Sunup vs. Sundown — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Sunup marks the daily beginning as the sun rises above the horizon, signaling morning; sundown signifies the evening as the sun sets below the horizon.
Difference Between Sunup and Sundown
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sunup, or sunrise, occurs when the top edge of the sun appears over the horizon in the east, initiating daylight. On the other hand, sundown, or sunset, happens when the sun's top edge disappears below the western horizon, marking the onset of dusk.
During sunup, the environment gradually brightens, often accompanied by cooler temperatures and morning activities starting. Whereas, sundown brings fading light, typically cooler evening temperatures, and a winding down of daily activities.
Sunup is often associated with symbols of new beginnings and optimism, as it marks the start of a new day. Conversely, sundown often symbolizes closure, rest, or melancholy as it indicates the day’s end.
The duration and appearance of sunup can vary greatly depending on geographical location and season. Conversely, sundown also varies similarly, with differences in the length and aesthetics of the sunset observed across different times of the year and various locales.
Photographically, sunup provides unique opportunities for capturing the soft, diffused light of dawn and the awakening of life. Sundown, meanwhile, offers photographers the chance to capture the rich, vivid colors of dusk and the quieting of the day.
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Comparison Chart
Time of Day
Morning
Evening
Symbolic Meaning
New beginnings, hope
Closure, rest
Typical Activities
Starting daily routines, morning exercise
Ending work, evening relaxation
Photographic Light
Soft, diffused
Rich, vivid
Temperature
Generally cooler, warming up
Cooling down, generally cooler
Compare with Definitions
Sunup
The moment when the upper limb of the sun just starts to appear above the horizon.
We planned to start our hike at sunup to avoid the midday heat.
Sundown
A signal for concluding daily activities.
Workers head home at sundown after a long day.
Sunup
Used to describe the early stages or beginning of an event.
The project was in its sunup phase, full of energy and new ideas.
Sundown
The end of the daylight hours in a day.
As sundown approaches, the shops start to close their doors.
Sunup
Symbolic of new beginnings and optimism.
The meeting was scheduled at sunup, symbolizing a fresh start.
Sundown
The moment when the upper limb of the sun just disappears below the horizon.
The city's skyline was silhouetted against the light of sundown.
Sunup
A signal for starting daily activities.
At sunup, the fishermen prepare their boats for a day at sea.
Sundown
Used to describe the concluding stages or end of an event.
The festival's activities slow down as sundown approaches.
Sunup
The beginning of the daylight hours in a day.
The streets begin to bustle at sunup in the busy city.
Sundown
Symbolic of closure and rest.
The peace treaty was signed at sundown, marking an end to hostilities.
Sunup
The time of sunrise.
Sundown
The time in the evening when the sun disappears or daylight fades.
Sunup
(US) The time of day when the sun appears above the eastern horizon.
Sundown
The time of sunset.
Sunup
(US) The change in color of the sky at sunup.
Sundown
(US) Sunset.
We'll meet by the pier at sundown.
Sunup
Sunrise.
Such a horse as that might get over a good deal of ground atwixt sunup and sundown.
Sundown
(countable) A hat with a wide brim to shade the eyes from sunlight.
Sunup
The first light of day;
We got up before dawn
They talked until morning
Sundown
To experience an episode or an onset of some detrimental mental condition like agitation, anxiety, hallucination or dementia, daily at nightfall.
Sundown
The setting of the sun; sunset.
Sundown
A kind of broad-brimmed sun hat worn by women.
Sundown
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
Common Curiosities
What is sundown?
Sundown, or sunset, is when the sun disappears below the horizon in the evening.
Can sunup and sundown times change throughout the year?
Yes, the times for sunup and sundown change throughout the year based on the Earth's orbit around the sun.
What is sunup?
Sunup, or sunrise, is when the sun appears over the horizon in the morning.
Are sunup and sundown the same duration everywhere?
No, the duration of sunup and sundown varies depending on geographical location and season.
Why do people often gather to watch sundown?
People often gather to watch sundown due to its visually striking nature and the calming effect it can have.
How do sunup and sundown affect daily temperatures?
Sunup often leads to a rise in temperature as the sun ascends, while sundown typically brings a cooling effect as it sets.
How does wildlife react to sundown?
Sundown can trigger activities in nocturnal animals, signaling them to start their nightly routines.
Is there any cultural significance to sunup?
Yes, many cultures associate sunup with rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of daily life.
What are the typical colors seen during sunup?
Typical colors during sunup include shades of red, orange, and yellow.
What activities are commonly started at sunup?
Common activities started at sunup include farming, fishing, and markets opening.
What are the typical colors seen during sundown?
At sundown, similar colors are visible but they often fade into darker tones as night approaches.
How does wildlife react to sunup?
Many animals start their activities at sunup, utilizing the light and warmer temperatures.
Is there any cultural significance to sundown?
Yes, sundown often symbolizes rest, reflection, and the end of activities in many cultures.
What activities commonly wind down at sundown?
Activities that wind down at sundown include outdoor work, tourist visits, and daytime businesses closing.
How can knowing sunup and sundown times be beneficial?
Knowing these times helps in planning daily activities, travel, photography, and observing religious practices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
