Sunsets are always attractive; They invite you to a relaxing experience to relax and refresh for a new beginning.
Manhattanhenge 2026 is what New Yorkers look forward to all year long.
It is a phenomenon when the skyscrapers of New York escape with the corridor of the setting sun and the street grid of Manhattan.
Manhattanhenge is a semi-urban celestial event that occurs when the corridor of the rising or setting sun rises through the spaces between New York City’s giant skyscrapers, creating a dazzling display.
Don’t be surprised; It should only be credited to the founding architect of New York who designed it in 1811.
Manhattanhenge 2026 is underway from Thursday, May 28, and will continue on Friday, May 29, 2026, with the final installment of the year taking place July 11-12, 2026, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid.
When does Manhattanhenge occur?
Determining the specific dates depends entirely on when Manhattan’s street grid aligned perfectly with the major compass directions (N, S, E, and W).
This would mean that Manhattanhenge falls when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, the beginning of astronomical spring and autumn.
A fun fact is that since Manhattan’s street grid rotates 29 degrees clockwise, the alignment of the Sun and the streets rotates on multiple dates.
Manhattanhenge at sunset:
Sunset Manhattanhenge occurs when the directional angle of the sunset is 299.1 degrees.
This celestial phenomenon occurs twice a year, 22-23 days before the June solstice (around May 28-29) and 22-23 days after (in mid-July).
Manhattanhenge Sunrise:
Sunrise Manhattanhenge occurs when the directional angle of sunrise is 119.1 degrees.
Like sunset, it also occurs twice a year, 22-23 days later (in early January).
Sunset & Sunrise Manhattanhenge dates revealed
Sunset Manhattanhenge is what’s generating all the buzz on social media for New Yorkers who look forward to this stunning sunset all year round.
To catch it you must observe from the streets from east to west, looking west.
Thursday May 28, 2026 at 8:14 pm ET
Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:13 pm ET (full sun)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:20 pm ET (full sun)
Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 8:21 pm ET (mid-Sunday)
The reverse Manhattanhenge, as it is commonly known, can be witnessed from the east-west streets; What you should do is simply look in the opposite direction.
November 29, 2026, 07:05 am ET
November 30, 2026, 07:04 am ET
January 10, 2027, 07:23 am ET
January 11, 2027, 07:24 am ET
What are the Manhattanhenge observation points?
Traditional viewing points for the best viewing experience are those that run from east to west; Points of interest include:
14th street
23rd street
34th street
42nd street
57th street
For outsiders, who don’t know the city of lights, here is a reference guide.
The streets of Mahanttan are designed in a grid pattern. Therefore, the main streets run from west to east (such as 14th Street and 42nd Street).
While the avenues are arranged at a 90-degree angle, from south to north (like Fifth Avenue).
