Albuquerque’s final 8 p.m. sunsets of the year arrive this week.
Starting Aug. 12, sunset in Albuquerque will be before 8 p.m., forecast at 7:59 p.m., according to astronomical calendars.
The seasonal shift follows the June 21 summer solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere tilts most directly toward the sun. After the solstice, daylight gradually decreases each day.
In Albuquerque, daylight shortens by nearly an hour over the course of August, making the extended sunset popular for after-work hikes, summer gatherings, and outdoor dining.
Popular places to watch the sunset include the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande Bosque, and overlooks across Albuquerque.
Many people head to Sandia Crest or Sandia Peak. Others visit Bosque trails near the Rio Grande Nature Center or Corrales.
On the West Side, visitors can take in views from West Bluff Park, Nine Mile Hill, and the ridges of Petroglyph National Monument. Elena Gallegos Open Space and the Sandia foothills are also popular sunset destinations.
This transition signals a seasonal change and gradually shifts Albuquerque toward cooler nights in fall.
Sunset will be arriving earlier through the fall until the winter solstice in December.
