a great photo. Here's a clean timeline for planning today's shoot:
🗺️ Mid-day: Scout
Check the sun's bearing for tonight using the Sun Direction Calculator and identify foreground elements (water, ridgelines, buildings) that will be lit by the warm light. A scout walk now means no scrambling at golden hour.
🎒 Late afternoon: Pack
Wide-angle and telephoto lenses, tripod, ND/graduated filters if shooting into the sun, spare batteries (cold drains them fast), and a lens cloth — humidity rises as the sun drops.
⏰ 30-45 minutes before sunset
Be on location, set up, and shooting test frames. The richest colors often peak just before the sun touches the horizon — being late means missing the peak entirely.
🌌 Stay for blue hour
The 15-30 minutes after sunset often deliver the most underrated images of the evening. Soft, even light, deep blues, and lit windows or street lamps add depth.
Want to know why sunsets turn orange and red? See the science of sunset colors on the blog.
More Forecasts & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How early in the day should I check the sunset forecast?▼
Same-day forecasts are reliable from morning onwards. The number tightens as the day progresses — by lunchtime you'll have a strong signal for whether it's worth clearing your evening, and by late afternoon the forecast is at its sharpest.
What time is sunset today?▼
Pick your city above for today's exact sunset time, plus golden hour and blue hour windows. Alpenglow gives you the same data for any location, with a 7-day forecast horizon if you're planning ahead.
How accurate are sunset quality forecasts?▼
Forecasts use the ICON weather model and become highly accurate within 24-48 hours of sunset. Coastal and mountain locations are harder because local microclimates can override the broader pattern. The Field Reports feature in the app crowd-sources real-time observations to keep refining accuracy.
What gear should I bring for sunset photography?▼
A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto if you want compressed sky-meets-horizon shots, a sturdy tripod for the low light of blue hour, and an ND or graduated filter if you're shooting toward the sun. A lens cloth helps — humidity rises as temperatures drop after sunset.
When does golden hour start before sunset?▼
Golden hour begins roughly 30-60 minutes before sunset depending on your latitude and time of year. Closer to the equator it's shorter (~20 minutes), at higher latitudes near the solstices it can stretch over an hour. Alpenglow shows the precise window for your location.
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