Sunrise & Sunset Calculator

Our Sunrise & Sunset Calculator provides precise times for sunrise, sunset, and the total duration of daylight for any specified US city and date. Understanding these times is crucial for planning outdoor activities, photography, and even energy consumption, offering valuable insights for 2026 and beyond. For instance, knowing that on June 20, 2026, Seattle will experience its longest day with approximately 16 hours of daylight can help you plan an extended outdoor adventure.

The calculation leverages astronomical algorithms based on the Earth's orbital parameters and the observer's geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). We use the United States Naval Observatory's (USNO) precise formulas, which account for atmospheric refraction and the observer's elevation, ensuring high accuracy. This involves solving for the solar zenith angle to determine when the center of the sun's disk crosses the horizon, adjusted for the standard 0.83 degrees of atmospheric refraction.

When using the calculator, remember that local topography like mountains can slightly alter perceived sunrise/sunset times, even if not accounted for in the raw astronomical data. Also, ensure you select the correct city and date to avoid common input errors that lead to inaccurate results. Daylight Saving Time adjustments are automatically applied based on the chosen date and location for 2026, so you don't need to manually factor them in.