Sun path · Vancouver
Sunrise & sunset direction in Vancouver
See which way the sun rises and sets in Vancouver, with the full arc showing elevation against compass direction. Dashed curves show the June solstice, equinox and December solstice for comparison.
Drag the timeline to see where the sun will be in the sky.
Sun path in Vancouver on Wed, Sep 23
The sun rises at 89°, E and sets at 270°, W in Vancouver, reaching a peak elevation of 40° at solar noon. Day length is 12h 7m, measured from sunrise to sunset.
The chart above plots the full arc of the sun across the sky. The horizontal axis is compass direction, the vertical axis is elevation. Dashed reference curves show the June solstice, equinox and December solstice so you can see how the arc shifts through the year.
Use the scrubber to walk through the day and read the sun's compass bearing and elevation at any moment. For photography, check which direction light will come from at your planned shoot time and whether your subject will be front-lit, side-lit or backlit.
Sunrise and sunset direction in Vancouver
Bearings are measured clockwise from north and calculated from the sun path for this location.
| Date | Sun rises | Sun sets |
|---|---|---|
| Today | 89°, E | 270°, W |
| June solstice | 51°, NE | 309°, NW |
| Equinox | 89°, E | 271°, W |
| December solstice | 126°, SE | 234°, SW |
Shooting the light in Vancouver
Vancouver is arranged between a western sea horizon and mountains immediately to the north. Summer evenings can finish over English Bay in open water, while morning light travels across the city toward the North Shore peaks and reveals their ridges one by one.
In winter the low southern sun and frequent cloud make the city softer and more reflective. A clearing after rain is the valuable interval: the air sharpens, wet seawalls hold color and fresh snow on the mountains separates from the darker city foreground.
Where photographers go
English Bay Beach
A direct west-facing sunset over open water, with ships and Vancouver Island on the horizon.
Stanley Park seawall
Work the west side for evening water light and the Coal Harbour side for mountain-backed city frames.
Lonsdale Quay
Look south across the harbour for the downtown skyline, warm evening facades and a clean blue-hour reflection.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The elevated northern view layers the city beneath the North Shore mountains when the air clears.
Frequently asked
- Which way does the sun rise in Vancouver?
- On Wed, Sep 23, the sun rises in Vancouver at 89°, E (east).
- Which direction does the sun set in Vancouver in December?
- At the December solstice, the sun sets in Vancouver at 234°, SW (southwest).
- How high does the sun get in Vancouver?
- On Wed, Sep 23, the sun reaches about 40° above the horizon at its highest point in Vancouver.
