The sun is dropping.
You’re likely here because you’re trying to time a dinner at The Pearl, or maybe you’re stuck in traffic on I-10 and noticing the sky turning that weird, bruised purple color. If you are standing in the Alamo City today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the sun will set at exactly 6:00 PM.
That’s the short answer. But honestly, if you show up at 6:00 PM sharp to "watch the sunset," you’ve already missed the best part.
The San Antonio Sunset: More Than Just a Clock Time
When people ask "what time is sunset in San Antonio," they usually aren't looking for the exact moment the top of the sun disappears behind the horizon. They're looking for the glow. In South Texas, we get this incredible transition where the limestone buildings start to look like they're radiating heat even when the air is chilly.
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Right now, we are in the heart of winter. The days are short, but they’re finally starting to stretch out again. Since the winter solstice back in December, we've been gaining about a minute of daylight every day. It doesn't feel like much until you realize that a few weeks ago, you were driving home in pitch black at 5:30 PM.
Why our timing feels "off" compared to Houston
Texas is massive. You've heard it a thousand times, but it actually affects your evening plans. Because San Antonio is further west than Houston, our sunset happens about 10 to 12 minutes later than theirs. If you have a friend in Beaumont, they’re basically living in the future compared to us. We’re sitting on the western edge of the Central Time Zone, which gives us some of the latest sunsets in the country for our longitude.
Understanding the Golden Hour and Twilight
Don't just look at the 6:00 PM timestamp. You have to account for the "stages" of the disappearing sun.
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- Golden Hour (5:25 PM – 6:00 PM): This is the photographer’s dream. The light is hitting the dust in the air—and let’s be real, there’s always a little dust in San Antonio—creating that orange, hazy glow.
- Civil Twilight (6:00 PM – 6:25 PM): The sun is gone, but the sky is still bright enough to see clearly. This is usually when the River Walk lights start to pop against the deep blue sky.
- Nautical Twilight (Ends at 6:54 PM): This is that "gloaming" period. You can see the stars, but the horizon is still visible.
If you're planning a romantic walk or a photo shoot, the window between 5:40 PM and 6:15 PM is your "sweet spot."
Best Spots to Catch the View
Look, you can see the sunset from a H-E-B parking lot, but why would you? San Antonio has some specific geography that makes certain spots better than others.
The Tower of the Americas is the obvious choice. You’re 750 feet up. You can see the sun dip into the Hill Country to the northwest. It costs about $11, but the view is unmatched.
Hays Street Bridge is the local favorite. It’s free. It’s historic. You get the skyline of downtown San Antonio silhouetted against the orange sky. It’s also a great spot to see the trains rolling underneath, which adds a certain "Old Texas" vibe to the whole experience.
Eisenhower Park is for the hikers. If you climb the observation tower there, you’re high enough to see the landscape flatten out toward the south. It feels much more rugged and "Texas" than the manicured downtown views.
Tracking the Change: What Happens Next?
Sunset times in San Antonio move fast this time of year. By the end of January, the sun won't be setting until 6:11 PM. By the time we hit the "Spring Forward" of Daylight Saving Time in March, we’ll suddenly be looking at 7:30 PM sunsets.
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Basically, we are currently in the season of the "early evening." It’s the time of year for cozy outdoor fire pits and early dinners.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the sky at 5:45 PM: This is when the color starts to peak.
- Head to the Museum Reach: The northern part of the River Walk near the San Antonio Museum of Art is less crowded and has beautiful reflections on the water during twilight.
- Adjust your commute: If you drive west on Hwy 90 or I-10 between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, bring sunglasses. The glare this time of year is brutal because the sun sits so low on the horizon.
- Plan for the "Blue Hour": If you’re taking photos of the downtown lights, wait until 6:15 PM today. The sky will be a deep indigo, which makes the yellow city lights look much more vibrant.