How to predict great sunsets!
- Gary Holpin
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
I'm guessing most you probably don't know that my previous career before photography was working for a well known weather forecaster, so understanding clouds and weather was second nature for me. This really helped in trying to predict when the conditions were right for a potentially great sunset, so in this blog I thought I would share a bit of my weather insight with you, to try and make sure you never miss a beautiful sunset!
Why Predicting a Great Sunset in Advance Really Matters
While it’s tempting to reach for your camera when the sky lights up, the reality is that the view from most windows seldom provides a compelling foreground for a dramatic sunset photograph. For landscape photographers, the difference between an average image and a standout shot often comes down to having the right location as well as the right sky.
That’s why being able to predict promising sunset conditions an hour or two before the event is so valuable. With a bit of advance warning, you can get yourself and your gear to a carefully chosen spot, compose your scene thoughtfully, and be ready to make the most of those fleeting colours—rather than settling for whatever’s outside the window. Good planning unlocks creative possibilities that spontaneous snapshots rarely match.
How to Predict a Good Sunset for Photography
Capturing a vivid sunset photograph can be as rewarding as it is elusive. While a little luck always helps, armed with the right approach you can dramatically improve your chances of being in the right spot at the right moment. Here’s a guide on how to use freely available online information—as well as direct observation of the sky—to judge whether an evening sky is likely to deliver a memorable sunset.
What Makes a Great Sunset?
Some atmospheric and weather conditions consistently help produce eye-catching sunsets:
Mid to High-Level Clouds: Broken or scattered clouds such as cirrus or altocumulus act as a canvas for sunlight, reflecting those vibrant reds, oranges and pinks. Roughly 30–70% coverage is ideal; too little means a dull sky, while too much (especially low cloud) can flatten the colours.
Clean Air: After rain or brisk winds, the air is clearer, which intensifies sunset colours. Pollution or haze dulls the effect.
Low Humidity and Calm Winds: Help keep the sky clear and colours more vivid.
Clear Western Horizon: Sunset colours intensify if the sun can break through to light up the underside of higher clouds, whilst a thick band of cloud on the western horizon almost guarantees no colour.
Using Short-Term Cloud Forecasts and Real-Time Satellite Imagery
Short-term online forecasts and live satellite imagery are far more reliable than most mobile apps when it comes to sunset prediction. Apps often rely on older forecast data that may not reflect current cloud cover, especially in UK rapidly changing weather. The best approach is to combine the strengths of short term cloud forecasts and direct observation of actual cloud cover from satellites.
1. Met Office Short-Term Cloud Forecasts
The UK Met Office provides some of the most accurate, up-to-date cloud forecasts available, refreshed throughout the day. Their cloud cover maps are broken down hourly—allowing you to check for the ideal mix of high and mid-level clouds up to a few hours before sunset. See here for a direct link to the Met Office cloud forecast map (opens in a new tab). See an example in the first image below.
Check the Met Office free Cloud Cover Map for your area and monitor the forecast for the two or three hours before sunset. Note that white areas on the map indicate areas of cloud.
Look for the two classic situations which can produce a fabulous sunset:
Patchy cloud around your location (normally 30-70% cloud cover is optimal), with largely cloud free skies out to the west of your location for at least 50 miles;
A solid bank of cloud over your location (and further east), but with a cloud free skies for a significant distance out to the west of your location.
2. Real-Time Satellite Imagery
To further refine your prediction, use live satellite imagery:
Meteoblue offers free near real-time visible satellite images, updated every 15 minutes, so you can watch the progression of cloud bands over your location. See direct link here (opens in new tab). See an example in the second image below.
Visible images (daylight only) show exactly what cloud us in the sky, with white indicating areas of cloud.
Scan for approaching stripes or clusters of appealing clouds while confirming your western horizon is clear from blocking low cloud. This method is often the best indicator for whether you should grab your camera bag and get outside.
By combining Met Office short term cloud forecasts and actual cloud information from satellite images, you can dramatically increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time for a memorable sunset.
3. Reading the Sky Yourself
Sometimes, real-time observation trumps all technology. When the weather is rapidly changing, check the sky yourself an hour or so before sunset:
Look for scattered high or mid-level cloud, and a clear western horizon.
Notice changes after rain or wind—the sky is often cleaner and more dramatic.
How to Put It All Together
Planning ahead (1–2 hours before sunset):
Check sunset time for your location.
Review Met Office cloud forecast: seek scattered cloud patches and a clear western horizon.
Cross-check satellite images for real-time cloud amounts and locations, focusing particularly on your planned shooting area and the western horizon.
Monitor air quality and visibility: sunsets are usually better after rain or storms.
Factor in travel time so you can arrive well before sunset, allowing time to set up and scout the location. The best colours can be anything between 30 minutes before sunset and 20 minutes afterwards.
Quick Reference Table: What To Look For
Condition | Ideal For Colourful Sunsets? | How to Check |
Patchy high/mid-level clouds | Yes | Met Office forecast, satellite image, observation |
Low-level clouds | Usually not | Met Office forecast, satellite image, horizon scan |
Cloud coverage (30–70%) | Yes | Met Office, satellite, physical observation |
Post-storm | Yes | Physical observation |
Clear air | Yes | Satellite image, after rain/storm |
Calm winds | Yes | Met Office forecast |
Clear horizon (west) | Yes | Satellite image, physical observation |
Final Tips
Remain flexible—sometimes the best sunsets happen unexpectedly, or just after the official sun-down, so stay for the "afterglow".
Photograph multiple directions—eastern skies often light up beautifully as the sun sets behind you.
Have a list of good sunset locations available in advance, if possible.
By blending short-term cloud forecasts, actual satellite imagery, and your own observations, you’ll put yourself in prime position to photograph those truly unforgettable sunsets. Happy shooting!
Want some help improving your photography skills?
Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also offer residential workshops for beginner photographers or improving photographers.
About Gary Holpin Photography
As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.
I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.
As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.
