If there's one thing I'd change about most photo timelines, it's this: plan around the sun first. The best time for photos in Miami is the hour around sunrise or sunset, when the light is low, warm and soft. Midday sun here is bright and straight overhead, and it's tough on faces.
But Miami's sunset moves a lot during the year, and daylight saving time throws in a one-hour jump twice a year. Here's what that looks like month by month, so you can plan your engagement session or wedding around it.
Miami Sunrise and Sunset Times by Month
These are approximate times for the 15th of each month, rounded to the nearest 5 minutes. They change by a minute or two from one year to the next, so always check your exact date.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7:10 am | 5:50 pm |
| February | 6:55 am | 6:15 pm |
| March* | 7:30 am | 7:30 pm |
| April | 7:00 am | 7:45 pm |
| May | 6:35 am | 8:00 pm |
| June | 6:30 am | 8:15 pm |
| July | 6:40 am | 8:15 pm |
| August | 6:55 am | 8:00 pm |
| September | 7:05 am | 7:25 pm |
| October | 7:20 am | 6:55 pm |
| November* | 6:40 am | 5:30 pm |
| December | 7:00 am | 5:30 pm |
*Times shown for March and November are after the daylight saving change. Early March and early November are an hour different. See the section below.
Source: calculated for Miami (25.76° N, 80.19° W) with the NOAA Solar Calculator equations and cross-checked against the U.S. Naval Observatory. To check your exact date, use timeanddate.com's Miami sun calculator.
A few numbers worth knowing:
Latest sunsets: around 8:15 pm in late June and early July.
Earliest sunsets: around 5:30 pm from mid-November through mid-December.
Golden Hour in Miami Is Shorter Than You Think
"Golden hour" sounds like an hour. In Miami, it really isn't. Because we're so far south, the sun drops pretty straight down at sunset. From the moment the sun is about 6 degrees above the horizon to sunset is only around 30 to 35 minutes here, all year. After sunset you get another 20 to 25 minutes of soft glow before it gets dark.
So when I plan portraits, I count backwards from sunset:
About 60 to 75 minutes before sunset: the light starts to soften and we can begin.
The last 30 minutes before sunset: the warmest, most golden light.
The 20 minutes after sunset: soft, even light and pretty skies.
That's why most of my engagement sessions are 1 to 1.5 hours and happen at sunrise or sunset. It's also why I ask every wedding couple to step away for 15 to 20 minutes around sunset.
Daylight Saving Time Changes Everything
Daylight saving time moves Miami's sunset by an hour overnight.
In March, clocks spring forward on the second Sunday. In 2027 that's March 14, and sunset jumps from about 6:30 pm to about 7:30 pm.
In November, clocks fall back on the first Sunday. In 2026 that's November 1, and sunset drops from about 6:40 pm to about 5:40 pm. In 2027 it's November 7.
If your date is close to one of these weekends, double-check which side of the change you're on before you set your ceremony time. For a winter wedding with an early sunset, a first look lets you do most of your portraits before the ceremony.
The Best Time for Photos in Miami, Season by Season
December to April: dry season
This is Miami's dry season, and it's popular for a reason: less rain, lower humidity and comfortable evenings. The tradeoff is early sunsets in December and January. A late-afternoon ceremony in December can mean portraits in the dark unless you plan around a 5:30 pm sunset. Popular spots also get busy on winter weekends.
May to October: rainy season
The National Weather Service's rainy season runs from around mid-May to mid-October. It's hot and humid, and storms can pop up fast. The upside is late sunsets, sometimes after 8 pm, and some of the most dramatic skies of the year. Build in a backup plan and some flexibility. My guide to Miami's heat and rainy season goes deeper.
Sunrise Sessions
Sunrise is underrated. Parks, beaches and city streets are quieter, the air is cooler and the light is just as soft as sunset. If you don't mind an early alarm, especially in summer, a sunrise engagement session is a great move. Sunrise ranges from around 6:30 am in June to around 7:30 am right after the March time change.
What About Midday?
Sometimes midday photos can't be avoided, especially on a wedding day. That's fine. I look for open shade, covered loggias, arches and window light. Places like the Biltmore are great for this. The loggias and stairwells give soft light even when the sun is high, like Rachel & Kenny's Biltmore engagement session.
After Dark
Once the sun is down, the photos change but they don't stop. Candlelight, string lights and a little flash create a moody, editorial look that I love. Some of my favorite frames from Allie & Dillon's Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding were taken surrounded by candles after dark.
FAQ
What is the best time for photos in Miami?
The hour around sunset or sunrise. The warmest light is the last 30 minutes before sunset, followed by about 20 minutes of soft glow after.
What time is sunset in Miami?
It depends on the month. Around 5:30 pm in November and December, and around 8:15 pm in late June and July. Check your exact date on a sunset calculator.
How long is golden hour in Miami?
Shorter than most people expect. The warmest light lasts about 30 to 35 minutes before sunset, then about 20 to 25 minutes of soft light after.
Is sunrise or sunset better for engagement photos?
Both work. Sunset is easier for most couples. Sunrise means fewer people, cooler air and the same soft light.
When does daylight saving time change sunset in Miami?
Clocks spring forward on the second Sunday in March and fall back on the first Sunday in November. Sunset moves an hour each time.
Let's Plan Around the Light
Send me your date and location, and I'll tell you the sunset time and how I'd plan the day around it. See my wedding collections, read about what to wear to your Miami engagement session or reach out here.