Manhattanhenge 2026: Four Sunset Alignments Across NYC's Grid
Manhattanhenge 2026 offers four opportunities to see the sunset align with Manhattan's cross streets: May 28 (half sun, 8:14 p.m. EDT), May 29 (full sun, 8:13 p.m. EDT), July 11 (full sun, 8:20 p.m. EDT), and July 12 (half sun, 8:21 p.m. EDT). Best viewing spots are the east–west cross streets at 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets looking west toward New Jersey, with the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building providing striking backdrops. The effect arises from Manhattan’s 1811 grid tilted about 30 degrees east of true north, so the alignments occur in late May and early July. A separate morning Manhattanhenge occurs around December 9–10 and January 1, though visibility is more hindered by buildings and colder air. Arrive about 30 minutes early to secure a good view.
