Sunrise and Sunset at the Southernmost Point

The Southernmost Point Buoy calls Key West the “Home of the Sunset,” and the island does take its sunsets seriously. What surprises many visitors is that the buoy corner is actually one of the best places on the island for sunrise. Here is when the sun rises and sets through the year, where to watch it, and what you will see on the webcam.

Sunrise and Sunset Times by Month

Approximate times for the middle of each month at the Southernmost Point, in local time (Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Time, depending on the date). Times shift by a minute or two from year to year.

Month (15th)	Sunrise	Sunset
January	7:13 a.m.	6:00 p.m.
February	7:01 a.m.	6:21 p.m.
March	7:36 a.m.	7:36 p.m.
April	7:05 a.m.	7:49 p.m.
May	6:43 a.m.	8:03 p.m.
June	6:38 a.m.	8:17 p.m.
July	6:47 a.m.	8:18 p.m.
August	7:02 a.m.	8:00 p.m.
September	7:13 a.m.	7:30 p.m.
October	7:25 a.m.	7:00 p.m.
November	6:43 a.m.	5:40 p.m.
December	7:03 a.m.	5:41 p.m.

A few highlights: the latest sunset of the year comes in late June, a little after 8:15 p.m. The earliest sunset arrives in late November, around 5:40 p.m. Key West’s longest day is about 13 hours and 40 minutes, and its shortest is about 10 hours and 35 minutes. That is a much smaller swing than most of the country gets, because the island is so close to the tropics.

Sunrise: The Buoy's Best-Kept Secret

The Southernmost Point sits on the island’s south shore, with open water to the south and east. In winter the sun rises in the east-southeast, directly out over the Atlantic, and the sky behind the buoy turns pink and orange well before the sun appears. In summer it rises farther to the northeast, but the color over the water is still spectacular.

Sunrise is also when the corner is at its quietest, so you can combine the best light of the day with the shortest line. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the listed sunrise time. The sky is usually most colorful in that window, before the sun clears the horizon.

Where to Watch the Sunset

At the buoy, the sun sets behind you and off to the west, over the naval property and the rest of the island, so you get a glowing sky rather than the classic sun-into-the-sea shot. For that, head to one of Key West’s west-facing spots:

Mallory Square: the famous nightly Sunset Celebration, with street performers, food carts and a big crowd cheering as the sun goes down. About 1.3 miles north of the buoy.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: a quieter, beachier sunset with a view across the water, a short walk west of the buoy. The park charges an entrance fee and closes at sunset, so check hours.
A sunset sail: dozens of schooners and catamarans leave the harbor each evening for a view from the water.

On calm, clear evenings, watch the last sliver of sun as it touches the horizon. Key West’s flat, open horizon is a good place to catch the rare “green flash.”

Watching Sunrise and Sunset on the Webcam

Can’t be in Key West? Tune in to the Southernmost Webcam around the times in the table above. At dawn you will see the sky over the water brighten and the first early risers arrive. At dusk, the light turns golden and then fades into the streetlit night scene. If you miss it, the Cam Archive keeps the past day’s images so you can scroll back to the best moments.

Planning a visit around the light? Pair this guide with our best time to visit tips and Key West weather by month.

More Southernmost Point Guides

See all guides →

For Keys travel information, please visit PartyInKeyWest.com and The Florida Keys & Key West.