Friday, Feb 6
Sunrise
7:09 AM
Sunset
5:12 PM
Showing times for Friday, February 6, 2026(Today)
24-Hour Timeline
Drag or tap to explore light conditions throughout the day
Selected
1:00 AM
Condition
Night
Both sunrise & sunset are stunning
Manhattan aligns with sunrise on certain dates (Manhattanhenge reverse). Brooklyn offers iconic skyline sunrise views.
Manhattanhenge twice a year, plus countless rooftop and bridge sunset locations.
Photography tips for New York
DUMBO in Brooklyn offers the iconic Manhattan Bridge + Empire State Building sunrise composition.
The Top of the Rock has the best sunset views because you can see the Empire State Building.
Manhattanhenge occurs around May 29-30 and July 12-13—position yourself on cross streets.
Central Park's Bow Bridge at sunrise offers serene lake reflections.
The Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise is much less crowded than sunset.
Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards provides unique west-side sunset angles.
The High Line offers elevated street and Hudson River sunset views.
Roosevelt Island Tramway captures unique East River perspectives.
Grand Central Terminal's light beams are best mid-morning, not technically golden hour.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards creates interesting geometric patterns at any golden hour.
Best photography spots in New York
DUMBO (Brooklyn)
sunriseManhattan Bridge through brick buildings
Tip: Washington Street for the classic frame shot
Top of the Rock
sunsetRockefeller Center observation deck
Tip: Book sunset time slot well in advance
Brooklyn Bridge
sunriseHistoric bridge with Manhattan views
Tip: Walk from Brooklyn side toward Manhattan
Edge at Hudson Yards
sunsetHighest outdoor observation deck in NYC
Tip: Glass floor sections for unique shots
Central Park Bow Bridge
sunriseRomantic bridge over The Lake
Tip: Quiet and reflective in early morning
High Line
sunsetElevated park on former rail line
Tip: Western views over the Hudson
Gantry Plaza (Long Island City)
sunsetQueens waterfront with UN skyline views
Tip: Pepsi sign makes iconic foreground
Empire State Building
BothClassic NYC observation deck
Tip: Sunrise requires early arrival, sunset gets crowded
Weather Tips
NYC weather varies widely. Spring and fall offer the clearest skies; summer can be hazy.
Best Months
Late May for Manhattanhenge, or October for crisp autumn light and fall colors.
Annual Overview
Year Heatmap
See how golden hour times shift throughout the year in New York. Plan your trips around the best light.
Hover over cells to see details
Light Conditions
Night
Stars, low light
Blue Hour
Twilight, city lights
Golden Hour
Warm, soft light
Daylight
Bright, even
More cities in United States
Planning a trip to New York?
Use these golden hour times to capture perfect photos, then organize them into a beautiful travel journal with TripMemo.
.webp&w=96&q=75){kind=icon}
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden hour and blue hour in New York, explained.
When is golden hour in New York?
Golden hour happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset, but the exact times change by date. Use the date picker above to see golden hour times for New York on your travel dates.
When is blue hour in New York?
Blue hour is the twilight period before sunrise and after sunset. The exact blue hour window depends on the date and location—check the times shown on this page for New York.
Is sunrise or sunset better for photography in New York?
Both sunrise and sunset are excellent in New York. Sunrise: Manhattan aligns with sunrise on certain dates (Manhattanhenge reverse). Brooklyn offers iconic skyline sunrise views. Sunset: Manhattanhenge twice a year, plus countless rooftop and bridge sunset locations.
What are the best photography spots in New York?
Top photography spots include DUMBO (Brooklyn), Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge. Each location has optimal times for either sunrise or sunset photography.
How accurate are these sunrise and sunset times?
Times are calculated using the city's coordinates (40.71°, -74.01°) and local time zone. They're designed for planning photography and travel itineraries.
How long does golden hour last in New York?
Golden hour typically lasts 20–40 minutes. At New York's latitude (41°N), it stays fairly consistent throughout the year.
What's the best time of year to visit New York for photography?
Late May for Manhattanhenge, or October for crisp autumn light and fall colors.
What should I know about weather in New York?
NYC weather varies widely. Spring and fall offer the clearest skies; summer can be hazy.
How should I plan a golden hour shoot?
Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early to scout your spot, set up your gear, and be ready when the light peaks. Consider a second shoot during blue hour right after sunset.
Can I save these golden hour times for my trip?
Yes! Use the date picker to check times for your specific travel dates. Consider using TripMemo to document your golden hour photos and create a travel journal of your New York trip.