Sunset Calculator

Whether you’re planning a scenic evening hike, setting up a photography session, or managing your prayer times, knowing the exact time of sunset can be vital. Our Sunset Calculator is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that helps you find the sunset time, sunrise time, civil twilight, and total daylight duration based on your location and selected date.

This tool takes into account latitude, longitude, date, and timezone to deliver highly accurate results using solar position algorithms.

🔍 What Is the Sunset Calculator?

The Sunset Calculator is an interactive web tool that calculates:

• Sunset time – when the sun dips below the horizon
• Sunrise time – when the sun first appears in the morning
• Day length – the total time between sunrise and sunset
• Civil twilight end – when the sun is 6° below the horizon
• Location info – confirmation of the latitude and longitude used

It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, religious practitioners, scientists, and travelers alike.

🌐 How the Sunset Calculator Works

This tool uses established astronomical formulas that account for:

• Solar declination – the sun’s angular distance north or south of the celestial equator
• Equation of time – accounts for Earth’s elliptical orbit and axial tilt
• Hour angle – used to determine when the sun crosses the horizon
• Twilight angles – the position of the sun relative to the horizon

All of this is calculated using the values you provide.

🧭 How to Use the Sunset Calculator

Using the calculator is quick and simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Enter Latitude:
   Input a value between -90 (South Pole) and 90 (North Pole). For example: 37.7749 for San Francisco.
2. Enter Longitude:
   Input a value between -180 (west) and 180 (east). Example: -122.4194 for San Francisco.
3. Select Date:
   Choose the specific date for which you want sunset and sunrise times. The tool automatically fills in today’s date.
4. Choose Timezone:
   Select the correct UTC offset for your location. For example, UTC-08:00 for California.
5. Click “Calculate”:
   Instantly see the sunset, sunrise, civil twilight, and daylight duration for your location and date.
6. Reset Option:
   Want to run another calculation? Just click the Reset button to start fresh.

🧪 Example Use Case

Let’s say you’re in New York City (40.7128° N, -74.0060° W) and want to find out the sunset time on June 21, the summer solstice.

• Latitude: 40.7128
• Longitude: -74.0060
• Date: 2025-06-21
• Timezone: UTC-05:00 (Eastern Time)

Click Calculate, and the tool will show:

• Sunrise: 05:24
• Sunset: 20:30
• Day Length: 15 hours 6 minutes
• Civil Twilight Ends: 21:03
• Location: 40.7128°, -74.0060°

🎯 Benefits of Using Our Sunset Calculator

• Accuracy: Uses precise astronomical calculations.
• Speed: Results appear instantly.
• Accessibility: No registration required—completely free to use.
• Flexibility: Choose any date, any place in the world.
• Usability: Intuitive design works on desktop and mobile devices.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Always double-check your latitude and longitude. Mistakes here lead to incorrect results.
• Select the correct timezone, especially if you’re traveling across regions.
• Use this tool alongside weather apps for a complete view of your day planning.

📅 Who Can Use This Tool?

• Photographers planning golden hour shoots
• Hikers & Campers timing their trails
• Astronomers mapping star visibility
• Travelers adjusting itineraries
• Muslims and other religious groups tracking prayer windows
• Farmers scheduling irrigation or harvest
• Teachers & Students learning about Earth-Sun relations

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this tool free to use?

Yes, it is 100% free and requires no sign-up.

2. What is civil twilight?

Civil twilight ends when the sun is 6° below the horizon—when there’s still enough light for most outdoor activities.

3. Can I use this calculator on my phone?

Absolutely. The calculator is mobile-friendly.

4. What happens if I enter an invalid latitude or longitude?

You’ll receive an alert prompting you to enter valid coordinates.

5. What timezone should I choose?

Choose the UTC offset that matches your location. Google your city’s UTC offset if unsure.

6. How accurate is the calculator?

Extremely accurate—it uses standard solar formulas adopted by astronomers.

7. Does it account for daylight saving time?

No. You’ll need to manually adjust the timezone for DST.

8. Can I calculate future or past dates?

Yes! You can select any date using the date picker.

9. Does it show moonrise or moonset times?

No, this tool only handles the sun’s movement.

10. Can it be embedded in another website?

Not currently, but future widget options are under consideration.

11. What browsers are supported?

All modern browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

12. Why does it say “Polar day/night”?

This appears when the sun never rises or sets at polar regions during solstices.

13. Is the data refreshed daily?

Yes, the date picker defaults to today’s date every time the page is loaded.

14. What do I do if the page doesn’t load correctly?

Try refreshing or checking your internet connection.

15. Can I use negative values for latitude or longitude?

Yes. Use negative latitude for southern hemisphere and negative longitude for western hemisphere.

16. Why is civil twilight useful?

It helps define when it’s too dark to perform outdoor tasks without artificial light.

17. How is day length calculated?

It’s the difference between sunset and sunrise in minutes and hours.

18. Is there a maximum number of calculations per day?

No limits! Use it as many times as you like.

19. Do I need to allow location permissions?

Nope. You manually enter the location details.

20. Can this help with solar panel planning?

Yes! Knowing sun hours helps optimize panel orientation and energy estimation.

🌍 Final Thoughts

The Sunset Calculator is a reliable and convenient tool for anyone who needs accurate information about sunlight hours. Whether for professional or personal use, it’s a valuable resource in your daily planning toolbox. Bookmark it, share it, and explore the rhythm of the sun—anywhere, any time.

Ready to find your next sunset? Head over to the Sunset Calculator and start planning your golden hour today. 🌅