Theres an enigmatic feeling that comes with watching a sunset or a sunrise. Maybe its how breathtaking the colors that paint the sky are or perhaps how still the world becomes for a moment either way, its a sentiment youd want to capture through your lens.In this post, were going to share 4 apps with you. They will tell you exactly when the most sensational sunrises and sunsets occur in your area. Ready to snap your best photo yet?SunsetWX- Website For Sunrise & Sunset PredictionPRICE: FREEWelcome to the most sunset- and sunrise-centric website youll ever find!Complete with international weather forecasts, the SunsetWX site also features a handy How-To Guide. It helps users interpret the data the team provides so they can make the most out of their experience.Not just that, but the site serves as a news outlet for all things sun-related as well. On their news page, you can stay tuned for extra special sunset or sunrise events happening in your area or nearby.Key FeaturesProvide accurate, global sunrise and sunset quality forecasts utilizing proprietary methodologiesServe 37 domestic and international news platformsPartnered with The Weather Channel, where content is shown daily on AMHQ and Weather Underground TVVISIT SITE Portable!Compact Outdoor BlanketIt packs up to the size of your phone!Buy NowWe earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.Alpenglow: Sunset PredictionPRICE: Free - In App PurchasesIf youre an avid outdoor enthusiast or nature photographer, youve likely heard of Alpenglow at some point. Had your doubts about it back then? Were here to tell you that Alpenglow is worth it!In addition to offering easy access to Magic Hour times, it also gives you accurate predictions of incredible sunsets/sunrises up to 4 days in advance.This way you get to plan, scout, and set up accordingly. Theres more! The app notifies you of upcoming events you dont want to miss either. ForiPhone users, you can link Siri with the app and have your AI assistant track predictions for you which is super convenient if you ask us.Key FeaturesAbility to customize notification features and reminder timesCheck quality predictions, weather forecasts, Magic Hour times, and upcoming sunset/sunrise eventsShare predictions instantly with family, friends, or fellow interested photographersFor iPhoneFor Android Sunrise Alarm Clock!Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light$108.95Simulate the sunrise when you wake up in the morning!Check PriceWe earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.01/19/2025 10:38 pm GMT SkyCandy Android & iOS AppsPRICE: FREE - In App PurchasesWhile SkyCandy is another app with paid options, it has some features that makes it stand out hence why it made the list.For starters, the SkyCandy App provides maps and satellite images to help plan your next sunset and sunrise capture. This helps provide an accurate prediction of what the sky will be like and determine the ideal sun position for your image.Enjoy other nifty features, like predicting the exact times for various daylight phases, like Sunrise, Sunset, Golden Hour, and Blue Hour. With the premium version, you also get a quality score and a handy countdown timer until sunset.Key FeaturesSkyCandy uses historic, current, and future weather data to determine if your next sunrise or sunset will be colorful and vivid tested to be 80% accurate.Set fully customized alerts to get notified when an upcoming Sunrise or Sunset is going to be beautiful, colorful, and vivid with Sunrise and Sunset forecast alerts.Using the Sun Position Tool, drop a pin anywhere on the map to know exactly which direction the Sun will be at any time, any date, and any location.For iPhoneFor Android Compact Travel ChairBring A Seat With You!Folded up to the size of a bottle!Buy NowWe earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.MySunset Android & iOS AppPRICE: FREEBelieve it or not, our founder, Virginia (@buewho), swears by this app! Shes been using it for years, though she does say its pretty 50/50 on the forecast predictions.Still, its a neat app for when you only want a general idea of what to expect from a sunset or sunrise. Plus, its free, so whats the harm?So even if its not the ideal app for photographers looking for a sunsets nitty-gritty details, its perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to witness a lovely sunset from time to time.Key FeaturesFeatures an interactive map with an overlay showing the forecasted quality of upcoming sunrises and sunsets. By default, your current location is shown on the map.You can toggle between sunrise and sunset, change the date, move the map around, and zoom in and out of the map.Includes a table showing a list of custom locations. Each location displays a forecast percentage, with a corresponding color representing the quality of the sunrise/sunset, and the time of the sunrise/sunset.For iPhoneFor AndroidHow to Predict a Good Sunset & Sunrise: 7 Expert TipsWith these tips, you wont be playing God, but youd at least know for sure that youll be witnessing a sunset or sunrise like no other. Heres our secret:1. Check the WeatherFirst thing to check: Whats the weather like where youre going?For instance, clear skies with some clouds can enhance the colors during sunrise or sunset. So, use weather apps or websites to check for cloud cover and precipitation forecasts.2. Consider the Time of