Understanding Seattle's Sunrise And Sunset Times: A Complete Guide For 2025
Seattle's unique geographical location in the Pacific Northwest creates a fascinating interplay of light throughout the year. Whether you're a photographer, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the changing patterns of daylight, understanding Seattle's sunrise and sunset times can enhance your experience of this beautiful city.
The Science Behind Seattle's Daylight Patterns
Seattle's position at approximately 47.6° north latitude means it experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours. During summer months, the city enjoys extended twilight periods, while winter brings shorter days with early sunsets. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable when compared to cities at lower latitudes.
The city's proximity to the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains also affects how sunlight interacts with the landscape, creating unique atmospheric conditions that can influence sunrise and sunset appearances. Local weather patterns, including frequent cloud cover, can dramatically alter how these times are perceived, sometimes extending or diminishing the visual impact of sunrise and sunset.
Daily Sunrise and Sunset Times in Seattle
For those planning their day around natural light, knowing the exact sunrise and sunset times is essential. Today in Seattle, the sun rises at 7:07 AM and sets at 5:38 PM, providing approximately 10 hours and 31 minutes of daylight. Tomorrow's schedule shows a sunrise at 7:08 AM and sunset at 5:39 PM, with daylight increasing by about one minute.
These times fluctuate throughout the year due to Seattle's northern latitude. During the summer solstice in June, the city experiences sunrise around 5:11 AM and sunset near 9:11 PM, while the winter solstice brings sunrise around 7:55 AM and sunset at 4:20 PM.
Monthly Sunrise and Sunset Calendar
Understanding the monthly patterns can help you plan activities throughout the year. Here's what you can expect during different seasons:
Spring (March-May): Daylight increases rapidly, with sunrise moving from around 6:45 AM to 5:15 AM and sunset extending from 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM. This season offers some of the most dramatic sky colors due to atmospheric conditions.
Summer (June-August): Seattle experiences its longest days, with up to 16 hours of daylight during peak summer. Sunrise occurs as early as 5:11 AM, while sunset can extend past 9:00 PM, giving residents and visitors ample time for outdoor activities.
Fall (September-November): Daylight decreases steadily, with sunrise shifting from 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM and sunset moving from 7:45 PM to 4:45 PM. This season often brings spectacular sunset colors due to increased atmospheric particles.
Winter (December-February): The shortest days occur during this period, with sunrise around 7:45 AM and sunset near 4:30 PM. However, Seattle's winter sunsets can be particularly dramatic due to the low angle of the sun and atmospheric conditions.
Understanding Twilight Periods
Twilight in Seattle occurs in three distinct phases: civil, nautical, and astronomical. Civil twilight begins when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon and ends at sunrise, providing enough light for most outdoor activities without additional illumination. Nautical twilight occurs when the sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon, while astronomical twilight extends to 18 degrees below the horizon.
These twilight periods are particularly extended in Seattle due to its northern latitude, especially during summer months when astronomical twilight can last for several hours, creating a phenomenon known as "white nights" where it never becomes completely dark.
Solar Noon and Sun Position
Solar noon in Seattle varies throughout the year but typically occurs between 12:10 PM and 1:10 PM, depending on daylight saving time adjustments. At solar noon, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, which is particularly low during winter months at only about 19 degrees above the horizon.
The sun's position also affects shadow lengths and light quality throughout the day. During winter, shadows are longer due to the sun's lower angle, while summer brings shorter shadows and more direct overhead light.
Using Technology for Accurate Times
Modern technology makes it easier than ever to track sunrise and sunset times accurately. Various astronomy calculators and mobile applications can provide precise times for any location, taking into account factors like elevation, atmospheric conditions, and local topography.
These tools often include additional features such as moonrise and moonset times, golden hour predictions for photographers, and even notifications for optimal viewing conditions. Many also account for daylight saving time changes and can provide historical data for planning purposes.
Photography and Outdoor Planning
For photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, understanding Seattle's light patterns is crucial for planning activities. The "golden hour" - the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset - offers particularly beautiful lighting conditions. In Seattle, these periods can last longer during certain seasons due to the city's latitude and atmospheric conditions.
The "blue hour" - the period of twilight when the sun is below the horizon but the sky is still illuminated - creates unique opportunities for capturing Seattle's skyline and natural beauty. This period is especially dramatic during winter months when the sun sets earlier.
Seasonal Considerations
Seattle's weather patterns significantly influence how sunrise and sunset times are experienced. Winter months often bring overcast conditions that can obscure direct sunlight but create beautiful diffused light effects. Summer typically offers clearer skies, making for more dramatic sunrise and sunset colors.
The city's proximity to water bodies like Puget Sound and Lake Washington also affects local light conditions, often creating beautiful reflections and atmospheric effects during sunrise and sunset periods.
Planning Your Day Around Natural Light
Whether you're planning outdoor activities, photography sessions, or simply want to make the most of natural light, understanding Seattle's sunrise and sunset patterns can enhance your experience. Consider factors like:
- Travel time to viewing locations
- Weather conditions and seasonal variations
- Local geography and potential obstructions
- Time needed for setup or preparation
- Safety considerations for early morning or evening activities
Conclusion
Seattle's unique geographical position creates a fascinating array of daylight patterns throughout the year. From the extended summer evenings to the crisp winter mornings, understanding and appreciating these natural rhythms can greatly enhance your experience of the city. Whether you're a resident or visitor, taking time to observe and plan around these patterns can lead to more enjoyable and productive days, as well as some truly spectacular views of Seattle's famous skies.
Remember that while the times provided are accurate, local conditions can affect actual visibility and experience. Always check current weather conditions and consider using reliable apps or websites for the most up-to-date information when planning your activities around sunrise and sunset times in Seattle.
