Which direction does the sun rise and set?
The sun rises roughly in the east and sets roughly in the west — but the exact direction shifts every day. Here's how to find it for your location.
Short answer
The sun generally rises in the east and sets in the west, but the exact direction changes depending on your location and the time of year.
Why the exact direction changes
Sunrise and sunset do not happen at exactly due east and due west every day. In summer, the sun rises and sets further north. In winter, it shifts further south.
How to find today's exact direction
Use SunPoint to drop a pin, choose a date, and see the exact sunrise or sunset direction on the map.
Why this matters in real life
Buildings, hills, trees, and coastlines affect whether you can actually see the sun. Knowing the direction helps you choose a better viewing position.
Related
Find the exact sunrise or sunset direction for your location
Drop a pin, pick a date, and SunPoint shows you the compass direction and map line.
Open the map