Sunset Times in Atlanta: What to Expect Throughout the Year

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, knowing when the sun sets in Atlanta can help you plan everything from your commute to an evening at Piedmont Park or a rooftop dinner in Midtown. Because sunset times change throughout the year, there isn’t one single answer—but there are clear patterns you can count on.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta sunset times, how they change by season, and how to use that information to plan your day.

What Time Does the Sun Usually Set in Atlanta?

Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone and follows Daylight Saving Time, which has a big impact on when the sun sets.

In general:

• Winter (Dec–Jan): Around 5:30 PM (earliest near 5:30 PM in early December)
• Spring (Mar–May): From about 6:30 PM up to around 8:30 PM
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Roughly 8:40–8:50 PM at the latest
• Fall (Sep–Nov): From about 8:00 PM back down to around 5:30 PM

These are approximate ranges for Atlanta, Georgia. Exact daily times shift slightly each day.

Quick Reference: Typical Sunset Times in Atlanta by Month

Use this table as a simple planning guide. Times are approximate and assume local clock time in Atlanta (including Daylight Saving Time when in effect).

*Times are rounded, not exact. For precise daily sunset info, check a current day-by-day sun calendar or weather service for Atlanta, GA.

Why Sunset Time Changes in Atlanta

Several factors shape when the sun sets in Atlanta:

1. Atlanta’s Latitude and Location

Atlanta sits at about 33.7° N latitude, which means:

• Days are longer in summer and shorter in winter compared to places closer to the equator.
• Sunset times in Atlanta are a bit later in summer than in cities farther north on the East Coast, but earlier than in some western cities in the same time zone.

2. Daylight Saving Time

Atlanta observes Daylight Saving Time (DST):

• Starts: Second Sunday in March (clocks jump forward 1 hour)
• Ends: First Sunday in November (clocks fall back 1 hour)

When DST begins, sunset suddenly appears later on the clock (for example, what was 6:30 PM might become 7:30 PM the next day). When DST ends, sunset suddenly appears earlier on the clock.

Seasonal Breakdown: Sunset in Atlanta Through the Year

Winter Sunsets in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter brings the earliest sunsets of the year.

• Early December: Around 5:30 PM
• Late December to January: Around 5:35–5:50 PM
• February: Gradually gets later, closer to 6:30 PM by month’s end

What this means for you in Atlanta:

• Evening rush hour often occurs after dark, especially in December and January.
• Outdoor plans after work, like a walk on the BeltLine or a visit to Piedmont Park, are best started early.

Spring Sunsets (March–May)

Spring brings a noticeable jump in evening daylight, especially when DST kicks in.

• Early March (before DST): Around 6:20–6:30 PM
• Mid-March (after DST begins): Jumps to around 7:30 PM
• April–May: Moves into the 8:00–8:30 PM range

For Atlanta residents and visitors:

• Great time for outdoor dining in Midtown or Inman Park.
• Baseball games, concerts, and festivals often start before sunset and end after dark.

Summer Sunsets (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta has the latest sunsets of the year.

• Late June (around the summer solstice): About 8:45 PM
• July: Still around 8:40–8:45 PM
• August: Gradually earlier, heading toward 7:50 PM by late month

How Atlantans use this extra daylight:

• After-work trips to Chastain Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or rooftop bars in Buckhead and Midtown.
• More time for evening outdoor activities before it gets dark and cooler.

Fall Sunsets (September–November)

Fall sunsets in Atlanta shift earlier, especially when DST ends.

• September: Around 7:50 PM moving down to about 7:10 PM
• October: From about 7:00 PM to 6:40 PM
• Early November (after DST ends): Drops to around 5:30 PM
• Late November: Around 5:30–5:35 PM

What to keep in mind:

• Right after the November time change, the early darkness can surprise commuters.
• Evening youth sports and activities might end in twilight or under lights instead of natural light.

How to Find Today’s Exact Sunset Time in Atlanta

Because sunset shifts slightly day by day, it’s best to check an up-to-date source if you need an exact time for:

• Photography and golden-hour shots
• Outdoor ceremonies or events
• Hiking or walking in places like Stone Mountain Park or along the Chattahoochee River
• Planning drive times when you want to avoid driving in the dark

You can:

• Use any standard weather app and set the location to Atlanta, GA.
• Search for “today’s sunset time Atlanta GA” using a weather or astronomy tool.
• Check the weather pages provided by local TV stations and news outlets based in Atlanta, which often list sunrise and sunset.

Planning Around Sunset in Popular Atlanta Spots

Knowing when the sun sets can make outings around Atlanta smoother and safer.

Parks and Outdoor Areas

Some key places where sunset time matters:

• Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
  Great for walks, runs, and skyline photos at sunset. Many visitors like to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  Ideal for biking and walking; use lights if you’ll be out after dark, especially in winter.

• Stone Mountain Park (Stone Mountain, GA)
  If you’re hiking up the mountain for sunset, plan enough time to descend safely before it’s fully dark or bring appropriate lighting.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various access points around Atlanta)
  Anglers, paddlers, and walkers often plan trips around daylight; sunset marks the time to be wrapping up on the water.

Driving and Commuting

Sunset has a big impact on visibility and traffic:

• During parts of the year, the sun may be low on the horizon during the evening rush on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector, creating glare.
• In winter months, many people leave work after dark, so headlights and careful driving become more important.

Safety and Comfort Tips Around Atlanta Sunset Times

A few simple habits can make sunset and early evening more comfortable:

• Give yourself buffer time: If you’re walking or biking, start your return 15–30 minutes before official sunset, especially in wooded or less-lit areas.
• Bring lights or reflectors: For evening runs or bike rides on the BeltLine or in neighborhood streets, use reflective gear and lights.
• Consider temperature changes: After sunset, temperatures can drop quickly in winter and even on some spring and fall evenings. A light layer can make outdoor time more comfortable.
• Check park hours: Some Atlanta-area parks and recreation areas close at or near sunset, so the exact time can affect when you need to leave.

Why Sunset Feels Different From the “Official” Time

You might notice it seems to get dark a bit earlier or later than the official sunset time suggests. That’s because:

• Sunset is defined as when the top edge of the sun disappears below the horizon.
• There is still twilight (residual light) for a while afterward, especially on clear days.
• In dense parts of Atlanta with tall buildings (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), the sun can be blocked earlier, so it can feel like sunset comes sooner than it does on an open hilltop or at a park.

If you need practical darkness (for example, stargazing), allow 30–60 minutes after sunset.

Key Takeaways for Sunset in Atlanta

• There is no single sunset time in Atlanta—it changes slightly every day.
• Expect earliest sunsets around 5:30 PM in late fall and early winter, and latest sunsets close to 8:45 PM in late June and early July.
• Daylight Saving Time in March and November creates sudden jumps in evening light on the clock.
• For exact daily times, check a current weather or astronomy source specifically for Atlanta, Georgia.
• Use sunset times to better plan commutes, outdoor activities, photography, and events across the city.

Knowing when the sun sets in Atlanta helps you make the most of the city’s parks, skyline views, and vibrant neighborhoods—whether you’re here for a weekend or you call Atlanta home year-round.