Golden hour in Washington tonight
A middling sunset
Golden hour 7:24 PM–8:01 PM·sunset 8:01 PM
Begins soon
Tonight's sunset score is about 4 out of 10 (estimated).
Morning golden hour6:25 AM–7:02 AM
Why this score?
An average showing — held back by low cloud blocking the horizon. — US National Weather Service, today
The sun sets at 285° — WNW on the compass.
Where to stand
- Directions →
Lincoln Memorial Steps
Looking west down the Reflecting Pool as the sky lights up behind the Memorial Bridge. - Directions →
Netherlands Carillon
A hilltop beside Arlington with the Mall and Washington Monument backlit at dusk.
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 Tuesday, August 18, 2026