Mark your May calendars for Manhattanhenge 2025.
The sunny spectacle is soon on its way to provide some Instagram-worthy content for New Yorkers to enjoy. If you are feeling the lull after April’s pink moon and the Lyrids Meteor Shower, now is the time to gear up for a new spectacle.
If you are craving some celestial eye candy, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Our guide to Manhattanhenge 2025
What is Manhattanhenge?
Though it only lasts a few minutes, Manhattanhenge takes place when the sun rests on the Manhattan grid’s horizon and the rays shine through major cross streets from west to east, according to the NYC Parks Department.
According to the American Museum of Natural History, the sun actually only rises due east and sets due west twice per year, on the spring and autumn equinoxes. Since Manhattan’s street grid is rotated 30 degrees east from geographic north, and not perfectly aligned with the geographic north-south line, the spectacle does not occur on the equinoxes.
When is Manhattanhenge 2025?
According to the NYC Parks Department and AMNH, this year’s Manhattanhenge will take place at the following dates and times:
Half sun on the grid: Wednesday, May 28th at 8:13 pm ET and Saturday, July 12th at 8:22 pm ET
Full sun on the grid: Thursday, May 29th at 8:12 pm ET and Friday, July 11th at 8:20 pm ET
Where can I see Manhattanhenge?
In order to get the best Manhattanhenge views in the city, New Yorkers should make their way toward a sidewalk on a major Manhattan cross street that runs from west to east.
Keep in mind that you’ll want unobstructed views in order to get the full experience. Here are some go-to spots to bookmark. (FYI, you’ll want to get there early):
- 57th Street
- 42nd Street
- 34th Street
- 23rd Street
- 14th Street
- Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan
- Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City
What better way to kick off the summer season than with something beautiful. Where are you going to venture to see Manhattanhenge?