Sunrise and Sunset Times in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, known for its world-class theme parks and vibrant tourist attractions, is also a city blessed with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Whether you’re a local planning an early morning walk, a visitor hoping to capture that perfect sunset shot, or even a photographer aiming to schedule the best light for a wedding or portrait shoot, understanding the sunrise and sunset times in Orlando is crucial. With its sunny skies and warm weather, Orlando offers an ideal backdrop to enjoy the sun’s daily journey across the sky.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Orlando’s sunrise and sunset times, how they change throughout the year, and even the impacts of Daylight Saving Time. By the end of this page, you’ll also discover how these natural phenomena play a critical role in photography, especially for weddings and portraits in the area.
What Time Does the Sunrise in Orlando?
Orlando, located in Central Florida, generally experiences sunrise between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, depending on the time of year. In the summer months, you’ll witness the sun peeking over the horizon earlier in the day, closer to 6:30 AM. Meanwhile, during the winter, the sun rises a little later, around 7:30 AM. The variation in sunrise times is due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit, resulting in longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter.
If you’re planning to watch the sunrise, consider visiting one of Orlando’s lakes or nearby nature reserves for an unobstructed view. Mornings in Florida often provide clear skies, making the sunrise a peaceful and beautiful sight.
Sunset Today in Orlando, FL
On any given day, the sunset in Orlando typically occurs between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. As with sunrise, sunset times vary significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, expect earlier sunsets, closer to 5:30 PM. In the summer, the sun sets later, with peak sunset times occurring around 8:30 PM.
If you’re looking to enjoy today’s sunset in Orlando, check the local forecast or a reliable weather app to get the exact time. Some popular spots to catch a sunset in Orlando include Lake Eola Park and the rooftop bars that offer stunning panoramic views of the city.
2024 Full Year Sunrise and Sunset Times for Orlando Florida
2025 Full Year Sunrise and Sunset Times for Orlando Florida
Sunsets in Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s sunsets are known for their vibrant colors, with shades of orange, pink, and purple lighting up the sky. The combination of Florida’s flat terrain and vast skies provides a breathtaking backdrop for the setting sun. If you’re lucky, you may even catch what’s known as the “golden hour” right before sunset, where the natural lighting is soft and perfect for photography.
Since Orlando is relatively flat, you don’t have to worry about obstructed views, making it easy to find a perfect spot to watch the day end with a magical sunset.
Twilight After Sunset
After the sun sets, twilight begins. Twilight is the period between sunset and full darkness, where the sky remains illuminated even though the sun is below the horizon. In Orlando, twilight usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of year.
There are three phases of twilight: civil, nautical, and astronomical. Civil twilight is the first stage, where there is still enough light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting. Nautical twilight follows, where the horizon becomes less distinct, and sailors used to rely on stars for navigation. Finally, astronomical twilight occurs, where only the faintest light remains, and stars become visible in full clarity.
What is Nautical Twilight After Sunset?
Nautical twilight occurs approximately 30 minutes after the sun has fully set. During this phase, the sky darkens significantly, and it’s often the time when stars start to appear more prominently. In Orlando, nautical twilight is particularly noticeable because of the city’s wide-open spaces and clear skies, making it an ideal time for stargazing.
What Time is First Light in Florida?
First light, or dawn, in Florida generally occurs about 30 to 40 minutes before the official sunrise. In Orlando, this means first light can be expected between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, depending on the time of year. Dawn is when the sky begins to brighten, and while the sun hasn’t yet broken the horizon, the first hints of daylight start to appear.
What is the Shortest Day in Orlando?
The shortest day of the year in Orlando is the Winter Solstice, which typically falls around December 21st. On this day, the sun rises around 7:15 AM and sets at approximately 5:30 PM, resulting in just over 10 hours of daylight. This marks the official start of winter and the day with the least amount of sunlight in the year.
What is the Longest Day in Orlando?
The longest day in Orlando occurs during the Summer Solstice, around June 21st. On this day, the sun rises as early as 6:30 AM and sets around 8:30 PM, giving Orlando over 14 hours of daylight. The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of summer and is the perfect time to take advantage of those extra daylight hours for outdoor activities.
When is Daylight Saving Time in 2024?
