Belize's Sunset Splendor

Belize, located in the northern hemisphere, experiences noticeable variations in sunrise and sunset times throughout the year. During the summer months of June to September, the days are longer, with the sun setting later in the evening. For instance, in June, the sun sets around 6:32 pm, providing approximately 13 hours of daylight. In contrast, winter days are shorter, with the latest sunrise and the earliest sunset occurring in December. The specific sunset times can vary depending on the location within Belize, such as in the city of Belmopan, where sunset times can be around 18:15 during the early evening.

Sunrise times in Belize vary by location

Sunrise and sunset times in Belize are determined by its location in the northern hemisphere. While not as extreme as in the Nordic countries, the variation is still noticeable. The days are longer in summer (June to September) than in winter (December to March). With up to about 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight, the longest days occur in June.

For example, in Belize City, the sun rose at 5:27 am and set at 6:30 pm on July 17, 2024, providing 13 hours and 3 minutes of daylight. On the same day in Belmopan, the sun rose at 5:28 am and set at 6:15 pm.

The sun shines more intensely in Belize than in countries further away from the equator. At midday, the sun is much higher in the sky. The sun's angle is at its smallest at the winter solstice on December 21st. Even at noon on this day, it is only 49.3 degrees above the southern horizon at its zenith. In contrast, in New York, the sun only reaches an angle of 73 degrees at the height of summer.

The duration of sunset also varies depending on a country's distance from the equator. While a sunset in the northern USA or central Europe can take almost an hour, in Belize, it lasts only an average of 25 minutes.

Sunset times in Belize change with the seasons

Belize's position in the northern hemisphere means that sunset times change with the seasons. In summer (June to September), the days are longer than in winter (December to March). The longest days occur in June, with up to 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. In Belmopan, the sun sets at about 6:32 pm in June, and in Placencia, it sets at 6:09 pm.

In winter, the nights are longer, and the sun sets earlier. In December, Belmopan experiences almost 13 hours of nightfall, with the sun setting at about 6:15 pm. The exact times for sunset vary depending on the location within Belize. For example, in Placencia, which is in the Stann Creek District, the sunset time can be earlier, as it is closer to the equator.

The angle of the sun also affects the duration of sunset. In Belize, the sun is much higher in the sky at midday, resulting in a shorter duration for sunset compared to locations farther from the equator. The sunset in Belize lasts for an average of 25 minutes, while in the northern USA or central Europe, it can take almost an hour.

The summer solstice, which occurs around June 20th to 21st, marks the longest day of the year in most locations north of the equator. On this day, the sun shines vertically over the tropics. In Belize, the sun crosses its latitude twice a year, on May 8th and August 3rd, resulting in vertical sunlight.

Belize's location impacts daylight hours

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. Its location impacts its daylight hours in several ways. Firstly, being in the northern hemisphere, the country experiences longer days in summer (June to September) and shorter days in winter (December to March). June has the longest days, with up to about 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight, while December nights in Belmopan can last almost 13 hours.

Belize's proximity to the equator also affects the duration of its sunsets. The farther a country is from the equator, the more oblique the sun's path, causing longer sunsets. As Belize is closer to the equator, its sunsets typically last only around 25 minutes on average, compared to nearly an hour in northern USA or central Europe.

The sun's path in Belize is also influenced by its location between the tropics. The capital, Belmopan, is located at 17 degrees north latitude, resulting in the sun swinging back and forth between the northern and southern tropics throughout the year. On May 8th and August 3rd, the sun shines vertically overhead in Belmopan. At other times, the sun shines from the north or south, resulting in varying daylight conditions throughout the year.

The angle of the sun in Belize is also larger due to its proximity to the equator. At midday, the sun is much higher in the sky, resulting in intense sunlight. In contrast, during the winter solstice on December 21st, the sun reaches its smallest angle above the horizon, making the days shorter and the nights longer during this time.

The sun shines vertically over Belize twice a year

Belize is a country in the northern hemisphere, and its sunrise and sunset times are determined by its moderate location. The days are longer in summer (June to September) than in winter (December to March). The summer months see up to 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight, with the longest days occurring in June. In contrast, the longest nights occur in winter, with December nights in Belmopan lasting almost 13 hours.

The capital of Belize, Belmopan, is located at 17 degrees north latitude, placing it between the tropics. The sun's position oscillates between the northern and southern tropics throughout the year. As a result, the sun shines vertically over Belize twice a year when it crosses the country's latitude. In Belmopan, this phenomenon occurs on May 8th and August 3rd. On these days, the sun shines directly from above, marking a unique event in the tropical region.

The sun's path in Belize is influenced by its distance from the equator. Being closer to the equator than countries in the northern USA or central Europe, Belize experiences shorter durations for sunrise and sunset. While a sunset in northern regions can last up to an hour, the average sunset duration in Belize is around 25 minutes, reaching up to 26 minutes in June.

The unique geographical position of Belize, nestled between the tropics, contributes to the significance of the sun shining vertically twice a year. This phenomenon not only highlights the country's proximity to the equator but also results in the sun appearing much higher in the sky at midday. Consequently, the sun shines with a higher intensity during these times, creating a distinctive atmospheric effect.

Witnessing the sunrise or sunset in Belize is an unforgettable experience. As the sky transitions from the twinkling stars of night to the vibrant hues of dawn, life begins to stir. Birds greet the day with cheerful chirps, while nocturnal creatures like tapirs and jaguars retreat to their resting places. The sunrise in Belize is renowned for evoking feelings of gratitude, peace, and wonder, attracting visitors who seek to immerse themselves in the captivating natural scenery.

Belize's proximity to the equator affects sunset duration

Belize's proximity to the equator affects the duration of its sunsets. Located in the northern hemisphere, Belize's position is moderate in comparison to Nordic countries, but still noticeable. The days are longer in summer (June to September) and shorter in winter (December to March).

Belize's capital, Belmopan, lies on the 17th degree of northern latitude, a good distance from the equator. The duration of sunset is influenced by this distance from the equator and the path of the sun. The farther a country is from the equator, the more oblique the sun's path is to the horizon, causing the duration of sunset to vary. In Belmopan, the sunset lasts an average of 25 minutes, compared to almost an hour in the northern USA or central Europe.

The sun's position between the tropics also impacts the duration of sunsets in Belize. As the sun swings back and forth between the tropics, it crosses the latitude of Belize twice a year, shining vertically from above. This occurs on May 8th and August 3rd in Belmopan. During the rest of the year, the sun shines from the north or south, resulting in a larger angle and higher intensity of sunlight.

The variation in sunset times throughout the year is influenced by Belize's proximity to the equator. In June, the sunset in Belmopan can last about 26 minutes, while in December, it shortens to 25 minutes. The longest days in Belize occur in June, with up to 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. In contrast, December nights in Belmopan can last almost 13 hours, with days starting about 60 minutes later.

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