Sunsets are always appealing; they invite a soothing experience to relax and refresh for a new start.
Manhattanhenge 2026 is what New Yorkers wait for all year.
It is a phenomenon when the skyscrapers of NYC flee with the descending solar corridor and Manhattan’s street grid.
Manhattanhenge is a semi-urban celestial event that occurs when the solar corridor ascends or descends through the gaps between New York City’s gigantic skyscrapers, creating a dazzling display.
Don’t be surprised; it should be credited only to NYC’s founding architect who designed it in 1811.
Manhattanhenge 2026 is already underway from Thursday 28 May and will continue on Friday 29 May 2026 with the last installment of the year between the 11th-12th. July 2026, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid.
When does Manhattanhenge occur?
Figuring out the specific dates depends entirely on when Manhattan’s street grid lines up perfectly with the primary compass directions (N, S, E, and W).
This would mean that Manhattanhenge falls when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, the start of the astronomical spring and autumn.
A fun fact is that since the Manhattan street grid is rotated 29 degrees clockwise, the alignment of the Sun and streets rotates for multiple dates.
The Sunset Manhattanhenge:
Sunset Manhattanhenge occurs when the direction 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 it (mid-July).
The Sunrise Manhattanhenge:
The Manhattanhenge sunrise occurs when the direction angle of the sunrise is 119.1 degrees.
Like the sunset, it also happens twice a year, 22-23 days after that (in early January).
The dates for Sunset & Sunrise Manhattanhenge have been revealed
Sunset Manhattanhenge is what drives all the social media buzz for New Yorkers who wait for this dazzling sunset all year round.
To catch it, observe from east-west streets and look west.
Thursday 28 May 2026 at 20.14 ET
Friday 29 May 2026 at 8:13 PM ET (Full Sun)
Saturday 11 July 2026 at 8:20 PM ET (full sun)
Sunday 12 July 2026 at 8:21 PM ET (Half Sun)
The Reverse Manhattanhenge, as it is commonly known, can be seen from east-west streets; what you have to do is just turn the opposite direction.
29 November 2026 at 7:05 a.m. ET
30 November 2026 at 07:04 ET
10 January 2027 at 07:23 ET
January 11, 2027, 7:24 AM ET
What are the vantage points for Manhattanhenge?
The traditional vantage points for the best viewing experience are those that go from east to west; the buzzing places include:
14th Street
23rd Street
34th Street
42nd Street
57th Street
For the outsiders who are naive to the city of light, here is a go-to guide.
Mahanttan’s streets are designed in a grid pattern. Therefore, the main streets run from west to east (such as 14th Street and 42nd Street).
While avenues are set at a 90-degree angle, from south to north (such as Fifth Avenue).
