Golden hour in Chicago tonight
Gray washout likely
Golden hour 5:57 PM–6:34 PM·sunset 6:34 PM
Begins soon
Tonight's sunset score is about 0 out of 10 (estimated).
Morning golden hour6:48 AM–7:25 AM
Why this score?
Flat, colorless sunset likely — held back by uncertain, likely overcast skies. — US National Weather Service, today
The sun sets at 263° — W on the compass.
Where to stand
- Directions →
North Avenue Beach
The skyline lights up gold as the sun sets behind the city towers over the lakefront. - Directions →
Adler Planetarium
A lakefront peninsula with the most iconic skyline-and-sunset view in Chicago. - Directions →
Montrose Point
A quiet lakefront hook where the sun drops behind the North Side skyline.
Make an evening of itPartner picks
⛵️Sunset cruises & tours nearbyGolden-hour departuresSee times →via Viator🍽Book a patio table for sunsetGolden-hour seatingReserve →via OpenTable📷Golden-hour photo kitCPL filter + travel tripodShop →via Amazon
Partner links may earn a commission — it never changes what we recommend or the free times above.
Go outside. The sky is doing something.
Updated Friday, October 2, 2026