Sunset marks the close of the day, shaping how societies live, work, and celebrate. Knowing the exact May 4 2025 sunset time across the globe helps people plan everything from daily routines to special moments under the sky.
On this date, sunset times differ widely depending on location, influenced by latitude, season, and Earth’s tilt. In some places, the sun dips below the horizon early, while in others, daylight stretches late into the evening. This post lays out clear sunset times worldwide for May 4, 2025, showing how these moments connect with local culture, science, and nature’s rhythm.
Understanding Global Sunset Times on May 4, 2025
Sunset on May 4, 2025, will paint a different picture depending on where you stand on Earth. From the equator’s steady rhythms to the dramatic shifts near the poles, the timing of the sun’s descent ties closely to your geographic location, the clock your country follows, and the sun’s position above the horizon. Let’s break down why the sunset times vary worldwide on this particular day.
The Role of Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and longitude act like the Earth’s coordinates on a giant map. They define exactly where you are and shape when you see the sun disappear at day’s end.
- Latitude controls the sun’s path across the sky.
- Near the equator, days and nights stay about equal all year. On May 4, 2025, sunset will hover close to roughly 6:15 pm local time, with little variation day-to-day.
- At mid-latitudes (roughly 30° to 60° north or south), such as cities like London or New York, sunset stretches later in spring. For example, London experiences sunset around 8:28 pm GMT, basking in nearly 15 hours of daylight.
- Close to the poles, the sun’s behavior flips. In the Arctic Circle, on May 4, 2025, the sun may not set at all, hovering just above the horizon, while in the Antarctic Circle, polar night could still be in effect.
- Longitude impacts the timing by adjusting when your local clock matches the position of the sun. Because the Earth rotates 15 degrees every hour, moving east or west changes when the sun sets by about 4 minutes per degree. For example, two cities at the same latitude but 10 degrees apart in longitude will see sunset times differing by nearly 40 minutes.
Putting it together, if you stood on the equator at longitude zero, sunset might be around 6:15 pm. Move north to London (about 51.5° N, 0° E) and the sun sets much later. Shift east 10°, say to Berlin (around 52° N, 13° E), sunset arrives slightly earlier in local clock time but the longer daylight of spring is still very noticeable.
Impact of Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time
While the sun moves with Earth’s rotation, our clocks adjust by political boundaries and daylight saving rules, which can make sunset show up at surprising local times.
- Countries along similar longitudes may have different standard times.
For example, Spain and France both lie near the Greenwich meridian but choose Central European Time, so sunsets appear later on their clocks compared to the UK. - Daylight Saving Time (DST) shifts clocks forward in some nations during the warmer months to extend evening daylight.
- In the U.S., most states, including New York, will observe DST on May 4, 2025. Sunset in New York will be about 8:05 pm EDT.
- Meanwhile, Arizona, which does not observe DST, will see sunset around 7:08 pm MST.
- Germany and much of Europe will also be on DST, meaning sunsets around 8:30 pm CEST in cities like Berlin.
- In contrast, countries near the equator, such as Indonesia or Kenya, typically do not observe DST. Their local sunset times on May 4, 2025, are steady, hovering near 6:00 pm local time.
This interplay of time zones and DST can make sunset comparisons tricky if you only look at local clock times. Always consider whether DST is in effect and which time zone a place uses to understand when the sun will actually set.
Seasonal Context and Solar Declination
May 4 falls in the heart of spring for the Northern Hemisphere and autumn for the Southern. This places the sun north of the equator but not yet at its peak height of the summer solstice.
- Solar declination is the angle between the sun’s rays and the equatorial plane. On May 4, 2025, the declination is about +17°—meaning the sun is north of the equator but not at the maximum 23.5° tilt seen during the June solstice.
- This tilt causes the sun to take a higher, longer path across the sky in northern mid-latitudes, producing longer days and later sunsets.
- The closer you are to the poles, the more extreme the effects. The sun’s angle stays low near the horizon in polar regions; in Arctic areas, this means nearly continuous daylight around this date.
- Near the equator, solar declination barely changes the equal split of day and night. Here, sunset times remain stable throughout the year.
In short, on May 4, 2025, the sun is climbing higher in the north, granting Northern Hemisphere locations longer evenings, while the Southern Hemisphere begins to see shorter days and earlier sunsets as it moves toward winter.
