Best time to go to New York

Manhattanhenge 2024

A magnificent view of the setting sun right between the buildings in Manhattan

Dates: May 29–30 | July 11–12 | November 29–30 | January 11–12

Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge

Since our planet is spinning, the sun sets and rises at a different angle every day. The rectangular grid of Manhattan allows the sun to align with the earth exactly between its skyscrapers only four times a year—twice at Manhattanhenge sunset, and also two more times at Manhattanhenge sunrise or Reverse Manhattanhenge. Crowds pack the streets of New York City to behold the incredibly beautiful phenomenon which was discovered by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

When is Manhattanhenge

The most popular time to see Manhattanhenge occurs at sunset in late May and mid-July, typically on May 29–30 and July 11–12, after 8 pm. However, the exact dates and times might differ slightly due to leap year. So check the latest reports when planning your most memorable and picturesque summer evening. Two other Instagrammable moments to capture happen at sunrise in late November and mid-January, namely on November 29–30 and January 11–12. Make sure to get up early as the ephemeral show starts shortly after 7 am. But note that morning Manhattanhenges are less popular since the east of Manhattan is not as flat as the west.

Best places to see Manhattanhenge

If you're wondering where to see Manhattanhenge, the locations are listed here too. Check out the best spots to witness spectacular summer sunsets: 14th St & Broadway (close to Union Square); 23rd St & Broadway (close to the Flatiron Building); 34th St & Fifth Avenue (close to the Empire State Building); 42nd St & Third Avenue (with great views of the Chrysler Building and the Park Avenue Viaduct where it crosses above 42nd St); and lastly 57th St & Eighth Avenue (close to the Hearst Building). Grab your camera and find a place with a ​nice view to take some of the best photos in your life! Though if you visit during winter, wait for the sun to rise at 5th Avenue and 41st Street.

NYC grid map

NYC sunsets and sunrises are stunning all year round, but never better than Manhattanhenge. Now that you have Manhattanhenge dates and locations, plan your visit ahead. Have a look at the map and book the most convenient deals.

Practical info

What day is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge sunset: May 29 Half Sun on the grid; May 30 Full Sun on the grid; July 11 Full Sun on the grid; July 12 Half Sun on the grid. Manhattanhenge sunrise: November 29–30 and January 11–12. Show more

Why is it called Manhattanhenge?

The word “Manhattanhenge” is a word blend of "Manhattan" and "Stonehenge." The term was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, a world-known astrophysicist and a native New Yorker. He was inspired by his childhood visit to Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England where stones are aligned with the sun at a particular time of the year. Show more

How often is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge sunset occurs four times a year: at sunset on May 29–May 30 and July 11–July 12, and at sunrise on November 29–30 and January 11–12. Show more

What street is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge sunset: 14th St & Broadway (close to Union Square); 23rd St & Broadway (close to the Flatiron Building); 34th St & Fifth Avenue (close to the Empire State Building); 42nd St & Third Avenue (with great views of the Chrysler Building and the Park Avenue Viaduct where it crosses above 42nd St); 57th St & Eighth Avenue (close to the Hearst Building). Manhattanhenge sunrise: 5th Avenue and 41st Street. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin