Sunrise Sunset Seattle

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

28-12-2024

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Seattle, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, boasts a unique relationship with the sun. Its geographical location significantly impacts the duration of daylight hours throughout the year, creating a dramatic shift in sunrise and sunset times across the seasons. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning outdoor activities, maximizing daylight, and simply appreciating the beauty of Seattle's changing light.

Seasonal Variations: A Tale of Two Extremes

Seattle experiences a pronounced difference in daylight hours between summer and winter. During the summer solstice (around June 20th), the city enjoys extended periods of sunlight, with sunsets lingering late into the evening. Conversely, the winter solstice (around December 21st) brings shorter days and earlier sunsets, leaving Seattle shrouded in twilight relatively early in the afternoon.

Summer: Long Days, Golden Hours

Summer in Seattle offers an abundance of daylight. Sunrise occurs relatively early, around 5:00 AM, while sunset often stretches past 9:00 PM. This extended daylight allows for ample time for outdoor activities, exploring the city's numerous parks, or enjoying evenings on the waterfront.

Winter: Shorter Days, Cozy Nights

Winter in Seattle presents a stark contrast. Sunrise can be as late as 8:00 AM, and sunset can occur as early as 4:00 PM. The shorter daylight hours encourage a more introspective atmosphere, perfect for enjoying indoor activities, cozying up with a book, or exploring Seattle's vibrant indoor scene.

Factors Influencing Sunrise and Sunset Times

Several factors contribute to the specific sunrise and sunset times in Seattle:

• Earth's Tilt: The Earth's axial tilt is the primary driver of seasonal variations in daylight hours. The tilt affects the angle at which sunlight strikes different parts of the Earth throughout the year.

• Latitude: Seattle's relatively high latitude (47.6 degrees North) contributes to the significant difference in daylight hours between summer and winter.

• Geographic Location: Seattle's location on the west coast of North America means it experiences sunset later than cities further east at the same latitude.

Utilizing Sunrise and Sunset Information

Knowing the precise sunrise and sunset times for Seattle can be incredibly helpful for various purposes:

• Planning Outdoor Activities: Maximize daylight for hiking, biking, or exploring the city's many parks.
• Photography: Capture the stunning golden hour light for breathtaking photographs.
• Travel Planning: Factor in daylight hours when planning trips to Seattle.

Note: The exact sunrise and sunset times vary slightly from day to day throughout the year. For the most precise information, it is recommended to consult a reliable weather website or astronomy app specific to Seattle. These resources will provide the precise times for any given date.