Will the sunset be colourful?

What makes a good sunset?

At sunset, sunlight travels through more atmosphere. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter away more readily, leaving warmer light. Clouds take on the colour of the light reaching them. NOAA explains the process.

Thin, high clouds can catch that light. A thick layer can block it. Two evenings with the same cloud percentage can therefore look very different. The National Weather Service cloud guide helps you recognise the layers.

Three checks before you go

1. Check the forecast for sunset time. A lunchtime weather icon describes a different moment. Look at the cloud layers and rain near the evening.
2. Look toward the setting sun. A low cloud bank, buildings or hills may hide the view even when the sky overhead looks promising.
3. Leave room for a surprise. Check again before setting off. Choose a nearby spot so the outing is still worthwhile if the colour is subtle.

What “Great” and “Epic” mean here

Sunset Near turns weather inputs into a score. “Great” starts at 70; “Epic” starts at 85. These are categories on a 0–100 scale, not percentages of certainty.

Different cloud and haze conditions can produce different palettes within the same rating. The sky preview is an illustration, not a prediction of exact colours. We haven’t established a measured accuracy rate against observed sunsets.

Open the forecast and tap “Why” beside the rating to see its explanation. Use the suggested timing, then “Find a viewing spot” for options within an estimated 20-minute trip.

Watching in New York?

Check NYC sunset and golden-hour times, then choose from three Hudson River viewing spots.