Watching clouds at sunset
Clouds turn a sunset into something to watch. Thin high cloud lights up pink and orange, sometimes after the sun has gone. Thick low cloud blocks the light. With no cloud, the sky is a plain gradient.
When, where you are
Best for this: blue hour
Allow about 5 minutes before it starts. Adjust for your own walk.
Reminders are set on the home page: pick a lead time, then switch on notifications or subscribe in your calendar.
Bring, and watch for
- The seven-day list on the home page shows a cloud hint for each sunset.
- Stay a while after sunset. High cloud often glows longest then.
- Look away from the sun too. The opposite sky can turn pink.
Two questions
Which clouds make the best sunset?
Scattered mid and high cloud, with a clear gap on the horizon so the sun can reach them from below.
Why wait after sunset?
The sun still lights the high cloud from below the horizon. The colour can deepen for a while before it fades.
Golden hour, blue hour and magic hour: the definitions · Golden hour calculator for any place and date