There’s something special about a Chicago sunrise or sunset. The skyline, the lakefront… it’s a daily show. But when are those shows, exactly? And what else is happening in the sky? This article will tell you when to catch the sunrise and sunset in Chicago, along with tips for enjoying them.
Daily Sunrise and Sunset Times in Chicago
Sunrise and sunset times in Chicago change throughout the year. For example, in early August, the sun generally rises around 5:50 AM and sets around 8:02 PM. Obviously, the days are much longer in the summer than they are in the winter, and vice versa.
Understanding Twilight Periods
Twilight occurs when the sun is just below the horizon. There are three types of twilight:
- Civil twilight: The sun is just below the horizon, and there’s still enough light for some outdoor activities.
- Nautical twilight: The sun is further below the horizon.
- Astronomical twilight: The sun is even further below the horizon.
Sunrise and sunset times in Chicago
Here’s a sample of the sunrise and sunset times for Chicago in August 2025. Keep in mind that these times will shift slightly from year to year.
August 2025 data
- August 1, 2025: Sunrise 5:49 a.m., sunset 8:02 p.m., day length 14 hours, 23 minutes, 40 seconds
- August 15, 2025: Sunrise 6:02 a.m., sunset 7:45 p.m., day length 13 hours, 43 minutes
- August 31, 2025: Sunrise 6:18 a.m., sunset 7:22 p.m., day length 13 hours, 4 minutes
Sun’s position and movement
The sun’s altitude—its angle above the horizon—and its direction change constantly during the day. The sun’s altitude at dawn might be -17.54°, for example.
Transit, or solar noon, is the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
Sun distance
On August 1, 2025, the sun will be 151.723 million kilometers from Earth.
More than just sunrises and sunsets: Other things to see in the Chicago sky
Chicago’s skies are more than just sunrises and sunsets. If you look up, you might see a meteor shower (the Perseids in August are always a good show) or a conjunction of planets like Venus and Jupiter.
If you want to know more, timeanddate.com is a great place to find information about upcoming celestial events.
Don’t forget the equinox on September 22, 2025! That’s when day and night are nearly the same length, and it marks the start of autumn.
Closing Thoughts
Knowing the sunrise and sunset times in Chicago is useful for planning outdoor activities, stargazing, and generally appreciating the city.
So, get out there and enjoy the beauty of each day’s sunrise and sunset, and keep an eye out for other amazing astronomical events!