Spain, with its diverse geography and varying latitudes, offers a wide range of sunset times throughout the year. From the long, lazy evenings of summer to the early nightfall’s of winter, the sunset times in Spain vary significantly from one season to another and even from one region to the next. Whether you’re planning a trip to enjoy the golden hour on a Spanish beach or just curious about how daylight shifts throughout the year, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of sunset times across the country, season by season.
What Time Does The Sunset In Spain In Winter (December to February)
In winter, Spain experiences the shortest days of the year, with the sun setting quite early in the evening.
- December: The earliest sunsets occur around the winter solstice, typically between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the location. In northern cities like Madrid and Barcelona, sunsets are closer to 5:30 PM, while in southern regions such as Seville, the sun sets slightly later, around 6:00 PM.
- January: Sunset times start to gradually extend as the month progresses. In northern Spain, expect sunsets around 5:45 PM, while in southern regions, it’s around 6:15 PM.
- February: By the end of February, sunset times increase noticeably. In Madrid, for example, the sun sets around 6:30 PM, and in Seville, it’s close to 7:00 PM.
What Time Does The Sunset In Spain In Spring (March to May)
As spring arrives, the days begin to lengthen, and Spain enjoys increasingly later sunsets.
- March: Early March sees sunset times around 6:45 PM in the north and 7:15 PM in the south. However, with the onset of Daylight Saving Time at the end of March, clocks move forward one hour, pushing sunset times to around 8:00 PM in Madrid and even later in southern regions.
- April: In April, Spain basks in longer daylight hours, with sunsets occurring between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM across the country. The exact time varies slightly depending on the region.
- May: By May, sunset times extend to between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM, offering ample daylight for evening activities. In the south, such as in Seville or Málaga, sunsets can be particularly late, closer to 9:30 PM.
What Time Does The Sunset In Spain In Summer (June to August)
Summer brings the longest days of the year, with the latest sunsets and extended twilight, especially in northern regions.
- June: Around the summer solstice in late June, Spain experiences its latest sunsets. In Madrid and Barcelona, the sun sets around 9:45 PM, while in more northern regions like Galicia, it can be closer to 10:00 PM. Southern Spain also enjoys late sunsets, typically around 9:30 PM to 9:45 PM.
- July: The long days of July see sunset times remaining late, with most of the country experiencing sunset between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.
- August: As August progresses, sunset times gradually begin to shift earlier, though it’s still common to see the sun setting around 9:15 PM to 9:45 PM.
What Time Does The Sunset In Spain In Autumn (September to November)
Autumn marks the transition from long summer days to shorter winter days, with sunsets gradually getting earlier.
- September: Early September sunsets are still relatively late, around 8:45 PM in the north and 9:00 PM in the south. By the end of the month, sunset times decrease to around 8:00 PM in Madrid and Seville.
- October: With the end of Daylight Saving Time in late October, clocks move back an hour, leading to much earlier sunsets. Before the time change, sunsets occur around 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, but after the shift, expect the sun to set as early as 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
- November: As winter approaches, November sunsets occur even earlier. In northern Spain, the sun sets around 5:45 PM, while in the south, it’s closer to 6:15 PM.
Regional Variations
Spain’s diverse geography, from the Pyrenees in the north to the Andalusian plains in the south, means that sunset times can vary significantly across regions, even within the same season. Coastal regions, especially in the west and northwest like Galicia, tend to have later sunsets due to their geographical position. In contrast, eastern and inland areas like Madrid experience slightly earlier sunsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does the sun set in Spain during summer?
A: During summer, sunset times in Spain vary, but they generally occur between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, with the latest sunsets happening around the summer solstice in late June.
Q: How do sunset times vary between northern and southern Spain?
A: Northern Spain, like Galicia, often experiences slightly later sunsets compared to southern regions like Andalusia. For example, in summer, sunsets in northern regions can be closer to 10:00 PM, while in the south, they occur around 9:30 PM to 9:45 PM.
Q: When is the earliest sunset in Spain?
A: The earliest sunsets in Spain occur in December, around the winter solstice. Depending on the location, the sun typically sets between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM during this time.
Q: Does Spain observe Daylight Saving Time, and how does it affect sunset times?
A: Yes, Spain observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks move forward one hour in late March and back one hour in late October. This shift causes sunset times to be an hour later during summer and an hour earlier when Standard Time resumes in autumn.
Q: What time does the sun set in Spain during winter?
A: In winter, sunset times in Spain range from around 5:30 PM in the north to about 6:00 PM in the south. These are the shortest days of the year.
Q: How do sunset times change throughout the year in Spain?
A: Sunset times gradually get later from winter to summer, peaking around the summer solstice in June. After that, they start getting earlier again, reaching their earliest point around the winter solstice in December.
Q: Are sunset times in Spain the same across all regions?
A: No, sunset times in Spain can vary significantly between regions due to the country’s size and geographical diversity. Coastal areas, especially in the northwest, tend to have later sunsets compared to eastern and inland regions.
Q: When is the latest sunset in Spain?
A: The latest sunsets in Spain occur around the summer solstice in late June, with the sun setting as late as 10:00 PM in northern regions like Galicia.
Q: How do I find out the exact sunset time for my location in Spain?
A: You can check the exact sunset time for your location in Spain by using weather apps, websites, or simply searching for “sunset time in [city name] today” online.
Q: Does Spain have longer daylight hours than other European countries?
A: Yes, due to its southern latitude and the practice of Daylight Saving Time, Spain enjoys relatively long daylight hours, especially in summer, compared to many other European countries.
Final Words
Whether you’re exploring Spain’s cities, enjoying its beaches, or hiking in its mountains, knowing when the sun sets can help you make the most of your time. From the early winter sunsets that paint the sky in warm hues to the extended summer evenings perfect for leisurely dinners, Spain offers a stunning display of natural beauty as the sun dips below the horizon.