Manhattanhenge typically happens four times between May and July each year. Pro-tip: both evenings during the spring and summer events will produce gorgeous sunsets, but the half sun view is recommended for better photographs!

For 2026, the spectacular "Manhattanhenge" effect—where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west grid of Manhattan's streets—is predicted to occur between May 28 and July 12. The peak "Full Sun" moments usually happen around May 29th and July 12th, while the "Half Sun" moments (where the sun's disc is split by the horizon) typically occur on May 28th and July 13th. The best time to be in position is approximately 20 to 30 minutes before the actual sunset time, which is usually around 8:12 PM to 8:30 PM. For the most iconic views, head to wide cross-streets like 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Streets. The Tudor City Bridge over 42nd Street is the most famous vantage point, but it becomes extremely crowded hours in advance. To get the best photo, you’ll want to face west toward New Jersey; as the sun dips lower, it will be framed perfectly by the towering skyscrapers on either side of the street, creating a "Solstice" effect unique to the urban jungle of New York City.