Why are sunsets prettier in Arizona? There's a science behind it.
Here's what to know!
Here's what to know!
Story By: azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/02/03/why-are-sunsets-prettier-in-arizona/78080585007
Arizona is sometimes referred to as the Sunset State here are majestic and breathtaking and for good reason - the sunsets!
Not every sunset brings shocking shades of red, orange and purple, some are more pastel ombres that gently fade into night. But when one of the
more vivid ones does happen, you'll spot everyone pausing to take in — or photograph — nature's most colorful show.
But why are the sunsets in Arizona so much more vivid and bright than other State's?
Here's what to know about the science of Arizona's stunning sunsets, including when and where you can watch them in metro Phoenix.
National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno said our beautiful sunsets have to do with the wide-open skies in Arizona. In Phoenix, in particular, it's also thanks to being in a valley. High clouds and the contrast of desert and mountain landscapes make for a dramatic scene.
He said that the state also experiences purple mountain majesty, which is when the mountains turn a purple color around sunset as the light is reflected.
According to the Arizona State Parks and Trails , the answer is also a scientific one that has to do with the ecosystem and landscape.
Specifically, our desert environment lends itself to the scattering of small dust particles and molecules in the atmosphere, which change the direction of light rays as the
sun rises and sets.
“The color of the scattered light is determined by the size of molecule or particle and the actual wavelength of light,” according to the Arizona State Parks and Trails.
“Because Arizona is generally dry, dust particles are able to float effortlessly on the breeze so there’s a lot of them available for scattering. More particles equal more color."
When is sunset in metro Phoenix?
The time of sunset varies by the time of year. Here are the most common sunset times by month, according to timeanddate.com
January: 5:31 to 5:59 p.m.
February: 6 to 6:24 p.m.
March: 6:25 to 6:48 p.m.
April: 6:49 to 7:10 p.m.
May: 7:11 to 7:32 p.m.
June: 7:33 to 7:42 p.m.
July: 7:28 to 7:42 p.m.
August: 6:54 to 7:27 p.m.
September: 6:13 to 6:52 p.m.
October: 5:36 to 6:11 p.m.
November: 5:20 to 5:35 p.m.
December: 5:20 to 5:31 p.m.
What time of year has the best sunsets?
Arizona State Parks says that Arizona's best sunsets happen during monsoon season. The strong winds associated with the seasonal storms stir up dust and sediment, suspending it in the sky and creating more particles to scatter the light.
5 places to watch the sunset in metro Phoenix:
Metro Phoenix, which was rated a top spot to see the sunset by Fodor's Travel, has many great places to sit back and enjoy the view.
Here are a few popular spots:
Lost Dutchman State Park:
The Arizona State Parks says that one of the more popular sunset viewing spots is Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park:
The San Tan Mountains are another excellent sunset viewing location, especially for those in the southeast Valley.
Papago Park:
Hole in the Rock has long been a popular sunset spot, but there are more scattered throughout the park. You can't beat watching the sun descend behind downtown Phoenix.
South Mountain:
Even if you aren't looking to take a hike, you can always drive up to Dobbins Point for a stunning sunset view. The lookout point offers a 360-degree view of metro Phoenix.
Tempe Town Lake:
If you want to see the sunset over water, try stopping by Tempe Town Lake for a different kind of sunset view. You can enjoy the sunset's reflection on the water from the
pedestrian bridge or even rent a boat for an extra calm experience.
