You’re probably standing in a parking lot or looking out a window in Midtown right now, wondering exactly how much light you have left to finish that jog or beat the Downtown Connector traffic. Or maybe you're planning a date and don't want to look like a total amateur by arriving after the sky has already gone dark.
For today, Friday, January 16, 2026, sunset in Atlanta, Georgia is at 5:53 PM.
But here is the thing: if you show up at 5:53 PM, you’ve actually missed the best part. In the South, we get these long, syrupy twilights that start way before the sun officially "sets" behind the horizon. If you want that "Cotton Candy Sky" everyone posts on Instagram, you need to be in position at least twenty minutes early.
What time is sunset in Atlanta Georgia throughout the year?
Atlanta’s relationship with the sun is a bit of a rollercoaster. Because we are tucked into the Eastern edge of the Eastern Time Zone, our sunsets feel "late" compared to somewhere like New England. It’s one of the perks of living in the A—even in the dead of winter, it rarely feels like the sun is quitting at 4:30 in the afternoon.
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Honestly, the variation is pretty wild.
In the heat of June, the sun hangs around until almost 9:00 PM. It makes those patio dinners at Ponce City Market feel endless. Then, by the time December rolls around, the sun checks out early, dipping as low as 5:28 PM.
If you are trying to plan ahead for 2026, here is the rough "sunset vibe" you can expect:
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- Mid-Winter (January/February): We’re gaining about a minute of light a day. By the end of February, you’re looking at a 6:30 PM sunset.
- The Big Shift (March): Daylight Saving Time hits on March 8, 2026. We’ll jump from a 6:40 PM sunset to a 7:40 PM sunset overnight. It's basically a city-wide holiday for anyone with a porch.
- The Peak (June): Around the Summer Solstice, the sun won't set until 8:52 PM. The "Golden Hour" lasts forever.
- The Fall Slide (October): This is when the light gets crisp. Sunset drops from 7:30 PM to about 6:50 PM as the leaves change.
The Twilight Factor
Don't ignore Civil Twilight. In Atlanta, this is the period about 25 to 30 minutes after the sun officially sets. On a clear day, the sky stays bright enough to walk your dog or play a quick game of catch at Piedmont Park without needing a flashlight. For today, January 16, the light will linger until roughly 6:20 PM.
Where to actually watch the sun go down
Knowing the time is only half the battle. If you're stuck in the basement of the Goldings building, it doesn't matter what time it is. You need elevation or an open western view.
Jackson Street Bridge is the cliché for a reason. You’ve seen the photo. The skyline of Downtown Atlanta is framed perfectly by the Freedom Parkway. If you go there at 5:40 PM today, you’ll see half a dozen photographers with tripods. It’s crowded, but the view of the sun hitting the Westin Peachtree Plaza is legit.
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Stone Mountain is the "I want a workout with my view" option. You can hike the 1.1-mile trail to the summit. Just a heads-up: if you stay for the full sunset, the hike back down is in the dark. Bring a headlamp or use your phone's light, because those granite rocks get slippery.
The Roof at Ponce City Market or SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel are the move if you want a drink in your hand. Watching the sun dip behind the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a cocktail is a top-tier Atlanta experience.
Practical steps for your evening
If you're trying to use this info for photography or a specific event, follow this checklist to avoid being left in the dark:
- Arrive 30 minutes early: The "Golden Hour" starts around 5:10 PM today. That’s when the light turns everything into a warm, orange glow.
- Check the cloud cover: Atlanta weather is notoriously fickle. A 70% cloud cover means you won't see the sun, but you might get those deep purple and red reflections on the underside of the clouds.
- Mind the traffic: If you're driving to a sunset spot like Arabia Mountain or the Kennesaw Mountain summit, remember that 5:30 PM is peak rush hour. Add 20 minutes to your GPS estimate.
- Watch the temperature drop: Once that sun goes under, the temperature in North Georgia can plummet 10 degrees in an hour. Keep a jacket in the trunk.
Basically, the sun is doing its thing at 5:53 PM tonight. Get out there, find a spot with a view of the skyline, and take five minutes to breathe before the night takes over.