Clime
← Back to Blog
Guides

Getting Started with Sunrise and Sunset Times in the United States

June 18, 2026 · The Clime Team
Getting Started with Sunrise and Sunset Times in the United States

Understanding sunrise and sunset times is essential for planning daily activities, photography sessions, and outdoor events. In the United States, these times vary based on location and date. Here's how you can access accurate sunrise and sunset information for any U.S. location.

Why Do Sunrise and Sunset Times Vary?

Sunrise and sunset times change daily due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun. This results in varying lengths of daylight throughout the year, influenced by your specific geographic location.

How to Find Accurate Sunrise and Sunset Times

To obtain precise sunrise and sunset times for any U.S. location, consider the following resources:

  • Time and Date: This platform provides detailed sunrise and sunset times for numerous U.S. cities. By entering your city or ZIP code, you can access daily sun times, including dawn and dusk periods. (timeanddate.com)

  • The Old Farmer's Almanac: This resource offers a sunrise and sunset calculator where you can input your ZIP code to receive customized sun times for your area. (almanac.com)

  • NOAA's Solar Calculator: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a solar calculator that allows you to calculate sunrise and sunset times for any U.S. location and date. (gml.noaa.gov)

How to Use These Tools

  1. Enter Your Location: Input your city, state, or ZIP code into the search bar of the chosen tool.

  2. Select the Date: Choose the specific date for which you want the sunrise and sunset times.

  3. View the Results: The tool will display the exact times for sunrise, sunset, and the duration of daylight for that day.

Example

For instance, if you're planning an outdoor event in Los Angeles, California, on June 18, 2026:

  • Sunrise: 6:34 AM

  • Sunset: 10:54 PM

This information indicates approximately 16 hours and 20 minutes of daylight on that day. (timeanddate.com)

Additional Considerations

  • Time Zones: Ensure you're aware of the time zone for your location, as sunrise and sunset times are provided in local time.

  • Daylight Saving Time: Be mindful of daylight saving time changes, as they can affect the timing of sunrise and sunset.

By utilizing these resources, you can effectively plan your activities around daylight hours, ensuring optimal conditions for your events.

Frequently Asked Questions