One minute we’re basking in 8 pm golden hours (though NYC’s final 8pm sunset of the year will be here before we know it) and the next we’re watching the sky dim before dinner. It’s not your imagination—days are slowly getting shorter, and that magical stretch of late sunsets is coming to a close.
This September, New York City hits a quiet seasonal milestone: the last 7 pm sunset of the year. And while we sometimes wish summer could last forever—okay, maybe not during those 95° subway rides—we’re certainly ready for hoodie weather, cooler breezes, and that unmistakable autumn vibe.
So, when is the last 7 pm sunset of the year?
🌇 Mark your calendar: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 will be the final time the sun sets at or after 7 pm in NYC.
On that day, sunset will be at 7:01 pm, and sunrise at 6:38 am, making for about 12 hours and 22 minutes of daylight—so you better wake up early if you want to take full advantage of bright skies.
After that, it’s all downhill. On Thursday, September 18, the sun will set at 6:59 pm, and each evening gets a little shorter from there. It’s a subtle shift, but it signals the start of earlier evenings.
The silver lining
You’ve still got a solid few weeks to soak up that late-day sun, so be sure to leave plenty of room on your schedule for golden hour park hangs, rooftop drinks, and post-work walks.
Moreover, we have just over three months until the winter solstice on December 21st, 2025, otherwise known as the shortest day of the year with just 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
Looking to make the most of those final 7 pm sunsets?
This iconic NYC spot was just named one of the best sunset-viewing locations in the country (seriously—you’ll want your camera ready).
Plus, we rounded up some more must-visit places to watch the sun go down right here.
So whether you’re a die-hard summer lover or already ordering pumpkin spice lattes, this is your cue: get outside, look west, and soak in those last golden rays before the evenings turn chilly.