Understanding May 4, 2025 sunset time worldwide is about more than just clocks and calendars. It’s about where you are on this spinning globe, how political lines set your clocks, and the earth-sun dance that changes the daylight we enjoy.
Regional Highlights: Sunset Times in Key Locations on May 4, 2025
Sunset times on May 4, 2025, reveal a fascinating spread across the globe. As the Northern Hemisphere leans toward summer, day lengths are growing longer, but how this plays out depends heavily on where you are. Let’s take a closer look at sunset times in some notable regions, highlighting how geography and seasonal shifts color the evening sky.
Sunset in Europe and the British Isles
In Europe and the British Isles, May welcomes longer days as the sun gradually lingers later in the sky heading toward the summer solstice. Cities like London and Rome vividly showcase this slow climb toward extended daylight.
- London sees sunset at around 8:48 PM BST on May 4, 2025, providing over 15 hours of daylight. The sun sinks gently northwest, painting the sky with soft golden hues well into the evening.
- Over in Rome, the sun sets slightly earlier, near 8:15 PM CEST, yet the days still stretch noticeably longer compared to winter months. The Mediterranean warmth complements lengthening daylight, creating ideal evenings for outdoor cafes and strolling piazzas.
Across the British Isles, western parts like Galway or Cornwall experience sunsets a few minutes later than London due to their longitude, often pushing past 8:50 PM local time. This gradual extension of daylight ramps up as May advances, with evenings stretching toward 9 PM or later as summer approaches.
Sunset in North America
May 4 brings varied sunset times across North America, shaped by vast geography and the patchwork of daylight saving time (DST) observances.
- In New York City, the sun sets around 8:05 PM EDT, giving residents plenty of evening light for city parks, twilight river views, or rooftop dinners.
- Heading west to Chicago, sunset arrives just a little later, about 7:59 PM CDT, reflecting the Central Time Zone’s adjustment and the city’s longitude.
- On the West Coast in Los Angeles, sunset is around 7:40 PM PDT, noticeably earlier on the clock but still casting a warm glow long after work hours.
The differences here come down to time zones and the sheer size of the continent. On May 4, 2025, most of the U.S. and Canada observe daylight saving time, pushing clocks forward an hour to maximize evening light. Arizona is an exception, sticking to standard time year-round, thus seeing an earlier sunset around 7:08 PM MST.
Sunset in Asia and the Middle East
The sun’s descent in Asia and the Middle East on May 4 varies widely depending on latitude and longitude, alongside the diverse climates and cultural rhythms shaped by these sunset times.
- In Dubai, sunset occurs near 7:00 PM GST as the city balances its desert heat with an evening shade. The sun sets sharply northwest, offering evenings cooled by brisk desert winds.
- Farther east, Tokyo wraps up its daylight at about 6:52 PM JST. Here, spring evenings bloom with cherry colors fading, and the slightly shorter days influence bustling city life, urging locals to seize every golden moment.
Sunset times in this vast region range roughly from 6:12 PM in Saudi Arabia’s eastern cities to near 6:49 PM in western coastal areas. These differences reflect the sun’s shifting path and the Earth’s tilt, stretching daylight in some places and shortening it in others during early May.
Sunset in Polar and High Latitude Regions
In polar and high-latitude regions, sunset on May 4, 2025, dances to a unique rhythm.
- Alaska, especially toward the north, enjoys very late sunsets, often close to or beyond 10:20 PM AKDT. Days here are lengthening rapidly, with some areas already experiencing extended twilight or brief periods where the sun barely dips below the horizon.
- In northern Europe, Reykjavik sees sunset around 10:17 PM IST (Irish Summer Time), with the sky lingering in an extended twilight stage that bathes the landscape in a soft, never-ending dusk.
May 4 marks a period leading into the Midnight Sun season for places above the Arctic Circle, where the sun may barely set or not at all, offering a surreal experience of continuous daylight. Even locations just south of this zone enjoy prolonged evenings, with twilight stretching so late it blends day and night into an easy-to-miss boundary.
