SunsetVue
Sign inGet started

Photo locations · San Diego · United States

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: sunset photography forecast

Sunset Cliffs is less about one marked viewpoint and more about matching the evening to the right piece of coast—arches, shelves, surf and open ocean all work. The cliffs are fragile, so a legal, conservative position is part of getting the shot.

Will tonight's sunset be worth it?

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park · forecast for sunset

Sunset: No Sunset

Sun likely hidden

19:01

in 13h 0m, local time

Forecasts have different ratings: 0/5 and 3/5

Second forecast: Good

Why: Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.

2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 kmNear-ground relative humidity5% cover — too thin to draw as cloudConnected cloud layer · 20–70% cover · 10–45% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 26–26% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintylow cloud · 79% reported, 20% resolved on a pressure surface — 59% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 74% reported, 26% resolved on a pressure surface — 48% is somewhere between 0.07 and 3 kmlow cloud · 82% reported, 33% resolved on a pressure surface — 49% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 100% reported, 70% resolved on a pressure surface — 30% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 100% reported, 33% resolved on a pressure surface — 67% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 47% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 47% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 65% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 65% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 91% reported, 26% resolved on a pressure surface — 65% is somewhere between 0 and 3 kmlow cloud · 96% reported, 5% resolved on a pressure surface — 91% is somewhere between 0 and 3 km50 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light100 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light-5You · 052050100150200300350

The sky along today's light path — cloud density by altitude, from 5 km behind you to 350 km toward the sun. Rendered by the live app.

Current sunset outlook for Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: No Sunset (1/5). Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.

  • • Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.
  • • Almost no clouds above you — expect a clean but pale horizon glow rather than a red sky.
  • • Low cloud deck overhead (84%) hides the coloured undersides.
  • • Moderate aerosol load (AOD 0.12) — good scattering for saturated reds.

Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunset · create a free account and run a full forecast for a place you choose — sunrise or sunset, free, before any card.

The orange line runs toward tonight's sunset, sampled out to 350 km.Open in Google Maps ↗

Today's sky is already decided.

Find out what it decided — before you pack the tripod.

Start free

For photographers: shooting Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Best months

October to March for lower sun angles and more textured skies; late spring and summer for calmer conditions and later evenings.

Suggested focal lengths

16–35 mm for cliff foregrounds; 70–200 mm for surfers, distant headlands and light on breaking waves.

Composition

Use the edge from well back, not as a dare. Look for diagonal rock shelves or repeating waves and keep the horizon simple.

Recommended arrival

Scout 60–75 minutes before sunset and choose the return route while there is full light.

Access planning

Stay behind barriers and away from undercut edges. Check swell and tide before descending to any beach access.

Parking: Street parking and small public lots along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard; restrictions vary by section.

Approach: Roadside overlooks are immediate; legal beach access involves steep stairs or trails and varies by location.

Other photo locations