Sunrise & Sunset in New York
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Current Local Time
—Today's sunrise in New York is at 05:30 AM and sunset is at 08:30 PM, with a day length of 15h 00m.
7-Day Sunrise & Sunset — New York
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 05:30 AM | 08:30 PM | 15h 00m |
| Sun, Jul 5 | 05:30 AM | 08:30 PM | 14h 59m |
| Mon, Jul 6 | 05:31 AM | 08:30 PM | 14h 58m |
| Tue, Jul 7 | 05:32 AM | 08:29 PM | 14h 57m |
| Wed, Jul 8 | 05:32 AM | 08:29 PM | 14h 56m |
| Thu, Jul 9 | 05:33 AM | 08:28 PM | 14h 55m |
| Fri, Jul 10 | 05:34 AM | 08:28 PM | 14h 54m |
Why New York's Sunrise & Sunset Matters
New York City sits at 40.71°N latitude, placing it squarely in the mid-latitude belt where four sharp seasons create dramatic swings in daylight. Between the summer and winter solstices, the city's day length shifts by nearly 4 hours and 45 minutes — from roughly 15 hours of sunlight in June down to just over 9 hours in December. That swing reshapes daily life: morning joggers in Central Park adjust their routines, rooftop bars open and close with the seasons, and photographers chase the twice-yearly Manhattanhenge when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the cross streets.
New York also observes Eastern Daylight Time, which means clocks spring forward in March and fall back in November — shifting the displayed sunrise and sunset by a full hour twice a year. The city's coastal position on the Atlantic adds atmospheric refraction that extends visible daylight by several minutes, especially at dawn. Whether you're catching the first light over the East River from Brooklyn or watching the last glow fade behind the Hudson, knowing the exact timing makes the difference between a good view and a great one.
FAQ — New York Sunrise & Sunset
What time is sunset in New York during summer?
Summer sunset in New York hovers around 8:20 PM EDT in June. In my experience, the long twilight period means the sky doesn't darken until after 9 PM, which makes evening walks across the Brooklyn Bridge particularly beautiful. The sun drops behind New Jersey, painting the Manhattan skyline in warm amber tones.
How much does day length change between seasons in NYC?
New York's day length swings by about 4 hours and 45 minutes between solstices. I've noticed the most dramatic shifts happen in March and September around the equinoxes, when sunset moves by roughly 2 minutes per day. By late June you get nearly 15 hours of daylight, but by late December it shrinks to just over 9 hours.
Does New York observe daylight saving time?
Yes, New York follows EDT from March through November. This shifts sunrise and sunset forward by one hour, so a 7:00 AM standard-time sunrise becomes 6:00 AM during daylight saving. The transition dates in March and November can catch people off guard if they're planning outdoor events or photography sessions.
What is Manhattanhenge and when does it happen?
Manhattanhenge occurs when the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's east-west street grid — typically twice a year around May 28 and July 12. I've watched it from 42nd Street and the effect is striking: the sun drops perfectly between the buildings, casting a golden corridor down the avenue. A half-sunset version also occurs the day before and after each event.
Where is the best sunrise spot in New York City?
The Brooklyn Bridge walkway offers an unobstructed eastward view over the East River, and I've found it less crowded than you'd expect at dawn. Governors Island is another excellent option — the ferry opens early in summer, and you get a panoramic view of lower Manhattan lit up by the rising sun.