Each region’s sunset on May 4, 2025, tells a story of Earth’s tilt and orbit, shaped by latitude, longitude, and timekeeping choices. From London’s balmy late glow to Alaska’s near-midnight brilliance, these sunset moments connect us all to the planet’s steady spin and changing seasons.
Applications and Importance of Accurate Sunset Times on May 4, 2025
Knowing the exact sunset time on May 4, 2025, isn’t just about watching a beautiful sky show. Accurate sunset data affects many parts of daily life and specialized fields where timing matters. From observing the stars to harnessing solar power, precise knowledge of sunset times helps people make better decisions, plan efficiently, and respect nature’s natural clock.
Astronomy and Stargazing
Sunset signals the start of several key phases for anyone interested in the night sky. Whether you’re a professional astronomer or just a casual stargazer, the exact moment when the sun dips below the horizon on May 4, 2025, sets the stage for what follows.
- Twilight Phases Start: Once the sun sets, twilight begins—the period when the sky gradually darkens but some sunlight still lingers. There are three twilight phases: civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight. Each is defined by the sun’s angle below the horizon and is critical for different observations.
- Civil Twilight: Starts right after sunset when there’s still enough light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting. Photographers and casual stargazers often prefer this time for capturing dramatic skies.
- Nautical Twilight: The horizon becomes less visible, essential for sailors navigating by stars.
- Astronomical Twilight: Indicates when the sky is fully dark, ideal for viewing faint celestial objects with telescopes. For May 4, 2025, knowing the exact start of this phase lets astronomers schedule observations precisely.
- Planning Observations: Many astronomy apps and observatories rely on pinpoint sunset times to prepare for their sessions. Delays of even a few minutes can affect the quality of observations, especially for dynamic events like meteor showers, planetary occultations, or comet tracking.
- Amateur Enthusiasts Benefit: You might plan your backyard telescope session or pick the perfect moment to watch the International Space Station cross the sky. Accurate sunset times tell you when to expect the sky to darken enough for clear viewing.
Sunset time acts like the opening bell for nighttime sky activities. Its precision shapes how we connect with the universe, giving us a reliable starting point for every starry adventure.
Solar Energy and Environmental Planning
Beyond the sky watchers, accurate sunset times on May 4, 2025, have real impact on how solar energy projects operate and how environmental planners design sustainable activities.
- Maximizing Solar Power Output: Solar panels generate electricity only while the sun shines. Knowing the exact sunset time helps solar plants optimize energy harvesting schedules, avoiding overestimations of daily solar availability.
- Grid Management: Electricity providers use sunset data to predict when solar input will drop sharply and switch on backup energy sources. Accurate timing avoids blackouts and ensures energy flows smoothly as day turns to night.
- Energy Storage Planning: For homes and businesses reliant on battery storage, knowing when the sun sets guides charging cycles and usage. May 4, 2025, sunset time provides a benchmark for how much daylight energy is available and when stored energy must kick in.
- Environmental Activities Scheduling: Environmental researchers and workers planning outdoor activities—like wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, or controlled burns—use precise sunset times to work safely within daylight limits.
- Agricultural Planning: Farmers rely on natural light for planting, harvesting, and irrigation tasks. Knowing when daylight ends helps reduce reliance on artificial lighting, saving energy and costs.
On May 4, 2025, accurate sunset data ties directly into efficient use of natural resources and supports the balance between human activity and the environment. It’s a key piece in the puzzle of sustainable planning.
Precise knowledge of sunset times affects far more than just our daily schedules. It touches science, technology, and environmental care, shaping how we use daylight to work, explore, and conserve on May 4, 2025.
Conclusion
Sunset times on May 4, 2025, highlight the striking variety of daylight experiences around the globe. From the steady, near-equal nights at the equator to the lingering, late sunsets in high northern latitudes, Earth’s tilt and orbit shape each moment the sun retreats below the horizon.
These sunset differences influence how people live, work, and enjoy their evenings—from gardening or solar energy planning to quiet moments of reflection. Knowing your local May 4, 2025 sunset time connects you to nature’s steady rhythm, grounding busy days with the beauty of fading light.
As we watch the sun set on this day, it’s a reminder of time’s flow and the shared cycle that links every corner of the planet. Take a moment to appreciate your sunset—a daily event that’s always new yet somehow timeless.
Thanks for Reading.
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