Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Here comes fall on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The seasons turn today as the sun’s direct rays cross the equator, sending the Northern Hemisphere into a steady slide toward shorter days and cooler evenings. Residents can expect quicker sunsets, gentler mornings, and a gradual shift in beach and boating routines. The change won’t be dramatic overnight, but it starts now.

The autumnal equinox occurs today, Monday, September 22, 2025, at 1:19 p.m. Central. That’s the exact moment the sun is directly above the equator, the hallmark of the season’s official start. Astronomers note this timing as 18:19 UTC, aligning with 2:19 p.m. Eastern.

In Gulf Shores, daylight runs about 12 hours and 10 minutes today. Sunrise is 6:39 a.m. and sunset is 6:46 p.m., with last light around 7:11 p.m. Expect the day to shrink by roughly two to three minutes daily over the next few weeks.

“Equal day and night” is a useful shorthand, though not exact. Local geography and atmospheric refraction stretch daylight a bit beyond 12 hours. Still, the equinox marks the balance point that tips the region toward earlier evenings through late fall.

The shift shows up in small ways first. Evening ballgames finish under darker skies, anglers adjust launch times, and beachgoers find softer sun angles by late afternoon. Gardeners and park crews often peg this week as the start of “shoulder season” chores. (Astronomers, for their part, also point to today as the first day of Libra season in popular culture, though that’s outside the science.) 

For photographers and sky-watchers, the sun’s due-east rise and due-west set create striking perspectives along straight streets and piers. Farther north, some cities even line up “henge” views at sunrise or sunset around the equinox, a reminder that geometry—not weather—drives the calendar of seasons.

Marine and beach operations also take note. The lower sun angle and shorter days can modestly cool near-shore waters over time, influence sea breezes, and change how shadows fall across channels and dunes. Those planning late-day paddles or sunset photos will have less light each evening. 

If you’re marking the moment, check the clock at 1:19 p.m. CDT and step outside. Notice the sun’s height and the length of your shadow; both will trend lower and longer from now until December’s solstice. It’s a gentle pivot, but it sets the rhythm for the rest of the year.