Apps That Predict a Great Sunset

You can predict a great sunset with the right apps — they score the likely quality from cloud height, coverage and air clarity, so you know the night before whether it’s worth setting an alarm. Here’s what to use and what to look for.

The apps to use

• A dedicated sunset-quality forecast — apps that give a percentage or rating for the evening’s sunset based on cloud and atmosphere data.
• A golden-hour / sun-position app — shows exact sunset time and where on the horizon the sun will set, so you pick the right viewpoint.
• A reliable weather app with cloud layers — check cloud height and coverage, not just “sunny/cloudy”.

What actually makes a great sunset

• Mid- and high-level clouds — something for the colour to paint. A totally clear sky is often flat.
• Clear air near the horizon — so the sun’s light reaches those clouds. Total overcast kills it.
• A little humidity or haze can deepen the colours.

The routine

1. Check the forecast the night before and again a couple of hours prior.
2. Use the sun-position app to pick a west-facing spot with a clean horizon.
3. Arrive 30 minutes early and stay for the blue hour — see golden hour vs blue hour.

Find where to stand in the best sunset spots in the world and best rooftop sunsets. More in Golden Hour.

Frequently asked questions

Can you predict how good a sunset will be?

To a useful degree, yes. Sunset-forecast apps score the likely quality based on cloud height and coverage, humidity and air clarity. Mid- and high-level clouds with clear air near the horizon usually mean a great sunset.

What makes a good sunset?

The best sunsets need something for the light to hit — high or mid-level clouds — plus clear air near the horizon so the sun's colour reaches them. Totally clear or totally overcast skies are usually flat.