Sunrise & Sunset in Los Angeles
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Current Local Time
—Today's sunrise in Los Angeles is at 05:46 AM and sunset is at 08:08 PM, with a day length of 14h 21m.
7-Day Sunrise & Sunset — Los Angeles
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 05:46 AM | 08:08 PM | 14h 21m |
| Sun, Jul 5 | 05:47 AM | 08:07 PM | 14h 20m |
| Mon, Jul 6 | 05:47 AM | 08:07 PM | 14h 20m |
| Tue, Jul 7 | 05:48 AM | 08:07 PM | 14h 19m |
| Wed, Jul 8 | 05:48 AM | 08:07 PM | 14h 18m |
| Thu, Jul 9 | 05:49 AM | 08:07 PM | 14h 17m |
| Fri, Jul 10 | 05:49 AM | 08:06 PM | 14h 16m |
Why Los Angeles's Sunrise & Sunset Matters
Los Angeles sits at 34.05°N latitude, significantly south of cities like New York and Chicago. That lower latitude produces a milder seasonal swing of roughly 4.5 hours between solstices — less dramatic than its eastern counterparts, but with a payoff: LA enjoys consistently warm, golden light year-round. The city averages 284 sunny days per year, making reliable golden hour visibility more common here than almost anywhere else in North America.
LA's Mediterranean climate means clear skies dominate for most of the year, but the city's famous marine layer — a thick fog that rolls in from the Pacific — creates its own dramatic sunrise effects. This moisture-rich air scatters light into pink and orange dawn skies, particularly during May and June when the layer is thickest along the coast. The marine layer doesn't change the astronomical sunrise time, but it can completely obscure the sun for hours after it technically rises, creating a split-screen effect where hilltops catch golden light while beaches stay shrouded in grey.
FAQ — Los Angeles Sunrise & Sunset
What time is sunset in Los Angeles during summer?
Summer sunset in LA is around 8:00 PM PDT — the late hour surprises visitors from the east coast. In my experience, the combination of long daylight and clear skies makes LA summers feel like the golden hour never ends. Sunset at the Santa Monica Pier is particularly stunning because the sun drops directly over the ocean.
Does the marine layer affect sunrise times in LA?
The marine layer doesn't change the astronomical sunrise time, but it can completely obscure the sun for hours after it technically rises. I've had mornings in Santa Monica where sunrise was at 6:15 AM but the sun wasn't visible until after 10 AM because the fog layer was too thick to see through from beach level.
Where is the best sunset spot in Los Angeles?
My top pick is Griffith Observatory — you get an unobstructed western view over the entire LA basin with the Pacific Ocean in the distance. For beach sunsets, El Matador State Beach in Malibu has dramatic rock formations that frame the setting sun beautifully, though it requires a short hike down.
How does LA's lower latitude affect golden hour duration?
Because LA sits at a lower latitude than most major US cities, the sun sets at a steeper angle relative to the horizon. This means golden hour is slightly shorter but more intense — the warm light period typically lasts about 35-45 minutes rather than the 50-60 minutes you'd get at higher latitudes.
Can I see the sunrise from the beach in LA?
Not directly from most LA beaches since they face west toward the Pacific Ocean. However, Malibu's western-facing beaches catch the reflected glow of sunrise on the ocean surface, and the hills east of the coast provide excellent eastern views. For a true beach sunrise, head to the cliffs at Palos Verdes.