Seattle is famous for its dramatic sunsets. With Puget Sound to the west, the Olympic Mountains silhouetted on the horizon, and the city skyline lit up in pink and gold, the Emerald City delivers some of the most photogenic evenings on the West Coast. But because Seattle sits at a high latitude (about 47.6 degrees north), sunset times shift dramatically across the year. A summer sunset can stretch past 9 p.m., while winter evenings end before 4:30 p.m.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a photo walk along Alki Beach, or a rooftop dinner downtown, knowing when the sun dips below the horizon is the first step to catching that perfect golden hour. Below is a month-by-month guide to average Seattle sunset times so you can plan ahead.
Seattle Sunset Times by Month
The table below shows approximate sunset times in Seattle for the start, middle, and end of each month. Times are listed in local Seattle time (Pacific Time), and they account for the shift between Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
| Month | Early Month | Mid-Month | End of Month |
| January | 4:30 PM | 4:55 PM | 5:20 PM |
| February | 5:25 PM | 5:50 PM | 6:10 PM |
| March | 6:15 PM | 7:20 PM (DST) | 7:35 PM |
| April | 7:45 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:15 PM |
| May | 8:25 PM | 8:40 PM | 8:55 PM |
| June | 9:00 PM | 9:10 PM | 9:10 PM |
| July | 9:10 PM | 9:00 PM | 8:45 PM |
| August | 8:35 PM | 8:15 PM | 7:55 PM |
| September | 7:40 PM | 7:15 PM | 6:50 PM |
| October | 6:35 PM | 6:10 PM | 5:50 PM |
| November | 4:45 PM (DST ends) | 4:35 PM | 4:25 PM |
| December | 4:20 PM | 4:20 PM | 4:30 PM |
Note: Daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Times are approximate and can vary by a few minutes year to year.
When to Catch the Best Seattle Sunsets
Not every sunset is created equal. Here are the seasonal sweet spots worth marking on your calendar.
Summer (June through August) delivers the longest evenings of the year. Around the summer solstice in late June, the sun sets after 9 p.m., giving you a leisurely evening to enjoy waterfront views. Skies are typically clearer this time of year, and warm temperatures make outdoor viewing comfortable late into the night.
Early fall (September and October) is arguably the best time for dramatic skies. Cool evening air, crisp visibility, and a higher chance of cloud structures mean richer pinks, purples, and oranges. Sunset times also fall back into a more dinner-friendly window.
Winter (November through February) brings short days, but they are not without reward. Low sun angles paint the Olympic Mountains in alpenglow, and the contrast against snow-capped peaks can be stunning. Bundle up and head to a west-facing viewpoint.
Spring (March through May) offers a transition period with rapidly lengthening days. By the end of May, you can enjoy a full dinner before sunset, and the freshly green hillsides make for vibrant foreground scenery.
Best Seattle Sunset Viewing Spots
A great sunset deserves a great vantage point. Some local favorites include Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill for the classic skyline shot, Alki Beach in West Seattle for unobstructed water views, Gas Works Park for a north-facing perspective across Lake Union, and the Seattle Great Wheel for an elevated waterfront experience.
Experience Sunset on the Water
The best way to experience a Seattle sunset is on the water. From the middle of Elliott Bay, you get unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Space Needle, the Olympic Mountains, and the sky reflecting off Puget Sound. There’s no traffic, no crowds blocking your view, and no buildings in the way, just open horizon and golden light.
For a memorable evening, consider booking a Seattle Sunset Cruise with Argosy Cruises. It’s the kind of experience that turns an ordinary evening into a story you’ll be telling for years.
