The sun will set in New York City today, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at approximately 7:44 PM EDT.

While the exact timing is a matter of celestial precision, the experience of watching the sky transform over the five boroughs is anything but clinical. Today’s astronomical data indicates that New York is currently in a period of rapid daylight expansion as we move deeper into spring. However, the immediate weather forecast for this evening includes rain, which introduces a layer of complexity for those planning to catch the sunset or engage in evening photography.

Detailed Twilight Schedule for April 25 2026

The sunset at 7:44 PM marks the moment the top edge of the sun dips below the horizon. However, light lingers in the sky through three distinct phases of twilight. Understanding these phases is crucial for commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

Civil Twilight: 7:44 PM to 8:12 PM

This is the period when the sun is between 0 and 6 degrees below the horizon. Under normal clear conditions, artificial lighting is often unnecessary for outdoor activities. Tonight, because of the rain and heavy cloud cover, the "light" during civil twilight will feel significantly dimmer. The indigo tones usually present during this time will likely be replaced by a deep, moody charcoal gray.

Nautical Twilight: 8:12 PM to 8:46 PM

Occurring when the sun is 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon, this phase is historically when sailors could still navigate by the horizon while seeing the brightest stars. In the concrete jungle of NYC, this is when the city’s skyline truly begins to glow as office buildings and streetlights take over the visual landscape.

Astronomical Twilight: 8:46 PM to 9:21 PM

The final stage of twilight ends when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon. After 9:21 PM tonight, the sky reaches its maximum darkness. In a city with as much light pollution as New York, the transition to "full night" is less about seeing the Milky Way and more about the sky's hue shifting from a dark violet to a total black-amber glow reflected from the millions of LEDs below.

Viewing the Sunset in the Rain: The "Sunset Burn" Phenomenon

It might seem counterintuitive to hunt for a sunset on a rainy day. However, in my years of traversing the West Side Highway with a tripod in tow, I have learned that some of New York’s most spectacular sunsets happen when the weather is "bad."

There is a phenomenon photographers often call the "Sunset Burn." This occurs when there is a break in the clouds right at the western horizon, even if the rest of the city is covered in rain. As the sun drops to that low angle, it shines underneath the cloud deck. The moisture in the air acts as a massive diffuser, catching the red and orange wavelengths and setting the entire bottom of the clouds on fire.

If you see a sliver of clear sky over New Jersey around 7:20 PM tonight, grab your umbrella and head to the water. The contrast of the rain-slicked asphalt reflecting vibrant orange light is a sight few tourists ever get to witness.

Optimal Sunset Locations for April 25

New York City’s geography offers a diverse array of vantage points. Depending on your location tonight, here are the best spots to observe the transition from day to night, even with the current rain forecast.

1. Hudson River Park (Manhattan)

The West Side of Manhattan is the undisputed king of sunset views. Between 14th Street and 59th Street, the park offers unobstructed views across the water toward Hoboken and Jersey City.

  • The Experience: On a rainy Saturday like today, the crowds at Pier 57 or Pier 62 will be thin. Standing at the edge of the pier, hearing the rain hit the Hudson while the city lights begin to shimmer on the water’s surface, creates a cinematic atmosphere.
  • Pro Tip: The "Little Island" at Pier 55 provides elevated views that can help you look over any low-lying river mist that might form during the rain.

2. Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City, Queens)

If you want to see the sun setting behind the Manhattan skyline, you must head to Queens.

  • The Experience: This is where you see the iconic silhouettes of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Tonight, the rain might cause the tops of these skyscrapers to be shrouded in clouds, creating a "Gotham City" aesthetic.
  • Vibe Check: The cantilevered piers at Gantry Plaza offer some cover from the rain, making it one of the few places where you can stay relatively dry while watching the sky change colors over the Midtown skyscrapers.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park (Dumbo/Brooklyn Heights)

Watching the sun set near the Brooklyn Bridge is a rite of passage.

  • The Experience: From Pebble Beach in Dumbo, you get a direct line of sight toward the Financial District. The One World Trade Center often catches the last light of the day on its glass facade.
  • Rainy Day Advantage: The granite steps can be slippery, so be careful, but the reflection of the Lower Manhattan lights in the puddles makes for world-class long-exposure photography.

4. Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

The park that bears the name is situated on one of the highest points in Brooklyn.

  • The Experience: You can see the Statue of Liberty, the shipping channels, and the Manhattan skyline all in one panoramic sweep.
  • Why Today?: The elevation here means you are often looking through the rain toward a clearer horizon in the distance.

Technical Photography Guide for Tonight’s Conditions

If you are a photographer looking to capture the 7:44 PM sunset in NYC tonight, you need to adjust your strategy for the low-light, high-moisture environment.

Recommended Camera Settings

In my experience, shooting a rainy sunset requires a balance between protecting your gear and pushing your sensor.

