Florida Sundown Secrets: What Time Will The Sun Set?

5 minutes on read

Understanding what time is sundown in florida can be crucial for various activities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission relies on sunset times for regulations related to fishing and boating. Knowing the sundown time allows residents in Miami to plan their evening beach outings effectively. Local news channels across Florida, use calculations based on astronomical tables to accurately predict sunset times for their viewers. Individuals using Time and Date AS website often search for what time is sundown in florida to plan accordingly, for events, and more!

Beautiful sunrise in Florida | time lapse

Image taken from the YouTube channel Save Earth , from the video titled Beautiful sunrise in Florida | time lapse .

Florida Sundown Secrets: What Time Will The Sun Set?

Understanding when the sun sets in Florida can be crucial for planning outdoor activities, photography sessions, or simply enjoying the beautiful evening skies. The exact sunset time varies depending on the time of year and your location within the Sunshine State. Here's a breakdown of how to find out what time is sundown in Florida.

Factors Influencing Sunset Time

Several factors determine the specific time the sun dips below the horizon.

  • Time of Year: Earth's tilt on its axis means that daylight hours are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter. This is the most significant factor. Sunset times in Florida during June and July are significantly later than those in December and January.

  • Latitude: Florida stretches quite a distance north to south. The farther north you are in Florida, the earlier the sunset, especially during winter.

  • Longitude: Although less impactful than latitude, longitude also plays a role. Locations further east within the same time zone will experience sunset slightly earlier than those further west.

  • Daylight Saving Time: Remember that from March to November, Florida observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), pushing sunset times an hour later than standard time.

How to Find the Sunset Time in Your Florida Location

Here are a few reliable methods to pinpoint the sunset time for your specific area:

  1. Online Search Engines:

    • Simply type "sunset time in [your city, Florida]" into a search engine like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. They usually provide an immediate answer for the current date.
    • These search engines often incorporate location services to automatically determine your city.
  2. Weather Websites and Apps:

    • Most weather websites (e.g., Weather.com, AccuWeather, local news weather sites) and weather apps will display the sunset time alongside the daily forecast.
    • These apps usually offer precise times based on your GPS location.
  3. Astronomy Websites and Apps:

    • Websites dedicated to astronomy (e.g., Time and Date AS, Stellarium) provide very accurate sunset information, often allowing you to specify exact coordinates.
    • Astronomy apps can offer even more detail, including moonrise and moonset times.
  4. Almanacs and Calendars:

    • Traditional almanacs and calendars typically include sunset and sunrise times for various locations. These are generally less precise than online methods, but they can offer a general idea.

Sample Sunset Times in Florida (Approximate & Without DST)

These are rough estimates to illustrate the variation across Florida. These numbers assume standard time, before daylight savings occurs. Always confirm the exact time for your specific date and location.

City Winter Sunset (December) Summer Sunset (June)
Pensacola 5:00 PM 7:50 PM
Tallahassee 5:15 PM 8:10 PM
Jacksonville 5:25 PM 8:20 PM
Orlando 5:35 PM 8:25 PM
Miami 5:40 PM 8:15 PM
Key West 5:45 PM 8:10 PM

Understanding Sunset Time Terminology

Civil Twilight

Civil twilight refers to the period after sunset when the sun is just below the horizon, and there's still enough light for most outdoor activities. It ends when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon.

Nautical Twilight

Nautical twilight occurs when the sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon. This level of twilight allows for the horizon to be seen, which sailors use for navigation.

Astronomical Twilight

Astronomical twilight happens when the sun is between 12 and 18 degrees below the horizon. After this point, darkness has completely set in, making it ideal for astronomical observation.

Video: Florida Sundown Secrets: What Time Will The Sun Set?

Florida Sunset FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Florida sunsets and how to find out what time the sun will set.

How does the time of sunset in Florida change throughout the year?

The time of sunset in Florida varies significantly throughout the year due to the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun. During the summer months, you'll experience later sunsets, while winter months bring earlier ones. Knowing what time is sundown in Florida requires checking a specific date.

Why does sunset time differ between locations in Florida?

Florida's east and west coasts experience different sunset times. The sun sets later on the Gulf Coast compared to the Atlantic Coast. This is because the sun needs more time to travel across Florida's peninsula. To know exactly what time is sundown in Florida for your specific location, consult a sunset calculator.

Where can I find the exact sunset time for my location in Florida?

Several reliable sources provide accurate sunset times. You can use online sunset calculators, weather websites, or dedicated mobile apps. Simply enter your city or zip code to get the precise time of sunset. These resources are great for figuring out what time is sundown in Florida.

Is daylight saving time considered when determining Florida sunset times?

Yes, daylight saving time (DST) affects the sunset time. From March to November, when DST is in effect, sunset will be an hour later than standard time. Remember to account for DST when planning your evening activities and calculating what time is sundown in Florida.

So, next time you're wondering what time is sundown in florida, you'll have all the tools you need to find out! Hope you enjoy those beautiful Florida sunsets!