Have you found yourself wondering, “What time does the sunset tonight?” or “When will it get fully dark outside?” You’re not alone. Understanding the timing of sunset, twilight, and nightfall can help you plan your evening, whether you’re stargazing, hosting an outdoor event, or simply deciding when to head home.
This guide will break down everything you need to know, from local sunset times to the stages of twilight and how long it takes for true darkness to set in after the sun dips below the horizon.
How Long After Sunset is Sundown?
Before we get any further, let’s clarify something—sunset and sundown are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings.
- The time when the sun sets below the horizon is referred to as sunset.
- Sundown, on the other hand, colloquially describes the period after sunset when the sky transitions from daylight to twilight.
After sunset, the sky gradually dims as the sun moves farther below the horizon. This soft light is known as twilight, a beautiful display that transforms the day into night. The duration of twilight depends on your location and the season of the year.
For most of the contiguous United States, it takes anywhere from 70 to 100 minutes after sunset for it to get fully dark. Northern locations typically experience longer twilights because of the Earth’s tilt, while southern areas see shorter transitions.
What Time Does it Get Dark Tonight in My Area?
The exact time it gets dark in your area hinges on several factors, including your latitude, the date, and weather conditions. Tools like weather apps or astronomy websites can provide specific timings for sunset and twilight phases in your location.
Example Timing in Los Angeles Tonight:
- Sunset Time on March 12, 2025: 6:58 PM
- Full darkness typically occurs by 8:10 PM.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- After sunset at 6:58 PM, civil twilight occurs for about 30 minutes.
- Next, nautical twilight lasts for another 30+ minutes, during which the horizon is still faintly visible but stars start to appear.
- Finally, astronomical twilight ends when the sun dips 18 degrees below the horizon, around 8:10 PM. This is when true night begins.
Want to pinpoint tonight’s timing in your city? Check your local weather app or online sunset calculators for accurate data.
What Time Does it Get Dark in Indiana in October?
Sunset times differ not just daily, but also geographically. For example, in Indianapolis, Indiana, during October 2025, the sunsets will occur as follows:
- October 25, 2025 – Sunset at 6:50 PM
- October 26, 2025 – Sunset at 6:49 PM
- October 27, 2025 – Sunset at 6:48 PM
Like other Midwestern states, Indiana sees twilight last for approximately 70 to 90 minutes. This means that by 8:15 PM, or so, full darkness will have taken over.
What is 30 Minutes After Sunset Called?
The first stage of twilight is known as civil twilight, which begins immediately after sunset and lasts until the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon. During this time, there’s still plenty of natural light for outdoor activities, and the brightest stars and planets may start to appear.
Civil twilight has various implications:
- It’s the perfect time for taking well-lit evening photographs.
- Outdoor events or sports can still comfortably occur without artificial lighting.
- Drivers may still see well without needing to switch to full headlights.
If you’re in the UK, this window is sometimes referred to as the “hours of darkness”—typically from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
What is Full Dark Called?
The darkest part of twilight is referred to as astronomical twilight. Once the sun drops more than 18 degrees below the horizon, the sky is considered to be fully dark. This point is also what we call nightfall.
Here are the twilight phases leading to full darkness:
- Civil Twilight (Sun is 0 to 6 degrees below the horizon): Brightest phase of twilight; suitable for most outdoor activities.
- Nautical Twilight (Sun is 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon): The sky darkens considerably, and it’s easier to spot stars.
- Astronomical Twilight (Sun is 12 to 18 degrees below the horizon): The last glow of sunlight fades, leaving the sky as dark as it’ll get.
Once astronomical twilight concludes, it’s officially nighttime. This is when astrophotographers and stargazers can revel in the beauty of the night sky.
Why Twilight Duration Varies
Two main factors influence how long twilight lasts after sunset:
- Latitude: Closer to the equator, twilight is shorter, as the sun sinks more directly below the horizon. Higher latitudes—like Alaska or Sweden—experience longer twilight durations due to the sun’s shallower angle.
- Season: Twilight lasts longer during spring and summer in both hemispheres because of the Earth’s axial tilt.
For example:
- At equatorial regions, full darkness might arrive within 30–40 minutes of sunset.
- At higher latitudes (like Canada or northern Europe), twilight can persist for over 2 hours.
Why Knowing This Matters
Understanding sunset and twilight times isn’t just for romantic sunset chasers; it helps with:
- Planning outdoor activities such as hikes, camping trips, or photography sessions.
- Improved safety when driving at dusk.
- Astronomical observations like stargazing or spotting planets.
Now that you know what affects darkness after sunset, you can better plan your evenings, no matter where you are.
Your Next Evening Adventure Awaits
Sunset is more than just a beautiful sight; it’s the start of a fascinating transition from day to night. Whether you’re looking to capture the glow of twilight, stargaze under a dark sky, or simply know when it’s time to turn on your porch light, understanding the phases of sunset and twilight illuminates your plans.
Misty Severi