Manhattanhenge 2021: When and where to watch in New York City

Monday, July 12, 2021

AccuWeather has everything to know about Manhattanhenge, including how to capture the best photos.

Twice a year, the setting sun lines up with Manhattan's streets to provide one of the most amazing sunset photos you can capture in New York City.

Manhattanhenge happens on approximately the same two days in May and then again on two days in July every year.

Rain and clouds washed out the first opportunity of the year over Memorial Day weekend.

The second chance in 2021 happens July 11-12. July 12 will be a half-sun Manhattanhenge and July 11 featured the full sun.

If you want to get a shot worthy of the occasion, follow these tips from AccuWeather:

Plan ahead: Be sure to check the weather and stake out your spot well before the sunset. As with any big event in New York City, Manhattanhenge attracts crowds.
Pick the right street: Find a street with an unobstructed view of the horizon. NYC Parks has outlined the best streets to witness the moment. They are:
57th Street

42nd Street
34th Street
23rd Street
14th Street
Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan

Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens

Bring the right equipment and check your settings: If you really want the perfect shot, bring a tripod and a quality camera. Make sure your settings are ready for the low-light conditions. Pick a high aperture setting such as F/16 and make sure your ISO is the lowest possible for your camera.
Experiment with different subjects: Try picking something in the foreground to focus on, such as someone watching the sunset or a fountain. This creates a silhouette for a more appealing shot.