YearThe time of year can significantly affect the quality of sunrise and sunset. In general, sunsets tend to be more spectacular in the fall and winter. Thats due to the suns angle along with the seasons atmospheric conditions.3. Factor in Your LocationSorry to say it, but your geographical location plays a crucial role. Itll determine what mood your photo will end up being.Coastal areas, for example, often provide stunning sunsets, while mountainous regions can offer picturesque sunrises. As such, we recommend researching popular spots in your area or nearby destinations known for beautiful sunsets or sunrises.4. Take Advantage of the Golden HourWeve all heard of the Golden Hour its what many nature photographers seek in their photos. Do you know why, though?Well, during the Golden Hour, the light is soft, warm, and perfect for capturing a serene sunset or sunrise. If you want to take advantage of that, remember that the Golden Hour is the short period of time after sunrise and before sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon.5. Check Out Different Apps and WebsitesAny photographer or sunset enthusiast should use apps and websites specifically designed to help them determine the best times for sunsets and sunrises. Let technology provide information on these exact times as well as predictions for the events quality.6. Scout Locations in AdvanceWhy not try visiting your chosen location in advance? If youre a photographer, you, especially, will benefit most from doing this. For starters, it allows you the chance to familiarize yourself with the best angles, compositions, and potential obstacles. Neat, right?7. PatienceSometimes, the most spectacular moments happen when you least expect them. So the best advice we can give you is be patient and remember: The colors and lighting can change rapidly during sunrise and sunset.Finally, note that while you can plan and prepare, nature can be unpredictable. Some of the most incredible sunrise and sunset moments happen when you least expect them. We say that from experience!How to Take the Ideal Sunset or Sunrise PhotoMastering the art of taking the perfect sunset or sunrise photo can be hard. After all, youre trying to capture a sensitive moment in nature where multiple factors are at play. Luckily, you just have to read through our following expert tips for help!1. CompositionThink about your composition and framing. This is also where scouting the place beforehand plays a big part. Going there without a camera allows you to see what elements of nature could you include in your photo.From experience, we can tell you that a lot of great sunset/sunrise photos dont even include the sun! They focus more on how the golden orb reflects off a lake, for instance, or shyly shines behind a mountain or tree.The takeaway here is to include interesting elements, like trees, water bodies, or landmarks to enhance the beauty of your scene.2. Camera SettingsTheres a lot to adjust when it comes to your camera settings. From ISO and shutter speed, to aperture and focus you have to perfectly hit them all for that prize-winning photo.Were not going to bore you with technical terms you likely already know. To make your photography session easier, heres what makes a good sunrise photo:ISO: Low to mid-range (200, 400, or 800)Aperture: High (= greater depth of field) (prefer f/11, f/16, or higher)Composition: Use the rule of thirdsFocus: Switch to manual as auto-focus can get disruptive with sunset/sunrise pics3. Learn Your Magic HoursWhen are sunsets the best? To answer that question, you need to familiarize yourself with the suns Magic Hours.Golden HourThe Golden Hour is when the sun is showing off the most vibrant colors! This is typically 15 minutes before and after the sun rises or sets.Blue HourThe Blue Hour is the hour before sunrise and the hour after sunset. This is when the sky has a blue glow, and you can typically see the pastel colors across the horizon.4. Share with #NJspots!Since youre part of the NJspots community, dont forget to share your amazing sunrise or sunset photos on social media using #NJspots! This helps connect you with fellow enthusiasts and inspire others.Final Tips For Shooting the Perfect Sunrise or SunsetBefore we wrap up here, be sure to keep the following tips in mind too:Good things come to those who wait.When you see the vibrant colors of the sunset or the amazing pinks of a sunrise, you want to be patient. Wait around for another 15-20 minutes so you can see if the sun and the angle of the clouds change even more.Have fun!Shooting the sunrise can be hard to get up for in the early morning hours, but make it fun. Take a nap on the beach afterward or camp out the night before.Final Thoughts: Check Out NJspots Map for More!Once you have your apps downloaded and your times set up for a fantastic sunrise or sunset, be sure to use the NJspots Map to find the best spots for watching.We have dozens of great spots for you to watch the sunset or sunrise in New Jersey. Be sure to check them out and get there early enough to set up for that next great shot!Related resourcesHow To Photograph Sunrise & Sunset: What You NeedThe Best Places For Sunrise & Sunset Photos in New JerseyNorth Jersey Spots to Watch Sunrise & SunsetSouth Jersey Spots To Watch The Sunrise & SunsetThe post 4 Apps for Predicting Sunsets & Sunrises appeared first on NJspots - New Jersey Spots.