A New York geometry trick, not a national solstice
Manhattan’s Commissioners’ Plan rotated the street grid about 29° east of true north. Crosstown streets therefore point about 299° azimuth at sunset — 29° north of due west. Twice a year the setting Sun matches that heading, and the disk appears to roll down 42nd Street.
It is not the June solstice. May’s pair usually offers a “half sun” then a “full sun” night; July repeats the pair in reverse. Buildings and the Hudson shoreline hide the geometric sunset a few minutes early, so arrive before the official time on the New York city page.
Closest days to 299° azimuth
May
| Date | Sunset | Azimuth | Offset from 299° |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2026 | 08:15 PM | 299.0° | 0.0° |
| May 26, 2026 | 08:15 PM | 299.1° | 0.1° |
July
| Date | Sunset | Azimuth | Offset from 299° |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 18, 2026 | 08:24 PM | 298.9° | 0.1° |
| Jul 17, 2026 | 08:25 PM | 299.2° | 0.2° |
Azimuth is degrees clockwise from true north. The “best” night is the smallest offset. Weather and rooftops still decide whether you see the disk.
Plan the shoot
Use New York’s month calendar for twilight and golden hour on those dates, and the popular places guide for viewpoints.