You’re looking at the clock, wondering if you have enough light left to squeeze in a run or finally finish that yard work. Honestly, we’ve all been there. You check your weather app, it gives you a number, and you move on. But there’s a lot more happening in the sky than just a digital readout. If you’re asking what time does sun set today, specifically for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the short answer for most people in the mid-latitudes is right around 5:04 PM.
But that’s a bit oversimplified.
Depending on where exactly you’re standing—whether you’re in a valley in the shadows or perched on a hill—that "official" time might feel a little off. In San Diego, for instance, the sun officially dips below the horizon at 5:04 PM today. This is actually a pretty exciting time of year because we are finally gaining meaningful daylight after the winter slump. We’re currently seeing about 10 hours and 16 minutes of light.
The Difference Between Sunset and Actual Darkness
Most people think once the sun sets, it's over. Night mode. But "sunset" is technically just the moment the top edge of the sun disappears. The light hangs around way longer because of the atmosphere.
You’ve probably heard of twilight, but astronomers get really specific about it.
Civil Twilight is the one you actually care about. It ends at 5:31 PM today in San Diego. This is the period where you can still see clearly enough to do stuff outside without a flashlight. If you’re trying to walk the dog, you’ve basically got an extra 27 minutes of "usable" light after the official sunset time.
Then there’s Nautical Twilight, which stretches until 6:01 PM. This is when the horizon becomes blurry and sailors used to use the stars for navigation. By the time Astronomical Twilight wraps up at 6:31 PM, the sky is officially, 100% dark. No more lingering glow.
Why the Sunset Time Changes So Weirdly
It feels like it should be consistent, right? Like the days should get longer in a perfect, steady rhythm.
Nature doesn't really work that way.
The Earth doesn't move in a perfect circle; it’s more of an oval (an ellipse). Because of this, our planet actually speeds up and slows down as it orbits the sun. This creates a weird gap between "sun time" and "clock time." This is exactly why the earliest sunset of the year actually happens in early December, even though the shortest day of the year isn't until December 21.
By mid-January, we are in the "great acceleration."
We are gaining about one minute of daylight every single day right now. That doesn't sound like much, but by the end of February, you'll be looking at sunsets closer to 6:00 PM. It’s a massive shift in how the day feels.
Factors That Mess With Your View
If you’re a photographer or just someone who loves a good "golden hour," the official time is only half the story.
- Elevation: For every mile of altitude you gain, the sun sets about one minute later. If you're on a mountain peak, you're literally seeing the sun over the curve of the Earth longer than someone at sea level.
- Atmospheric Refraction: The air actually bends light. Sometimes, you’re looking at a "sun" that has already technically set, but the atmosphere is arching the light over the horizon like a lens.
- Cloud Cover: Today’s forecast in Southern California shows clear skies with a "fair" sunset quality rating of about 45%. Without many clouds to catch the light, you might miss out on those deep purples and reds, but the transition to night will feel very crisp.
How to Find Your Exact Local Time
If you aren't in San Diego, you can't just guess. Sunset times shift drastically based on your latitude and longitude.
If you are further north, like in Seattle, your sunset is going to be significantly earlier—likely closer to 4:40 PM. If you're further south, you get more light. The best way to get it right is to use a tool that calculates for your specific GPS coordinates rather than just your city. The NOAA Solar Calculator is the gold standard for this, though most people find the Time and Date tables much easier to read.
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What You Can Actually Do With This Information
Knowing what time does sun set today is mostly about planning your evening.
If you're planning a photo shoot, you want to be in position at least 30 minutes before 5:04 PM. This is when the "Golden Hour" hits—that soft, warm light that makes everything look expensive. If you miss that window, you’ve got the "Blue Hour" during civil twilight where the world turns a deep, moody indigo.
For the hikers out there: if you aren't off the trail by 5:31 PM, you’re going to need that headlamp. The transition from "I can see fine" to "I can't see the roots under my feet" happens faster than you'd expect once civil twilight ends.
Check your local elevation and clear your schedule for that 5:00 PM window. We’re finally shaking off the winter darkness, so go catch the light while it lasts.
To stay ahead of the changing seasons, mark your calendar for the spring equinox on March 20, 2026. This is the moment when day and night are nearly equal, and after that, the sun will start staying up longer than it’s down. In the meantime, keep an eye on your local humidity and cloud height, as high-altitude cirrus clouds around 5:00 PM are your best bet for those vibrant, "fire in the sky" sunsets.