July 2025 will kick off with a spectacular feast for the eyes: Manhattanhenge 2025.
If you are craving some ethereal eye candy, we guarantee this sunny spectacle is bound to gather all the lights on TikTok and Instagram. But of course, there are a few things you need to know before grabbing the camera. That’s where we come in.
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: Saturday, July 12th at 8:22 pm ET (Previously Wednesday, May 28th at 8:13 pm ET)
Full sun on the grid: Friday, July 11th at 8:20 pm ET (Previously Thursday, May 29th at 8:12 pm ET)
Unfortunately, NYC is due for 144 straight hours of cloudy skies during the week of the final Manhattanhenge. It might be a little trickier to catch that gorgeous shot — some photographers did over the July 4th holiday weekend — but definitely strike when the sun tries to peak out. Keep an eye on your weather app.
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
How rare is Manhattanhenge?
Considering the event only takes place twice per year, we’d say it’s rare — and fleeting once it does get cookin’! Other cities have a similar experience, including:
- Chicagohenge
- Phillyhenge
- Bostonhenge
- Torontohenge
Keep in mind that each city experiences its own “henge” at different points throughout the year. But as for those of us who are staying local: where are you going to take in the spectacle?