If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a week, you know the "Big Dark" isn't just a meme. It’s a seasonal reality. People constantly ask, what time does the sun set in seattle, because in this corner of the map, the answer depends entirely on whether you're asking in June or January. We aren't just talking about a little variation. We are talking about a city that swings from 16 hours of glorious daylight to barely eight hours of gray.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, the sun is actually starting to make its slow crawl back. Today, January 17, the sun sets at 4:49 PM.
That might feel early, but compared to the winter solstice back in December when the sky goes black at 4:20 PM, it's a win. You’ve probably noticed those extra few minutes of light during your evening commute. Honestly, it's the only thing keeping most of us going through the drizzle.
The Wild Swing: Summer Solstice vs. Winter Solstice
Seattle's high latitude (about 47.6° N) means we experience more dramatic light shifts than almost anywhere else in the lower 48. If you’re from California or Texas, the Seattle sun schedule is basically a different planet.
In the summer, specifically around June 20 or 21, the sunset doesn't happen until 9:11 PM. But "sunset" is a bit of a lie. Because of the way the earth tilts, the twilight lingers forever. You can sit on a deck at 10:00 PM and still see a glow on the horizon. It’s why Seattleites lose their minds in July—we’re all basically solar-powered and slightly manic from the 16 hours of light.
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Then the bill comes due. By the time we hit December, the sun is packing its bags before most people even finish their afternoon coffee.
2026 Sunset Milestones to Watch
If you're planning your year around the light, keep these specific 2026 dates on your radar:
- March 8, 2026: This is the big one. Daylight Saving Time begins. We jump from a 6:04 PM sunset on Saturday to a 7:06 PM sunset on Sunday. It’s the day the city collectively breathes a sigh of relief.
- June 20, 2026: The Summer Solstice. The latest sunset of the year at 9:11 PM.
- November 1, 2026: The "Fall Back." We lose that hour of evening light, and the sunset plummets from 5:48 PM to 4:47 PM in a single day.
Why the Sunset Time in Seattle Feels So Different
It isn’t just about the clock. Atmospheric physics and our specific geography change how we perceive the end of the day.
Since Seattle is on the western edge of the Pacific Time Zone, our clocks are actually "behind" where the sun thinks they should be. This is a lucky break for us. If we were on the eastern edge of the time zone, the sun would set even earlier in the winter. Instead, being far west in our zone pushes the sunset a bit later into the afternoon than it would be otherwise.
Then there are the clouds.
On a "Seattle Gray" day, the light doesn't just disappear at sunset; it fades out an hour early. Thick stratus clouds act like a giant dimmer switch. You might look at your watch and see it’s only 3:30 PM, but the light quality says "midnight."
But when the sky is clear? That’s when the magic of scattering happens. Because the sun has to pass through so much more atmosphere at our northern latitude, the blue and violet light waves get scattered away, leaving those deep oranges and fiery reds that light up the Olympic Mountains.
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Best Spots to Catch the 2026 Sunsets
If you’re going to track what time does the sun set in seattle, you might as well be somewhere with a view when it happens. Locals have their favorites, and they usually involve water.
Kerry Park on Queen Anne is the cliché for a reason. You get the Space Needle, the skyline, and if the "mountain is out," a glowing pink Mount Rainier. It’s crowded, sure, but the view is objectively perfect.
If you want something a bit more rugged, head to Discovery Park. Specifically, walk down to the West Point Lighthouse. You’re on the westernmost tip of the city. There’s nothing between you and the sunset but the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
For a more "industrial-chic" vibe, Gas Works Park at the north end of Lake Union lets you watch the sun dip behind the skyline while the city lights reflect off the water. It's a top-tier spot for a February sunset when the air is crisp and the visibility is high.
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A Quick Monthly Cheat Sheet for 2026
- January: Sunsets move from 4:28 PM to 5:08 PM.
- February: Expect the light to hold until 5:53 PM by the end of the month.
- March: Massive jump due to DST; we end the month with sunsets around 7:37 PM.
- April/May: The "Golden Era" begins. Sunsets push past 8:00 PM and then 8:45 PM.
- June: The peak. 9:00 PM+ sunsets all month long.
Actionable Tips for Seattle Light Seekers
Knowing the sunset time is step one. Surviving the lack of it is step two.
First, if you're struggling with the 4:30 PM sunsets, get outside at noon. Solar noon in Seattle is when the sun is at its highest point, which usually happens around 12:15 PM or 1:15 PM depending on the season. That’s your peak UV window.
Second, check the "Golden Hour" apps. Photographers use these because the light is softest and most colorful in the 40 minutes before the actual sunset time. If the schedule says 4:49 PM today, you want to be in position by 4:10 PM to see the best colors.
Lastly, pay attention to the marine layer. Often, the city will be gray, but if you look at satellite imagery and see a gap over the Pacific, you might get a "Sneak Attack Sunset" where the sun drops below the clouds just before hitting the horizon, lighting the whole city on fire for five minutes.
To make the most of the Seattle light today, double-check your local weather app for cloud cover percentages—if it's under 40%, grab your coat and head to the waterfront by 4:20 PM to catch the transition into dusk.