Manhattanhenge 2026: Dates, Times & Where to Watch

Manhattanhenge — the twice-a-year moment when the setting sun lines up perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid — returns in 2026 on May 28–29 and July 11–12. Here’s exactly when to be outside, and where to stand for the best view.

Manhattanhenge 2026 Dates & Times

Date	Type	Sunset Time
Thursday, May 28, 2026	Half Sun	8:14 PM ET
Friday, May 29, 2026	Full Sun	8:13 PM ET
Saturday, July 11, 2026	Full Sun	8:20 PM ET
Sunday, July 12, 2026	Half Sun	8:21 PM ET

“Full sun” means the entire glowing disc of the sun sits framed between the buildings just above the horizon — this is the classic, most-photographed version. “Half sun” happens the day before/after, when only the top half of the sun is visible as it dips behind the skyline. Both are worth seeing, but if you can only make one date, go for the full sun evenings (May 29 and July 11).

Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset — the alignment itself lasts only a few minutes, and the best cross streets fill up fast.

Best Places to Watch Manhattanhenge in NYC

Any east-west cross street with a clear, unobstructed view toward New Jersey works, but these consistently give the best sightlines:

• 42nd Street (Tudor City Overpass, near Grand Central) — the most iconic shot, framed by the Chrysler Building and One Vanderbilt
• 34th Street — wide, open sightline, less crowded than 42nd
• 57th Street
• 23rd Street
• 14th Street
• Hunter’s Point South Park, Long Island City — across the East River, this gives you the full Manhattan skyline in frame along with the sunset, rather than shooting straight down a street

The farther east you stand on any of these streets, the longer and more dramatic the “glowing corridor” effect looks — but you’ll have less time to react once the sun appears.

Reverse (Winter) Manhattanhenge

There’s also a lesser-known sunrise version. In 2026, Reverse Manhattanhenge falls around November 29–30 and (looking ahead) January 10–11, 2027, visible shortly after 7 AM facing east. Crowds are far smaller since it requires being out at sunrise in the cold.

Why Does Manhattanhenge Happen?

Manhattan’s street grid, laid out in 1811, runs about 29 degrees off true east-west. Because of that tilt, the setting sun only lines up squarely with the cross streets a few weeks before and after the summer solstice — not on the solstice itself. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson popularized the name in the early 2000s as a nod to Stonehenge, where ancient builders aligned stones with the solstice sun.

Manhattanhenge 2026 FAQ

When is Manhattanhenge in 2026? May 28–29 and July 11–12, 2026, at sunset.

What is the difference between half sun and full sun Manhattanhenge? Full sun is when the entire solar disc is visible framed between buildings, just touching the horizon. Half sun is the day before or after, when only the top half of the sun is visible.

What is the best street to watch Manhattanhenge from? 42nd Street at the Tudor City Overpass is the most popular and photogenic spot, but 34th, 57th, 23rd, and 14th Streets all offer strong, less-crowded views.

Do I need a ticket or special access? No — Manhattanhenge is a free, public event. Just show up on a cross street before sunset.

When is Reverse Manhattanhenge? The sunrise version occurs around November 29–30, 2026, and January 10–11, 2027, viewed facing east around 7 AM.

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→ The official 2026 Manhattanhenge dates and times: