If you are staring out a window in the Pacific Northwest right now, you already know the vibe. It is gray. Or maybe it is that rare, blindingly crisp blue that makes the Puget Sound look like a postcard. Either way, you're likely asking what time is sunset in seattle today because, honestly, every minute of light counts during a Washington winter.
For today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the sun will officially dip below the horizon at 4:46 PM PST.
That is the short answer. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that "sunset" is a bit of a moving target. Between the Olympic Mountains eating the light early and the thick layer of marine clouds that usually acts like a giant softbox, the actual moment of darkness varies.
Breaking Down the Sunset in Seattle Today
Living at a latitude of roughly 47 degrees North means we are currently in the "climbing out" phase of winter. We are past the solstice, and the days are getting longer, though it might not feel like it when you’re leaving the office in the dark.
Today’s schedule looks like this:
The sun rose at 7:52 AM. That gave us about 8 hours and 54 minutes of daylight. If that sounds short, remember that back in late December, we were scraping by with barely eight and a half hours. We are gaining about two minutes of light every single day right now. By the time we hit the end of January, sunset will be after 5:00 PM.
Progress is slow. But it is happening.
Beyond the Official Sunset Time
Most people think once 4:46 PM hits, it’s over. Lights out. Not quite.
You have to account for Civil Twilight. This is that period where the sun is technically gone, but there’s enough light in the sky to still go for a jog around Green Lake without a headlamp. Today, Civil Twilight ends at 5:21 PM. That gives you a solid 35-minute window of "usable" light after the official sunset.
Then comes Nautical Twilight, ending at 5:59 PM. By then, the horizon is blurry, and the sailors (or the ferry captains) start relying on those navigation lights. If you are a photographer, you are looking for the "Blue Hour," which is tucked right into this transition.
Why Seattle Sunsets Hit Differently
There is a specific science to why a January sunset in the Northwest looks the way it does. Because the sun stays so low on the horizon, the light has to travel through more of the Earth's atmosphere. This scatters the blue light and leaves us with those deep oranges and bruised purples.
- The Mountain Factor: If you are in West Seattle, the sun "sets" behind the Olympics earlier than the official time.
- The Cloud Filter: High-altitude cirrus clouds can catch the light and glow for twenty minutes after the sun is "gone."
- The Smog Effect: Sometimes, a bit of atmospheric haze from the city actually makes the colors more vivid.
Honestly, the best spot to catch what time is sunset in seattle today isn't on an app. It's at Kerry Park or the waterfront. Even if it's cloudy, the way the light hits the underside of the clouds over Elliott Bay is worth the walk.
Is the "Golden Hour" Actually an Hour?
No. Not even close. In the summer, sure, it lingers. But in mid-January, that perfect, honey-colored light usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes before the official sunset. If you want to take photos today, you should be in position by 4:15 PM.
By 4:30 PM, the light turns heavy and gold. By 4:46 PM, the "fire" on the windows of the Columbia Center will start to fade.
Watching the Sunset: Pro Tips for Locals
If you are planning to head out, don't just look at the clock. Check the cloud ceiling. If the clouds are too low and thick (the classic "Big Dark" ceiling), you won't see a sunset at all; the world will just turn a darker shade of charcoal.
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But if there are gaps in the clouds? That is when you get the "light show" where the sun beams hit the Cascades to the east. Seeing Mount Rainier turn pink (the Alpenglow) is often better than watching the sun itself.
- Check the Western Horizon: If you see a sliver of clear sky under the clouds, drop everything and go outside.
- Layer Up: It's currently around 50°F, but once that sun drops, the temp will fall fast.
- Timing is Everything: Aim to be at your viewpoint 15 minutes before 4:46 PM.
The days are lengthening, and while 4:46 PM still feels early, it beats the 4:20 PM sunsets of December. We are officially on the road to spring.
To make the most of the remaining light today, plan your commute or evening walk to conclude by 5:20 PM to take full advantage of the twilight glow. If you are tracking the light for photography or gardening, expect to gain another 15 minutes of evening light by this time next week.