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Sun Times in West Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is sunrise in West Des Moines?
Sunrise in West Des Moines on Thursday, August 27, 2026 is at 6:36 AM (America/Chicago). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
What time is sunset in West Des Moines?
Sunset in West Des Moines on Thursday, August 27, 2026 is at 7:54 PM (America/Chicago). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
When is golden hour in West Des Moines?
Morning golden hour in West Des Moines ends at 7:14 AM. Evening golden hour starts at 7:17 PM.
How long is the day in West Des Moines?
On Thursday, August 27, 2026 in West Des Moines there are 13 hours and 17 minutes of daylight between sunrise and sunset.
What time is the sun at its highest point in West Des Moines?
The sun reaches its highest point (solar noon) in West Des Moines at 1:16 PM (America/Chicago). This is when the sun crosses the meridian and shadows are at their shortest.
What time does it get dark in West Des Moines?
In West Des Moines, sunset is at 7:54 PM and it gets fully dark (astronomical dusk) at 9:33 PM (America/Chicago). Civil twilight ends at 8:23 PM when outdoor activities need artificial light.
How long does twilight last in West Des Moines?
Twilight in West Des Moines lasts approximately 99 minutes from sunset to full darkness (astronomical dusk). This includes civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.
What is the earliest sunrise of the year in West Des Moines?
The earliest sunrise in West Des Moines in 2026 is at 5:40 AM on June 8 (America/Chicago). This occurs around the summer solstice when days are longest.
What is the latest sunset of the year in West Des Moines?
The latest sunset in West Des Moines in 2026 is at 8:53 PM on June 25 (America/Chicago). This occurs shortly after the summer solstice.
What time does it actually get dark after sunset in West Des Moines?
After sunset at 7:54 PM in West Des Moines, civil twilight ends at 8:23 PM — about 29 minutes later — when the sky becomes too dark for outdoor activities without artificial light. Full darkness (astronomical dusk) arrives at 9:33 PM (America/Chicago).
What these times mean
Solar times in West Des Moines shift throughout the year. Each stage of the day brings distinct light that photographers, outdoor planners, and everyday users rely on.
- Dawn
- The first usable twilight before sunrise, when the horizon brightens and color gradually returns to the sky.
- Sunrise
- The moment the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon, starting direct daylight.
- Golden Hour
- The low-angle window just after sunrise and just before sunset, producing warm, soft light favored by photographers.
- Sunset
- The moment the upper edge of the sun drops below the horizon, ending direct sunlight for the day.
- Dusk
- The fading twilight after sunset, ending with astronomical dusk when the sky becomes fully dark.
Monthly daylight in West Des Moines
Sunrise, sunset, and total daylight in West Des Moines on the 15th of each month for 2026. Times reflect the city's local timezone.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:39 AM | 5:09 PM | 9h 31m |
| February | 7:09 AM | 5:48 PM | 10h 39m |
| March | 7:26 AM | 7:21 PM | 11h 55m |
| April | 6:34 AM | 7:55 PM | 13h 21m |
| May | 5:55 AM | 8:27 PM | 14h 32m |
| June | 5:40 AM | 8:50 PM | 15h 11m |
| July | 5:54 AM | 8:47 PM | 14h 53m |
| August | 6:23 AM | 8:14 PM | 13h 51m |
| September | 6:55 AM | 7:23 PM | 12h 29m |
| October | 7:27 AM | 6:33 PM | 11h 06m |
| November | 7:03 AM | 4:54 PM | 9h 51m |
| December | 7:34 AM | 4:45 PM | 9h 11m |