what time is sundown in tucson

Natasha willow

2 min read

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01-01-2025

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Tucson, Arizona, boasts stunning sunsets, making knowing the exact time of sundown crucial for planning outdoor activities and enjoying the city's natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you determine Tucson's sunset time, and explain how and why it changes throughout the year.

Understanding Tucson's Sunset Times

The time of sundown in Tucson varies daily, and significantly throughout the year. This is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis and its orbit around the sun. During the summer solstice (around June 21st), Tucson experiences longer days and later sunsets. Conversely, the winter solstice (around December 21st) brings shorter days and earlier sunsets.

Finding the Exact Sunset Time for Any Day

Several resources can provide you with the precise sunset time for any given day in Tucson:

• Online weather websites: Most major weather websites (like AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, or Google Weather) allow you to search for a specific location (Tucson, AZ) and will display the sunset time for that day. Simply enter "Tucson sunset" into your search engine for quick results.

• Mobile weather apps: Many weather apps for smartphones offer similar functionality, providing daily sunset times with convenient notifications.

• Astronomical calendars: Dedicated astronomical calendars or apps will often list precise sunset and sunrise times for various locations. These are ideal for long-term planning.

• Timeanddate.com: This website provides extremely precise sunrise and sunset times, along with other astronomical data, for any location worldwide.

Factors Affecting Sunset Time in Tucson

Besides the seasonal changes, other factors subtly influence the exact moment of sunset:

• Latitude and Longitude: Tucson's geographic coordinates determine its position relative to the sun's path.

• Atmospheric Conditions: Haze, clouds, and dust can slightly affect the perceived time of sunset. A hazy sky might obscure the sun's disappearance, making it seem later than it actually is.

• Elevation: Tucson's elevation also plays a minor role in the timing of sunset, but the effect is generally negligible for everyday purposes.

• Time Zones: Tucson observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) during the winter and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during the summer. This shift accounts for a one-hour difference in sunset times between these periods.

Planning Around Tucson Sunsets

Knowing the precise sunset time in Tucson is valuable for a variety of activities:

• Outdoor Photography: Photographers often schedule shoots to capture the golden hour, the period just after sunrise or before sunset, known for its warm, soft light.

• Hiking and Outdoor Recreation: Plan hikes and outdoor activities to ensure sufficient daylight. Knowing when the sun will set helps prevent getting caught out in the dark.

• Outdoor Events: Organizers of outdoor events, concerts, and festivals use sunset times for planning logistics and scheduling.

• Stargazing: Tucson's dark skies are perfect for stargazing. Sunset marks the ideal time to begin observing the night sky.

Conclusion: Embrace the Tucson Sunset

Tucson's sunsets are a breathtaking spectacle. By using the resources mentioned above, you can easily find the exact sundown time for any day and plan your Tucson adventures accordingly. Enjoy the beautiful colors and stunning views! Remember to always check a reliable source for the most up-to-date and accurate sunset time for your specific day in Tucson.