  • Aperture: Stick to f/8 or f/11 if you are on a tripod to ensure the entire skyline is sharp. If handheld, you may need to drop to f/2.8 or f/4.
  • ISO: Don’t be afraid to bump your ISO to 800 or 1600. Modern sensors handle noise exceptionally well, and a grainy shot is better than a blurry one.
  • Shutter Speed: If you want to "flatten" the water of the Hudson or East River into a silky texture, you will need a long exposure (5 to 30 seconds). Use a remote trigger to avoid camera shake.
  • White Balance: Set your white balance to "Cloudy" or "Shade". This will warm up the image, countering the blue/gray tones of the rain and emphasizing any hidden oranges or reds.

Post-Processing Note

If you are using AI-assisted editing tools like the latest builds of Lightroom or specialized plugins, running these on a machine with at least 24GB of VRAM (like an RTX 3090 or 4090) allows you to use "Denoise AI" features at full scale. This is essential for cleaning up the high-ISO noise that is inevitable when shooting in a rainy 7:44 PM twilight.

The Science of NYC Sunsets in April

Why does the sun set at 7:44 PM today specifically? It’s a result of New York City’s latitude (40.7128° N) and the Earth’s axial tilt.

Rapidly Increasing Day Length

In April, New York is gaining daylight at a rate of nearly 2 minutes and 44 seconds per day. On April 1st, the sun set much earlier; by the end of May, we will be pushing toward 8:20 PM. This rapid shift means that the "Golden Hour"—the period of soft, warm light before sunset—is also shifting. Tonight, the evening Golden Hour begins at approximately 6:59 PM.

The Path of the Sun

At this time of year, the sun is rising almost due East and setting almost due West. We are currently about a month away from the first "Manhattanhenge" of the year (which typically occurs around May 29th-30th). During Manhattanhenge, the sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west street grid. While tonight isn't the big event, you can still see the sun beginning to align with major cross-streets like 42nd or 14th Street.

Logistics and Safety for Evening Explorers

Given the rain forecast for tonight, Saturday, April 25, here are some practical tips for those heading out:

  1. Subway Strategy: The NYC Subway is your best friend on a rainy night. Use the 7 Train to get to Long Island City (Gantry Plaza) or the A/C/F Trains for Dumbo. The stations are dry, and you can time your exit for the 7:44 PM window using a real-time weather app.
  2. Gear Protection: If you are bringing a camera, a simple plastic rain sleeve or even a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with a hole cut for the lens is a lifesaver. Never trust a "weather-sealed" camera body alone in a steady Manhattan downpour.
  3. Visibility: Rain and twilight significantly reduce visibility for drivers. If you are walking along the West Side Highway or crossing busy intersections like 11th Ave, wear something reflective or keep your phone flashlight on so cyclists and drivers can see you.

Why 7:44 PM Matters for Your Saturday Night Plans

New York is a city that lives by its schedule. The 7:44 PM sunset acts as a natural "curtain call" for daytime activities and the opening act for the city’s nightlife.

  • Dining: If you have a reservation at a restaurant with a view (like those in the Time Warner Center or Dumbo), a 7:15 PM seating is ideal. It allows you to watch the transition from light to dark over your first course.
  • Parks: Most NYC parks technically close at dusk or 1:00 AM, but the atmosphere changes immediately after the sun goes down. The "Blue Hour" (the 20 minutes after sunset) is often the most romantic time for a walk, provided you have a good umbrella.

Conclusion and Summary

Tonight, April 25, 2026, the New York City sunset at 7:44 PM is more than just a timestamp. It is a transition point in a rainy spring day. While the clouds may hide the sun itself, the atmospheric effects of the rain, combined with the city's lights and the rapid seasonal increase in daylight, provide a unique opportunity for those willing to brave the weather.

Key Takeaways for Tonight:

  • Sunset Time: 7:44 PM EDT.
  • Weather: Rain expected; visibility may be low.
  • Best Strategy: Look for a "Sunset Burn" break in the clouds around 7:20 PM.
  • Top Spot: Gantry Plaza State Park for the skyline silhouette or Hudson River Park for the direct western view.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time is the Golden Hour in NYC today?

The evening Golden Hour in New York City today begins at 6:59 PM and lasts until the sun sets at 7:44 PM. This is the best time for photography due to the warm, directional light.

Is today's sunset affected by Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, New York City is currently on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). If the city were still on Standard Time, the sun would be setting at 6:44 PM.

How much daylight did NYC have today?

New York City experienced approximately 13 hours and 43 minutes of daylight today, continuing the trend of longer days leading up to the Summer Solstice in June.

When is the next Manhattanhenge?

While the sunset today is at 7:44 PM, the full Manhattanhenge alignment won't occur until late May (approximately May 29th or 30th). However, the sun is currently moving closer to the grid alignment every day.

Will the rain stop before sunset in NYC?

Current forecasts suggest intermittent rain throughout the evening. Even if the rain doesn't stop, the interaction of the setting sun with the moisture in the air can create vivid purple and pink hues in the clouds.