In 2024, Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Florida will begin on Sunday, March 10th, at 2:00 AM. At this time, clocks are moved forward by one hour, resulting in later sunsets and longer evenings. Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, when clocks are set back one hour, leading to earlier sunsets and shorter daylight hours.
When is Daylight Saving Time in 2025?
Daylight Saving Time in 2025 will follow the same pattern. It will start on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at 2:00 AM and will end on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. During DST, you’ll experience later sunsets in Orlando, which can be particularly enjoyable during the warm summer months.
When is the Sunrise and Sunset in the Spring in Orlando, Florida?
In the spring, the days gradually become longer, with earlier sunrises and later sunsets. By mid-March, after the start of Daylight Saving Time, sunrise in Orlando occurs around 7:30 AM, and sunset happens around 7:30 PM. By May, the sun rises closer to 6:30 AM and sets at around 8:00 PM, giving plenty of daylight to enjoy outdoor activities.
When is the Sunrise and Sunset in the Summer in Orlando, Florida?
Summer in Orlando brings the longest days of the year. In June, the sun typically rises around 6:30 AM and sets around 8:30 PM, offering more than 14 hours of daylight. These long summer days are perfect for enjoying outdoor adventures, from visiting theme parks to exploring natural reserves.
When is the Sunrise and Sunset in the Fall in Orlando, Florida?
During the fall months, days start to get shorter again. By September, sunrise occurs around 7:00 AM, and sunset happens around 7:30 PM. As you approach November and the end of Daylight Saving Time, the sun rises closer to 7:15 AM and sets around 5:30 PM.
When is the Sunrise and Sunset in the Winter in Orlando, Florida?
Winter brings the shortest days of the year. From December through February, sunrise in Orlando occurs around 7:15 AM, and sunset takes place between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Despite the shorter days, Orlando still enjoys plenty of sunlight, especially compared to other parts of the country.
How Many Hours of Daylight are There in Orlando in the Summer Months?
In the summer months, Orlando experiences long days, with around 14 hours of daylight. The exact amount of daylight varies slightly throughout the season, but June is typically the month with the most daylight, offering around 14 hours and 15 minutes.
How Many Hours of Daylight are There in Orlando in the Winter Months?
During the winter months, Orlando has about 10 hours of daylight. December, particularly around the Winter Solstice, sees the shortest days with only 10 hours of daylight, but this gradually increases as you move toward spring.
What Time Does It Get Dark in Orlando in September?
In September, as fall begins, it generally gets dark in Orlando around 7:30 PM. As the month progresses and the days shorten, this time shifts earlier, with darkness falling closer to 7:00 PM by the end of September.
What Time Does It Get Dark in Orlando in April?
In April, you can expect it to get dark in Orlando around 8:00 PM, thanks to Daylight Saving Time. The longer daylight hours and mild spring weather make April a wonderful time for outdoor activities in Orlando.
Why is Florida So Bright?
Florida is known for its bright and sunny weather, thanks to its location near the tropics. The state experiences a high number of sunny days each year, with Orlando seeing an average of 233 sunny days annually. Florida’s relatively flat landscape and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean also contribute to its bright skies, as clouds tend to form quickly and clear up just as fast.
How Does Twilight in Orlando Differ from Other Parts of the United States?
Twilight in Orlando tends to be shorter than in areas farther from the equator. Due to its subtropical location, the transition between day and night happens more quickly in Florida compared to places like the northern United States. This means that while twilight may last for an hour or more in northern states, in Orlando, it typically lasts around 30 to 40 minutes.
How Sunrise and Sunset Times Affect Wedding and Portrait Photography
Sunrise and sunset times play a crucial role in wedding and portrait photography. Orlando’s golden hour, the time just after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft and warm, is ideal for capturing beautiful, flattering images. The long daylight hours in summer provide more flexibility for scheduling outdoor photo shoots, while the shorter winter days require more careful planning.
How Sunset Time Impacts Your Wedding Day Schedule
For weddings, sunset can dictate the timeline of your day, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or photography session. Many couples opt for sunset photos, which means the ceremony may need to be timed earlier in the day to capture those perfect golden hour shots before the sun dips below the horizon. During the summer, you have more flexibility with a later sunset, while winter weddings will need to plan for an earlier ceremony to take advantage of the daylight.
Orlando Wedding Photographer – Mike Briggs Photography
